Marathon des Sables or the MDS is one of the first endurance races in the world and it still has the reputation of being one of the toughest if not the toughest. 2013 will see the 28th running of the race, with just over 1000 starters from 40+ countries. Men and women will try to conquer 6 stages over 7 days, covering a distance of 230-250 km  in the Sahara desert in Southern Morocco. Each participant will have to carry food and other equipment for the entire week. The only aid allowed is the organizer provided 9 litres of water/day and the Berber tents in each camp. The race will be taking place April 6-13, 2013.

The World’s Most Grueling Race
The seven-day endurance test through the Sahara. – A great news report following runners on the MDS

The Marathon des Sables – Facts
What’s involved with an event like this.