Runners seek winner's crown in world’s toughest footrace through sizzling Sahara heat

By Burak Dag

ANKARA (AA) - Known as the toughest footrace on earth, the Marathon des sables has kicked off with over 1,150 participants in the Sahara Desert in southern Morocco.

The six-day race, which stretches around 251 km (155 miles), pushes the limits of runners amid the haze of Sahara Desert heat.

As over 1,150 runners camped in the desert Sunday to make last preparations for the ultra-marathon, medical teams checked the fitness certificates of all the participants.

So far, last year’s winner for the men’s race legendary Moroccan runner Rachid el-Morabity leads the way while Ragna Debats from the Netherlands leads in the women’s race.

The route of the marathon was revealed to the runners only a day ahead of the starting gun, making the marathon even harder.

The Marathon des sables finds its roots in Patrick Bauer’s successful attempt to traverse a 350 km (217 mi) expanse of uninhabited desert, on foot and alone.