Marathon des Sables begins in the Moroccan Sahara – in pictures

  • Competitors arrive before settling into the bivouac on the eve of the start of the 36th Marathon des Sables in the Moroccan Sahara in Timgaline. All photos: AFP
    Competitors arrive before settling into the bivouac on the eve of the start of the 36th Marathon des Sables in the Moroccan Sahara in Timgaline. All photos: AFP
  • Spider-Man shows up for the gruelling endurance test.
    Spider-Man shows up for the gruelling endurance test.
  • A camel is perhaps glad not to be sizing up the long, hot run ahead.
    A camel is perhaps glad not to be sizing up the long, hot run ahead.
  • Marathon des Sables is a 250-kilometre race through a formidable landscape in one of the world's most inhospitable climates..
    Marathon des Sables is a 250-kilometre race through a formidable landscape in one of the world's most inhospitable climates..
  • Limbering up in the rising heat.
    Limbering up in the rising heat.
  • Stage 1, Timgaline to Ouest Aguenoun n'Oumerhiout, with the runners pacing themselves to avoid early burn-out.
    Stage 1, Timgaline to Ouest Aguenoun n'Oumerhiout, with the runners pacing themselves to avoid early burn-out.
  • The leaders compete amid the blistering Saharan heat.
    The leaders compete amid the blistering Saharan heat.
  • Marathon des sables is an extreme running event lasting six days, covering the equivalent distance of six regular marathons.
    Marathon des sables is an extreme running event lasting six days, covering the equivalent distance of six regular marathons.
  • Runners are therefore mindful of keeping some energy in the tank.
    Runners are therefore mindful of keeping some energy in the tank.
  • The landscape is a sight to behold but most competitors remain focused on the task at hand.
    The landscape is a sight to behold but most competitors remain focused on the task at hand.
  • An uphill struggle.
    An uphill struggle.
  • Some makeshift shade is vital for preparations..
    Some makeshift shade is vital for preparations..
  • The longest single stage of the race is 91 kilometres.
    The longest single stage of the race is 91 kilometres.
  • Marathon des Sables is widely regarded as the toughest foot race on Earth.
    Marathon des Sables is widely regarded as the toughest foot race on Earth.