2012 Marathon of the Sands

The shadows of tourists are seen as they ride camels in Merzouga, Morocco, along what is called the route of 1,000 kasbahs in the Atlas Mountains Jan. 2, 2003. (AP Photo/John McConnico)

By Alex Sosnowski, Expert Senior Meteorologist

Mar 27, 2012; 10:20 AM ET

Tired of just any old marathon and don't mind running in 100-degree heat? Then the Marathon des Sables (Marathon of the Sands) may be an adventure of a lifetime for you.
Each year, runners and walkers take to the deserts of Morocco for arguably the world's most difficult footrace and is multiple marathons back-to-back.
The actual 2012 Marathon des Sables (MDS) is slated from April 8 to 14 and expects to have nearly 900 entries for this year's 27th annual event. A couple of days of pre- and post-race events occur.
Daytime temperatures along the route average between 85 and 120 degrees F (29 to 38 C). At night, temperatures can dip as low as the upper 30s F (2 to 4 C).
There is not only the likelihood of extreme heat and chill along the way, but also the potential for gusty winds, sand storms and flash flooding.
This year's multiple-stage footrace is set to cover about 155 miles (250 km) over sand dunes, oases, dry river beds and part of Africa's Atlas Mountains. The exact layout has not been released as of this time.
The MDS has been drawing ultra-endurance enthusiasts from around the world since 1986.

This image during one of the stages of a recent MDS appears courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. Photographer James Heilman, M.D.
Participants have to haul around all necessary daily supplies on their backs, including food, water, snake anti-venom and ID.
Leave the cell phones (and the camels) at home as they are not allowed. There is no electricity at the overnight camps.
About 800 of the participants alternate walking and running. The other 10 percent walk the entire race. Approximately one-third of the participants work in teams of three or more.

2012 Marathon of the Sands