The weather in the Alps had been very hot with temperatures in the 30s in the weeks leading up to the event but changed dramatically during it.
The race began at dawn in the last of the hot weather and Dave, like many others, suffered problems eating and drinking climbing out of Bourg St Maurice at around half way.
But he showed great determination and strength to successfully complete the race in Chamonix just as the rain started in 27hrs 19 mins.
This was a a fantastic result for Dave who has previously completed the UTMB but was forced to abandon the TDS last year through sickness.
Snowfall was down to 2,000m and high winds affected the race which passes over 2,500m in a number of places. The route is 171km long with 10,000m of climbing - more than an ascent of Everest from sea level.
Andy then had his running poles stolen from the rest stop at Courmayeur which was a blow as they are used by almost every competitor to help with the punishing climbs.
He was kindly loaned a pair later in the race by Eden Runners’ Oli Blomfield who unfortunately had to retire due to injury.
After crossing the high point of the Col de Grand Ferret into Switzerland in very bad snow and -9C temperatures, Andy and Rob continued to Champex Lac just as night was falling for the second time.
This second night is difficult as there are three big climbs to come in the darkness and now 70 miles.
Having been awake for 48 hours, the runners experienced not only fatigue but intense hallucinations to add to the cold and wet conditions.
Then having made it back into France through a second night and a second sunrise the route has one final sting in the tail before descending into the carnival atmosphere of the finish in Chamonix.
Rob finished in 39 hours and five minutes followed by Andy in 39:59. A total of 851 runners were forced to abandon the race from a starting field of 2,500.
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