The Marathon Des Sables is a foot race, in stages, food self-sufficiency with a backpack of at least 6.5 kg (which can reach 15 kg for some). The distance is 230 to 250 kilometers.

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• The course consists of six stages that are run in seven days. The longest stage is between 80 and 100 km. The other stages are between 20 and 42 km long. The race takes place in the Sahara near Ouarzazate (south-eastern Morocco).

• Each participant bears his or her own backpack with food, drinks, sleeping bag, etc. The water and tents are controlled by the organization. The route is determined each year. Participants therefore not know in advance where they will run. During the day, a temperature of 40 degrees or greater are reached, and at night the mercury falls to 5 degrees Celsius. Each participant must be medically approved. Every 10 to 12 miles, the participants receive 1.5 liters of water and is a specialist medical team standing by.

• The route of the Marathon des Sables is very varied. • You walk through sand dunes and mountains (up to 1000m), dried rivers and salt lakes where bushes and stones are not rare in contrast to a city or oasis

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With 35 nationalities represented in 2008, this race is a cultural meeting point. A reflection of the world's societies in which neither age nor social class does matter. They are all equal, and not all animated the same project: finish the race heads high. Whether we're first or last, just finish it. In as arrivals, everyone gathers to accommodate latecomers. The nearer the latter, the more world was there to encourage them. The person who will close the race is always the most applauded.

barbara plovier

MARATHON DES SABLES