The Toughest Race in the World

As a track runner myself, and a general athlete, I have a lot of respect for long distance runners. The dedication, determination, discipline, enduracne, and mental strength is inspiring. So when I saw an article labeled “The Toughest Race in the World” I was intruiged. This race is a 220 kilometer run through the Sahara desert and it started last Sunday. It takes seven days to complete, costs over $4,500 to enter, and is the equivelent of 5 and a half marathons spread over six stages. And you thought your week was rough. The article says that they receive contestents from all over the world, of all forms, shapes, sizes, and ablilities. Specifically they said some are 16, others are 76; some are even partially paralyzed. The inspiration for this race came when a Frenchman ran 350 km across the Algerian desert in 12 days, found it to be a life changing event and thought others would like a challenge. He returned to African and found 23 other runners who wanted to participate, and after 28 years the dream still hasn’t died. This year there are 12,000 participants. The runners are given a tent and water every night, but are expected to carry everything else on their back, including food, anti-venom, glowsticks, and sleeping gear. It didn’t make sense to me at first why they would need glowsticks, but later on the article said the longest stretch is 75 km in 34 hours. I’m pretty sure you can’t run for 34 hours straight, but you would definitely have to get some night time hours in. Which, in the Saharan desert, might almost be preferrable. I’m no expert, but I’m pretty sure that it’s not nearly as hot at night. Either way, this race is tough. Sounds like hell to me, but apparantley there are 12,000 people with $4,500 and week to burn.