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Ultra Distance & Trails Running: Desert

Introduction

After have run 38,000 km (23,750 miles) around the world, Philippe presents several ultra distance races.

Mountain: Himal Race: Nepal, Himalayas Everest Sky Race: Nepal, Himalayas Défi de l'Oisans: France, Alps Cromagnon: France, Alps Grand Raid du Verdon: France White River: USA, Washington ► Deserts: Marathon des Sables: Morocco, Sahara Desert Cup: Jordan, Wadi Rum desert Totem Pole Race: USA, Utah Trans Sinai: Egypt, Sinai desert Others: Guyane Raid Amazonie: French Guiana, Amazonia Diagonale des Fous: La Reunion Island Guadarun: Guadeloupe Island Iditasport: USA, Alaska Laugavegurinn: Iceland, Landmannalaugar

. Ultra distance races (Courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech)

Marathon des Sables / Marathon of Sands: Morocco, Sahara

With more than 700 runners coming from 35 countries, the Marathon des Sables is probably the most famous running race in the desert. Its name is a bit misleading as the race is much longer than a Marathon. In fact the Marathon takes places on the 6th day when runners have already made 160km. Distance and heat are not the only challenges, the runners also have to carry their backpack with gear, sleeping bag and food for 7 days.



Race Information:

• Location: Morocco, Sahara
• Distance: 212 km (130 miles)
• Duration: 7 days
• Philippe's story and photos
• Race organizer: Dabaroud

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Marathon des Sables (© P. Gatta)                                                                    Finish Line (© P. Gatta)

Desert Cup: Jordan, Wadi Rum desert

The Desert Cup is an unsupported race of 168 km (4 marathons) non-stop. The runners have to carry their gear and food and must complete the race within 62 hours.

The first editions of the race took place in Jordan. The trail wend through 104 km of soft sand in the Wadi Rum desert, then 24 km of various trail and 41 km of mountain track. The race ended in the beautiful archeological site of Petra. Marco Olmo won the 2000 edition in 21 hours 41 minutes.
Then the race moved to Mali for following editions.


Race Information:

• Location: Jordan, Wadi Rum desert and Petra
• Distance: 168km (100 miles)
• Duration: non-stop race. Maximum time is 62 hours
• Race organizer: Dabaroud

Wadi Rum (© P. Gatta)

Petra (© P. Gatta)

Totem Pole Race: USA, Monument Valley

The Totem Pole Race is a 200 km trail in Monument Valley. The 6 days race goes around Cooper Canyon, San Juan River and Mystery Valley.


Race Information:

• Location: USA, Monument Valley, Utah
• Distance: 200 km (125 miles)
• Duration: 6 days

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Totem Pole Race: Monument Valley (© P. Gatta)

Trans Sinai: Egypt, Sinai desert

The Trans Sinai is a race starting in Sharm El Sheikh and ending at the Monastery of St. Catherine at the foot of Mount Sinai. The 5 stages offer a variety views along the red Sea, the desert and the Mountains around St. Catherine.


Race Information:

• Location: Egypt, Sinaï desert
• Distance: 100 km (63 miles)
• Duration: 5 days
• Race organizer: Nature Extrême Développement

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Trans Sinai, Egypt (© P. Gatta)