The Marathon Des Sables has been hailed as the world’s toughest race.
With 800 runners from 32 countries attempting to cross 150 miles of Saharan desert in less than a week, it’s not hard to see why. And this year ITV4 was granted exclusive access to a select group of the fearless competitors.
The Marathon des Sables is renowned as the ultimate multi-day marathon and 2008 sees the longest route yet. The equivalent of almost a standard marathon every day, this gruelling task is not one to be entered into lightly.
More than 250 of the competitors flew the flag for Britain this year and while other nations left it solely to the professionals, many of the Brits were first timers, including fire fighters, pilots, models, soldiers, lawyers, vets and plumbers.
The show followed the runners’ journey from start line to finish. They suffered severe blisters, dehydration, sleep deprivation and exhaustion, which lead to hallucinations and disorientation. Coupled with extreme temperatures, the race is a merciless test of endurance.
Mararthon des Sables has finished now, but you can remind yourself what it was like with the video diaries on the right.
Find out about all the other great shows on ITV4 here
