The Event

Marathon Des Sables, or Marathon of the Sands, is a 7-day, 156-mile self-sustained endurance run across the Sahara Desert. The race typically has over 800 participants from all over the world, each one running for a cause that is near and dear to their hearts. Some run for a illness that has touched their lives; some run to bring awareness to a cause that they want to bring to the attention of anyone who will listen; and some run for the sheer challenge of running across the Sahara Desert. As part of the challenge, each participant carries their own food, water, clothing, sleeping gear, cooking gear, etc. The run takes participants over salt flats and sand dunes, through small villages, through the day and into the night. Each day is a different distance typically ranging between 20 to 24 miles. The fourth day is 50 miles that takes you well into the night with only your headlamp and a laser beam off in the distance to guide you. The temperatures range from the lower 30s at night to upwards of 125 degrees during the day. There are no showers, outhouses, or convenience stores to support you. You battle sand storms and blisters and sleep in a three-sided tent with up to 20 of your closest friends. It is appropriately named “The World’s Most Grueling Race.” To get a sense of the race, click on the video link below:
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4714647