Beyond Limits
ABOUT THE FILM
A father, husband, and CEO, Simon Blair was diagnosed with ADHD later in life, a revelation that brought clarity to many of the challenges he faced growing up. This diagnosis allowed Simon to better understand himself and his approach to life, especially in high-pressure environments like endurance racing. His journey with ADHD has helped him reframe his experiences, providing him with unique insights into how his mind works under stress and how to use his strengths to his advantage. As Simon prepares to take on the Marathon des Sables for the second time, this newfound awareness fuels his determination and strategy, allowing him to tackle the race with a sharper focus on both his physical and mental resilience.
FILMING
Filming for Beyond Limits began on March 8, 2024, covering Simon’s SHB offices in London, his home in Cambridge, and various UK locations for interviews with friends colleagues, and ADHD experts. The Marathon des Sables scenes were shot on location in the Sahara Desert, Morocco, with filming wrapping on April 20, 2024, the race’s final day. Post production took 45 days and finished on 5th September 2024.
THE RACE
The Marathon des Sables, often referred to as the toughest footrace on Earth, is a 250 km ultramarathon across the unforgiving Sahara Desert. For someone with ADHD, the race becomes more than just a physical challenge; it’s a constant battle between intense focus and overwhelming distraction. The vastness of the desert, the heat, and the relentless terrain all amplify the struggle to maintain mental clarity. Each stage demands not only physical endurance but also the ability to manage racing thoughts, impulsive energy, and the urge to push too hard too soon. Yet, ADHD brings unique advantages: bursts of hyperfocus, creativity in problem-solving, and a relentless drive to prove limits wrong. The desert, with all its unpredictability, mirrors the ADHD mind—a place where chaos and brilliance coexist, and every step is an act of resilience.
