The toughest race on earth
And they're off! More than 350 elite athletes from around the world are jostling for position among the sand dunes of Morocco. Check back throughout the week for Outside Online's comprehensive coverage of this 150-mile race through the hot sun, shifting sand, and swirling winds that make up the Marathon des Sables.
Event coverage
Live from the desert
Outside Online correspondent Dan Morrison is in Morocco covering the action and filing daily reports from the twelfth annual Marathon des Sables. Check back throughout the week for regular race updates.
Competitor's diary
Death march, final chapter
American athlete Alex Blodgett of Team U.S. Army Watch is sending regular dispatches during the race. Be sure to check back for a first-hand account of what it feels like to run 150 miles through sand under the hot desert sun.
April 12: Death march, final chapter
April 11: In survival mode
April 8: Heat takes its toll
April 7: Runners take to the sand
April 4: Getting to the race
April 1: Packing for the Sahara
March 25: Training for an ultramarathon
Team U.S. Army Watch member bios
Profile
British racer overcomes odds, disability
London racer Chris Moon, 34, completed this year's Marathon des Sables in a not-to-shabby 47 hours, 46 minutes, and 30 seconds. Despite up to 50-mile days and soaring temperatures, he said quitting was never an option. With this attitude — and the fact he has no right arm or right leg — Moon stands out from other runners.
Introduction
Racers battle the elements
In Morocco, "the Land of the Furthest West," an ocean of sand sets the stage for the more than 350 ultrarunners from around the world who will test their mental and physical strength against towering sand dunes, scorching temperatures, and blinding wind storms in the 12th running of this 150-mile self-supported race.
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