Marathon des Sables (MDS) is a grueling multi-stage running event that covers more than 220 kilometers, and is held each year in southern Moroccan Sahara.
In pictures: Marathon des Sables —
Marathon des Sables (MDS) is a grueling multi-stage running event that covers more than 220 kilometers, and is held each year in southern Moroccan Sahara.
PIERRE VERDY/AFP/Getty Images/file
Known as the world's most difficult footrace, the MDS requires competitors to complete the equivalent of five and a half marathons over six stages, in extreme heat that can reach 50C.
In pictures: Marathon des Sables —
Known as the world's most difficult footrace, the MDS requires competitors to complete the equivalent of five and a half marathons over six stages, in extreme heat that can reach 50C.
PIERRE VERDY/AFP/Getty Images/file
This year's event began Sunday with the participation of a record 1,024 competitors. It will end Saturday with a five-kilometer charity leg for UNICEF.
In pictures: Marathon des Sables —
This year's event began Sunday with the participation of a record 1,024 competitors. It will end Saturday with a five-kilometer charity leg for UNICEF.
CIMBALY/E.SAMPERS@MDS2013
Due to high demand, the race has to be entered several years in advance. This year, participants hail from nearly 50 different countries.
In pictures: Marathon des Sables —
Due to high demand, the race has to be entered several years in advance. This year, participants hail from nearly 50 different countries.
CIMBALY/PAUCE@MDS2013
Attracting both novice and expert runners, the MDS is seen by many as the ultimate ultra-marathon.
In pictures: Marathon des Sables —
Attracting both novice and expert runners, the MDS is seen by many as the ultimate ultra-marathon.
PIERRE VERDY/AFP/Getty Images/file
"The surroundings and the scenery are just fantastic," says British ultra-running champion Jen Salter, who's competed in the MDS four times.
In pictures: Marathon des Sables —
"The surroundings and the scenery are just fantastic," says British ultra-running champion Jen Salter, who's competed in the MDS four times.
PIERRE VERDY/AFP/Getty Images/file
Race founder and director Patrick Bauer encourages the competitors Sunday before they start the first stage of this year's edition.
In pictures: Marathon des Sables —
Race founder and director Patrick Bauer encourages the competitors Sunday before they start the first stage of this year's edition.
PIERRE VERDY/AFP/Getty Images
Participants test both their bodies and minds as they take on blazing temperatures in their epic desert crossing.
In pictures: Marathon des Sables —
Participants test both their bodies and minds as they take on blazing temperatures in their epic desert crossing.
PIERRE VERDY/AFP/Getty Images/file
Whipping sandstorms are also frequent, making conditions even harder for participants. There have been three deaths in the 28 years the race has been taking place.
In pictures: Marathon des Sables —
Whipping sandstorms are also frequent, making conditions even harder for participants. There have been three deaths in the 28 years the race has been taking place.
PIERRE VERDY/AFP/Getty Images/file
Competitors are provided with water and a tent but have to carry themselves all their equipment, including their food, in a rucksack.
In pictures: Marathon des Sables —
Competitors are provided with water and a tent but have to carry themselves all their equipment, including their food, in a rucksack.
PIERRE VERDY/AFP/Getty Images/file
Runners also have to brave the freezing nights in Sahara, a sharp contrast to the sweltering daytime temperatures.
In pictures: Marathon des Sables —
Runners also have to brave the freezing nights in Sahara, a sharp contrast to the sweltering daytime temperatures.
PIERRE VERDY/AFP/Getty Images/file
Competitors receive feet treatment at the end of a long stage. Putting the race together requires a plethora of resources, including 120,000 liters of mineral water, 6.5 kilometers of Elastoplast, 400 support staff, 270 berber and Saharan tents, 100 all-terrain vehicles, 19,000 compresses and 6,000 painkillers.
In pictures: Marathon des Sables —
Competitors receive feet treatment at the end of a long stage. Putting the race together requires a plethora of resources, including 120,000 liters of mineral water, 6.5 kilometers of Elastoplast, 400 support staff, 270 berber and Saharan tents, 100 all-terrain vehicles, 19,000 compresses and 6,000 painkillers.
PIERRE VERDY/AFP/Getty Images/file
The race was first held in 1986 with the participation of 23 pioneering runners. Today, it has grown into a major endurance event with fans worldwide.
In pictures: Marathon des Sables —
The race was first held in 1986 with the participation of 23 pioneering runners. Today, it has grown into a major endurance event with fans worldwide.
PIERRE VERDY/AFP/Getty Images/file