via sacbee.com
"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."
