Sand Marathon Marrakech

The Sand Marathon, Marrakech also known as Marathon des Sables, is a grueling 150 miles (240km) race that the participants have to cover over the course of seven long days, pushing them to the limit to test their highest endurance levels to survive the race. This race caters to the truly dedicated sportsmen and women who take part in this marathon more as a way to prove their sportsmanship and to prove themselves to “self” rather than the whole world.

Sand Marathon takes place close to Ouarzazate and only the iron willed and those of stronger constitution should take part in this race, as the faint-hearted are definitely not up to this challenge.

Every year the marathon pits around 700 competitors from 40 countries against each other in this race that includes a full marathon on one day, and a 50-mile stage, as well as others of differing length and terrain. Competitors must carry all their equipment on their backs. The organizers only provide a carefully rationed nine liters of water and an open-sided local tent to each participant.

The race takes the participants through the scenic, craggy desert outside Ouarzazate, where the marathon life centres around the camp in which competitors rest after a day's running. Though for most this may sound like hell on earth, the Sand Marathon is without a doubt one of the most rewarding and intense races in the world.