Grueling 6-day Sahara marathon ends
MERZOUGA, Morocco — Under a hot desert sun and with the desolation of the Sahara all around, about 1,000 competitors from 50 countries took part in this year’s Marathon des Sables, or Marathon of the Sands.
The 33rd edition of the annual race, considered to be one of the most demanding ultra-marathons in the world, finished Saturday after six grueling days and about 150 miles.
Defending champion Rachid El Morabity of Morocco won his sixth title in what is known as “Toughest foot race on Earth,” while Magdalena Boulet of the United States won the women’s event.
The race takes runners and walkers through intense heat, steep climbs, sand dunes and rocky mountains.