August 14, 2009
Filed under Running
The 24th
Marathon des Sables or
Marathon of the Sands took place recently. The grueling six-day foot race across the Moroccan Sahara is one of the toughest in the world. The race covers 151 miles but was shortened this year because of bad weather. Many participants give up before reaching the finish line because of the rugged terrain that ranges from sandy to rocky. The daily average temperatures during the race are 86 degrees. Competitors run as far as 50 miles a day and are required to carry their own water and food. Water is rationed and handed out at checkpoints.
A long file of competitors take the start of the 24th Marathon des Sables in the Sahara desert, on March 30, 2009 climbing the first dunes of Merzouga, some 300 kilometres south of Ouarzazate in Morocco, a day late due to heavy rain last week. The first stage was cancelled and the route modified. AFP/Getty Images / Pierre Verdy
A competitor climbs a dune, during the third stage of the 24rd Marathon des Sables in the Sahara desert, some 300 kilometers, south of Ouarzazate, on April 1, 2009. The Desert Marathon is considered as the hardest in the world. Participants have to walk along more than 200 km during 7 days in the Sahara, Southern Morocco. 812 competitors are due to take part in the race. AFP / Getty Images / Pierre Verdy
Competitors are pictured one kilometer after the start on the fourth and last stage, 42 kms long, of the 24rd "Marathon des Sables" in the Sahara desert, some 300 kilometers, south of Ouarzazate. 812 participants had to walk all along 200 Kms during five days. Because of bad weather conditions, the race organisation decided to cancel the first and the last stages and to modify everyday the road book. The Marathon des Sables is considered to be the toughest foot race in the world, covering a distance equivalent to six
marathons over normaly six days and half, through the southern Moroccan desert.
AFP / Getty Images / Pierre Verdy
Competitors are pictured in the 24th Marathon des Sables in the Sahara desert, on March 30, climbing the first dunes of Merzouga, some 300 kilometers south of Ouarzazate in Morocco, a day late due to heavy rain last week. The first stage was cancelled and the route modified. 812 competitors are due to take part in the race. AFP / Getty Images / Pierre Verdy
A competitor is accompanied by children a few moments after the start of 24th Marathon des Sables in the Sahara desert, on March 30, as he climbs the first dunes of Merzouga, some 300 kilometers south of Ouarzazate in Morocco, a day late due to heavy rain last week. The first stage was cancelled and the route modified. 812 competitors are due to take part in the race. AFP / Getty Images / Pierre Verdy
One of the 812 competitors of the 24rd Marathon des Sables is pictured during the second stage in the Sahara desert, in Erg Znaigi, on March 31, 2009. Competitors must carry all their equipement on their backs. Only a carefully rationed nine litres of water and open-sided local tents are provided daily by the organisers. AFP / Getty Images / Pierre Verdy
A competitor runs during the third stage of the 24rd Marathon des Sables in the Sahara desert, some 300 kilometers, south of Ouarzazate, on April 1, 2009. The Desert Marathon is considered as the hardest in the world. Participants have to walk along more than 200 km during 7 days in the Sahara, Southern Morocco. 812 competitors are due to take part in the race. AFP / Getty Images / Pierre Verdy
British William Davies runs some 20 kms before the finish line, on March 3, 2009, during the fourth stage, 42 kms long, of the 24rd "Marathon des Sables" in the Sahara desert, some 300 kilometers, south of Ouarzazate. 812 participants had to walk all along 200 Kms during 5 days. Because of bad weather conditions, the race organisation decided to cancel the first and the last stages and to modify everyday the road book. The Marathon des Sables is considered to be the toughest foot race in the world, covering a distance equivalent to six
marathons over normaly six days and half, through the southern Moroccan desert.
AFP / Getty Images / Pierre Verdy
Slovak competitor Anton Vencelj runs down a stony path on 3 march 2009, during the fourth stage, 42 kms long, of the 24rd "Marathon des Sables" in the Sahara desert, some 300 kilometers, south of Ouarzazate. 812 participants had to walk all along 200 Kms during 5 days. Because of bad weather conditions, the race organisation decided to cancel the first and the last stages and to modify everyday the road book. The Marathon des Sables is considered to be the toughest foot race in the world, covering a distance equivalent to six marathons over normaly six days and half, through the southern Moroccan desert. AFP / Getty Images / Pierre Verdy
Competitors react as they start on 3 march 2009, the fourth and last stage, 42 kms long, of the 24rd "Marathon des Sables" in the Sahara desert, some 300 kilometers, south of Ouarzazate. 812 participants had to walk all along 200 Kms during 5 days. Because of bad weather conditions, the race organisation decided to cancel the first and the last stages and to modify everyday the road book. The Marathon des Sables is considered to be the toughest foot race in the world, covering a distance equivalent to six marathons over normaly six days and half, through the southern Moroccan desert. AFP / Getty Images / Pierre Verdy
Some of the 812 competitors of the 24rd Marathon des Sables take the start of the third stage in the Sahara desert, some 300 kilometers, south of Ouarzazate, on April 1, 2009. This is the departure of a tow days and one night 90 Kms stage, in a race of 3 other days of varying length and terrain. Competitors must carry all their equipement on their backs. Only a carefully rationed nine litres of water and open-sided local tents are provided daily by the organisers. AFP / Getty Images / Pierre Verdy
A long file of competitors take the start of the 24th Marathon des Sables in the Sahara desert, on March 30, 2009 climbing the first dunes of Merzouga, some 300 kilometres south of Ouarzazate in Morocco, a day late due to heavy rain last week. The first stage was cancelled and the route modified. AFP / Getty Images / Pierre Verdy
One day before competitors take the start of the 24th Marathon des Sables in the Sahara desert, some 300 kilometres south of Ouarzazate, a French runner waits in the flooded camp, after 24 hours of torrential rain. The race started a day late because of the rain, and the route was modified. AFP / Getty Images / Pierre Verdy
August 14, 2009
Filed under Running
Source WomansDay.com
Check out 26.2-mile running challenges from around the world
Athletes compete in marathons for a number of reasons; along with the desire to achieve a new goal or to challenge their mental and physical state, there’s often the wish to travel and experience a new culture. With that in mind, we found some of the most inspiring, grueling and rewarding races—many located on difficult terrains, while others are held in breathtaking destinations. From running through the jungles of Africa to taking on the world’s highest peak, the challenges below serve as the perfect opportunity for many athletes to leave their footprints all around the world.
Great Wall Marathon in China
Most stairs to climb in a marathon
The Great Wall Marathon in northern China boasts an all-inclusive experience for athletes, offering a historical landscape, incredible views of Tianjin Province and an epic workout: 5,164 steps of the Great Wall, which are climbed twice throughout the course. The experience is also available in 5 km, 10 km and half-marathon form. Photo courtesy of greatwallmarathon.com
Mt. Kilimanjaro Marathon in Tanzania
Most amateur-friendly marathon
Every June in Africa, a crop of the fittest amateur athletes take on the Mt. Kilimanjaro challenge. The route is a 10.5 km loop that is run four times, and each year the race is won by a nonprofessional runner. The pastoral landscape with Mt. Kilimanjaro on the horizon guarantees a scenic run, making this one of the most exotic marathons. Photo courtesy of Re: womansday.com would like to post a photo of Mt. Kilimanjaro Marathon for …Christina Helbig.
The Polar Circle Marathon in Greenland
Iciest marathon
The Polar Circle Marathon takes runners through the arctic tundra of Greenland—giving new meaning to the term icy hot. Runners blaze through uneven gravel roads and thick ice caps—with occasional snowfall—while absorbing the beautiful landscape of one of the least populated corners of the world. Photo courtesy of albatrostravel.co.za
Everest Marathon in Nepal
Highest-altitude marathon
Listed in the Guinness World Records as the highest-altitude setting of any marathon in the world, the Everest Marathon—which began in 1987—takes runners on a journey through some very rough terrain. With a starting point of 17,000 feet above sea level, the course is mostly downhill (with two very steep uphill challenges), and is reserved for the more experienced athlete. Photo courtesy of Alison Greer
Safaricom Marathon in Kenya
Most exposure to the elements in a marathon
What started out as a fundraiser in 2000 has become one of the world’s most grueling marathons. Geared toward challenge-seeking runners, its course is set on the harsh dirt-road terrain of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy at an average altitude of 5,500 feet above sea level. Runners enjoy breathtaking views and, if they are lucky, glimpses of Africa’s big game animals. Photo courtesy of sokomoto.com
ING New York City Marathon in New York
Largest marathon
One of the hardest to get into—a 3-year waiting period is the norm for a runner not participating with a charity or running club—this marathon receives 100,000 applications each year. Being cheered on by spectators while running through all five New York City
boroughs is a truly unforgettable experience. Though the last leg of the race goes through Central Park, the energy and magnificence of the city is ever present the entire 26.2 miles. Photo courtesy of Martineric via flickr.com
Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon in San Diego
Most musical marathon
From the Balboa Park starting point, around the San Diego Zoo and alongside the harbor, runners in this California marathon are serenaded during the entire race. The course contains 26 entertainment stages and 40 cheerleader squads that serve up adrenaline-pumping excitement the whole way through. Photo courtesy of The Competitor Group
Marathon du Médoc in France
Most indulgent marathon
This marathon—described as a mixture between Mardi Gras, Woodstock and Halloween—is in Pauillac, France. Runners head to the starting line to await a sip of wine and a trapeze act dangling overhead. The course navigates through vineyards and includes 22 refreshment stands and 21 food stands—which feature a variety of snacks, such as beef, oysters and ice cream. A red carpet decorates the last 100 meters of the race and runners are greeted with more wine once they cross the finish line. Photo courtesy of marathondumedoc.com
Dead Sea Ultra Marathon in Jordan
Lowest-altitude marathon
This marathon course is mostly downhill—competitors run from Amman, which sits 900 meters above sea level, to the Dead Sea finishing line, which sits 400 meters below sea level. Since there is minimal shade in the desert-like setting, runners have to make sure they bring sunscreen to protect their skin from the excess of direct sunlight. Photo courtesy of Thomas Ritter via panoramio.png
Athens Marathon in Greece
Most historically significant marathon
The word marathon comes from the legend of Pheidippides, which tells the story of a Greek messenger sent from the town of Marathon to Athens with the announcement that the Persians had been defeated. It is said that he ran the entire distance. Now, runners who participate in the 26.2-mile challenge—held on the exact same ground—are said to be running in the footsteps of one of many heroes who gave birth to Western civilization. Photo courtesy of Apostolos Greek Tours
Tags: Africa, Alison Greer, Amman, Apostolos Greek Tours, Athens, California, cheerleader, Christina Helbig, Dead Sea, energy, experienced athlete, Extreme Marathons, food stands, France, fundraiser, Halloween, ING New York City Marathon, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Mardi Gras Day, Mt. Kilimanjaro, New York, New York City, nonprofessional runner, Pauillac, runner, San Diego Zoo, San Diego, Thomas Ritter
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