5. The Marathon Des Sables
The ideal marathon would be one hosted on a day when the weather is not
too hot, but not too cold; however, with the Marathon Des Sables, heat
is definitely part of the challenge, as competitors must run in 120°F or
higher temperatures. Because of the conditions and length of the
marathon, it’s often been called the toughest on earth. It has taken
place since 1986 and is run throughout the Moroccan Desert. The location
has definitely wreaked havoc on some of the runners, some participants
have gotten lost in sand storms while 2 have died. Translated into
Marathon of the Sands, this marathon literally takes place in a desert.
This type of marathon is as long as 6 marathons put together and spans
over 6 days and by the end of it all, runners will have travelled about
120 miles. As if the heat and distance aren’t enough, those who
participate must carry all of their food and belongings with them during
the race.
The Great Tibetan Marathon is held each year in northern India on the
Tibetan Plateau where runners are able to enjoy the surrounding view of
the Himalayan Mountains. Throughout the race runners get to experience
the scenery within the Indus Valley. This marathon is especially
different because it takes place in Buddhist surroundings at an altitude
of 3,500m. At such a high altitude, runners have to learn how to deal
with low oxygen levels which makes the race even harder to run as it is
definitely much more of a challenge than a marathon at a normal
altitude. Participants must spend time at 3,500m to allow the body to
get used to the conditions before they can compete in the race. Also a
day before the race, a 3km run is put into place so that runners can
really get a grasp of the change in altitude. Athletes of all types can
join into the marathon as they offer a half marathon, a 10km, and then a
full marathon run.
3. Polar Circle Marathon
Just by the name, you can guess that the Polar Circle Marathon is
definitely a little bit chilly. In fact, in many cases, runners have to
make their trek in 14 °F temperatures. The race is held in Greenland
every year, in October. Runners have the option to run the half marathon
or run the entire length, but no matter which race one chooses, it is
most definitely not an easy one. Those who opt for the full race must
finish within 7 hours and those with only half should finish in no more
than 4 hours. Not only is the temperature enough to slow someone down,
there is plenty of tough terrain to go over including tundras, glaciers,
and of course the ice cap which really makes the course slippery. While
gravel and snow often cover the ice cap, the committee that hosts the
marathon warns runners to be careful. Along with a very slippery
surface, runners will also come across a few slippery slopes as the ice
cap has varying levels of height throughout the race and is said to be
very hilly.
2. Dead Sea Ultra Marathon
If you’ve ever wanted to participate in a marathon that takes you to the
lowest place on earth, than you most definitely want to try the Dead
Sea Ultra Marathon. The marathon takes place each year on the first or
second Friday in April starting in Amman and ending at the Dead Sea.
During the run, those participating experience a 1,300m drop- from 900m
above sea level to 400m below sea level. Unlike most on the list, those
who run the marathon are running to raise money for neurological
patients who can’t afford the costs of surgery. Since the event’s start
in 1993, they have been able to help about 1150 cases. The race winners
are also awarded cash prizes. The marathon is home to five different
races, each suitable for a specific type of runner.
1. Great Wall Marathon
At the top of the list, the Great Wall Marathon includes a 9km run that
takes all of the runners up, across, and then down the Great Wall of
China. The race has been going on for close to a decade. It is said that
during this part of the race, each runner has to ascend 5,000 or so
steps. Not only are the steps a tough challenge, but sometimes the
ascents and descents that the runners have to deal with are quite steep.
Many times those participating in the marathon are urged to go slowly
up and down the mountain and to walk at the highest parts of it. Even
worse, if you’ve trained for the full Great Wall Marathon, you complete
this course twice- those running half only have to run the Wall once.
The run also takes participants through rice fields and villages. The
challenges during this leg of the race aren’t as tough, and runners run
on gravel and asphalt roads, which make for comfortable conditions.
Although, those running the full distance are warned of the ascent
around the 21km mark of the race. As crazy as it sounds, those who are
trained and fully ready can finish the marathon in 5-6 hours (after 8
hours there is a cut off for those who have not finished). The most
recent race was held on May 15, 2010 with about 1,800 participants. The
winners were Qiang Tong from China who finished the race in 3:24:44 and
Inez-Anne Haagen from the Netherlands in 3:56:38.
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