7The Marathon des Sables, Morocco

Dubbed the “toughest footrace on Earth,” the Marathon des Sables in Morocco is not for the faint-hearted. This ultra-marathon takes place over six days and covers 250 kilometers (155 miles) across the scorching Sahara Desert. Participants must carry all their own food and supplies, and they face extreme temperatures, ranging from blistering heat during the day to freezing cold at night. The rough terrain of sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and salt flats tests the physical and mental endurance of even the most seasoned athletes. Completing the Marathon des Sables is a badge of honor, reserved for those with extraordinary stamina and perseverance.