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5 most epic runs of all time
First published: 16 August 2015
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Rebecca BryantShare This
If you’re feeling a little lacklustre in the running department or you need a little boost to get you motoring on all cylinders, check out our list of the 5 most epic runs of all time. These challenges will stimulate both body and mind and take your running to the very highest level. Think you’re tough enough?
- Marathon des Sables
One of the biggest and some would say the toughest races on Earth, the Marathon des Sables is a self-sufficient multi-stage event across the Sahara desert, Morocco. Not one for the faint-hearted, participants are expected to compete in temperatures of up to 55°C carrying everything apart from water and salt tablets on their back. While the route may change every year, the ethos and spirit of the race remains the same as it was 30 years ago – one of camaraderie and support. You may not win the race or even come close to a top position but what you’ll be amazed by how this experience across one of the most beautiful places in the world will stay with you forever.
- Badwater Ultra Marathon
Just think of the craziest race you can imagine and multiply it by 10, and then you’ll have a rough idea of what Badwater entails. It’s a 135-mile race across some of the toughest terrain in the US. Starting at 85m below sea level, competitors take on the challenge of three mountain ranges up to 4450m in total, followed by a descent to the finish line – all in one go. And did we mention the race takes place in Death Valley in July, which happens to be desert terrain during the hottest month of the year. Badwater: totally badass.
- Spartathon
Don’t let the name lull you into a false sense of security. This race has nothing to do with visiting Ancient Greek sights of interest. It does however begin in Athens and challenges runners to retrace the path of Athenian messenger Pheidippides, who made the journey from the Greek capital and Sparta. Now a total of 153 miles across quite picturesque terrain in September may not sound so bad but throw in a 36-hour time limit and it becomes a race of the Gods (or super-human athletes who manage to complete the task every year).
- The Iditarod Trail Invitational
Not a fan of the heat? Not to worry; you could always take part in a 1,000-mile race across Alaska during the winter. But not before you have qualified for the Iditarod Invitational the year before by taking part in a similar 350-mile adventure. As well as trudging across the tundra by foot or bike, you also have to drag your own sledge full of all the equipment you’ll need in the vast open wilderness, not to mention run the risk of frostbite. You have to be ultra-prepared and ultra-organised to take part in this epic race.
- Ultra-Trail Du Mont-Blanc
The Ultra-Trail Du Mont-Blanc, affectionately known by those in ultra-circles as UTMB, is one of those races every ultra-running addict wants to have a crack at. Taking place around the mountain that shares the name, participants are faced with a race in mountainous conditions at altitudes of more than 2,500m. Fatigue, fear, anxiety, you name it – this race will push all those buttons, perhaps simultaneously. But what makes this such a prestigious race is that you have to prove yourself in several other races in the preceding year to earn the magic eight points for a place. To put it into context, the 100K Race To The Stones is worth two points. That’s an awful lot of mileage to cover to even qualify for this epic 168K race.