Here's something to ponder over: a thousand people worked to ensure the Gulf News Overnighter Fun Drive provided the thrills it had promised.

Their first priority was safety. No effort was spared by 400 Gulf News employees and other volunteers on that front.

Duleep George, Marketing and Sales Director, Al Nisr Publishing LLC, yesterday said the route was so designed that it was not hazardous, but also provided a challenge for off-roaders.

He said: "The drive has become enormously popular and testimony to that is we closed registration in just two days. There were 750 vehicles in the desert. This was the 24th Fun Drive."

There has to be keen attention to detail while organising such a huge event. Permission was first taken from the Emirates Motor Sports Federation, Dubai Police and the municipality.

Besides, police in Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah were also informed. At the camp, there was team of doctors and nurses from Welcare Hospital.

And while a core team oversaw the nitty gritties, the marshals and mobile teams scoured the desert to ensure no one strayed off course.

George said: "There was a team of 64 marshals. One hour before the drive started, a course-opening team of three cars went ahead to see that the signs were in place. Then a lead car left ahead of the participants, who were followed by 20-30 mobile rescue teams."

Vehicles that developed minor snags were repaired immediately by five teams of marshals carrying mechanics.

On Thursday, people who did not arrive at check point four by 4.30pm were asked to take the tarmac route to the camp. This was done to prevent them from getting lost in the dark.

Yesterday, those who did not reach the cut-off point at check point five were also asked not to head out to the desert, but take the tarmac route instead.

A forward sweep team set out to see if anyone was left behind. The rear sweep team then fanned out to make a final check and closed the check points.

There was a helicopter on standby and a fixed wing aircraft kept watch on the route. The IATC recovery team headed by Hamad Ali Al Mazroui was also at hand.

Next Friday, the marshals will go into the desert again. This time with a different mission: they will clear litter if any thrown by participants and will also pick up garbage left by others.

And now for some details. There was a cake for participants. It weighed 300kg, was six-foot tall and depicted a desert scene.

Ah, the chef wouldn't reveal his magic recipe, but said 300 eggs, 50kg of flour and 50kg of sugar went into it. That is food for thought ...