World's 10 toughest endurance challenges

Cicci

8. The Marathon des Sables, Morocco

Yes, the Daddy of endurance races and one of the toughest and most popular of them all is still going strong.

The six-day, 225-kilometer ultra-marathon across the Sahara desert in Morocco -- the equivalent of five and a half marathons -- takes places under sweltering skies, attracts vast numbers of competitors from around the globe, and guarantees blisters, sunstroke and dehydration.

Runners stride, or hobble, through barren wilderness as well as sand dunes. It’s not all bad though; organizers have been known to lay on an orchestra to serenade the weary.

Cost for the 2012 race has yet to be set, but reckon on coughing up around US$2,550. Sponsorship is encouraged

Cicci

9. Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, United States

The Alaskan dogsled race, pits man -- called "mushers" in the local lingo --  and canine teams against nature, as they cross 1,850 kilometers of Alaskan mountain ranges, forests, frozen rivers and bleak tundra.

It’s a fast, furious, exhilarating race like no other and attracts teams from all walks of life. Gale-force winds, blizzards, bitingly cold temperatures, and long hours of darkness are some of the hazards faced by competitors, who fly into the start at Anchorage, before crossing the finish line on the West Bering coast nine or 10 days later.

The race is a serious commitment, and teams should expect to budget US$14,000

Cicci

10. Dakar Rally, South America

It used to be the Paris to Dakar Rally, but owing to security threats in Mauritania, the race, which is open to professional and amateur car, truck and quad bike drivers and motorcylists has in the past few years shifted to South America.

Tougher than a conventional rally, arduous off-road terrain mean those taking part need to have Jedi-like powers of concentration. It is an epic coast to coast journey through Argentina, Chile and Peru.

Factor in the Andes Mountains, the Atacama Desert and the shores of both Atlantic and Pacific, and you’ve got a race that’s as much for travelers -- with deep pockets -- as it is for rally enthusiasts.

Entry fees start from a whopping US$20,000

kongque

Cicci Post time: 2012-2-3 09:23
10. Dakar Rally, South America

It used to be the Paris to Dakar Rally, but owing to security threat ...

crikey - I'm knackered just reading about them.

I think I will stick to my type of outdoors - laying back on the beach with a nice cool drink and surrounded by beautiful women .........