Moroccan Mohamad Ahansal crosses the line with a cartwheel to be crowned winner of this year's Marathon des Sables (MDS).
Marathon des Sables 2013 —
Moroccan Mohamad Ahansal crosses the line with a cartwheel to be crowned winner of this year's Marathon des Sables (MDS).
©Cimbaly/V.Campagnie-MDS2013
The MDS is a grueling multi-stage running event that covers more than 220 kilometers, and is held each year in the southern Moroccan Sahara.
Marathon des Sables 2013 —
The MDS is a grueling multi-stage running event that covers more than 220 kilometers, and is held each year in the southern Moroccan Sahara.
PIERRE VERDY/AFP/Getty Images
Known as the world's toughest footrace, runners had to cover the equivalent of five and a half marathons over six stages -- including a non-stop leg of some 75 kilometers.
Marathon des Sables 2013 —
Known as the world's toughest footrace, runners had to cover the equivalent of five and a half marathons over six stages -- including a non-stop leg of some 75 kilometers.
CIMBALY/E.SAMPERS@MDS2013
Attracting both novice and expert runners, the MDS is seen by many as the ultimate ultra-marathon.
Marathon des Sables 2013 —
Attracting both novice and expert runners, the MDS is seen by many as the ultimate ultra-marathon.
PIERRE VERDY/AFP/Getty Images
This year's event began last Sunday with the participation of a record 1,024 competitors.
Marathon des Sables 2013 —
This year's event began last Sunday with the participation of a record 1,024 competitors.
CIMBALY INTERNATIONAL
Due to high demand, the race has to be entered several years in advance. This year, participants hailed from nearly 50 different countries.
Marathon des Sables 2013 —
Due to high demand, the race has to be entered several years in advance. This year, participants hailed from nearly 50 different countries.
CIMBALY/PAUCE@MDS2013
Participants test both their bodies and minds as they traverse shifting sand dunes and punishing rocky plateaus in extreme heat that can reach 50C.
Marathon des Sables 2013 —
Participants test both their bodies and minds as they traverse shifting sand dunes and punishing rocky plateaus in extreme heat that can reach 50C.
Competitors are provided with water and a tent but have to carry themselves all their equipment, including their food, in a rucksack.
Marathon des Sables 2013 —
Competitors are provided with water and a tent but have to carry themselves all their equipment, including their food, in a rucksack.
CIMBALY INTERNATIONAL
Runners also have to brave the freezing nights in Sahara, a sharp contrast to the sweltering daytime temperatures.
Marathon des Sables 2013 —
Runners also have to brave the freezing nights in Sahara, a sharp contrast to the sweltering daytime temperatures.
CIMBALY INTERNATIONAL
Race founder and director Patrick Bauer encourages the competitors Sunday before they start the first stage of this year's edition.
Marathon des Sables 2013 —
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
Competitors receive treatment for their feet Thursday during the two-day 75.7 kilometer stage.
Marathon des Sables 2013 —
Competitors receive treatment for their feet Thursday during the two-day 75.7 kilometer stage.
PIERRE VERDY/AFP/Getty Images
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.
Marathon des Sables 2013 —
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.
CIMBALY/E.SAMPERS@MDS2013
Currently in its 28th consecutive year, the self-sufficient race has grown to become a major endurance event whose model has been copied by several other races.
Marathon des Sables 2013 —
Currently in its 28th consecutive year, the self-sufficient race has grown to become a major endurance event whose model has been copied by several other races.
CIMBALY INTERNATIONAL