Toughest desert marathons in the world

Updated 1021 GMT (1821 HKT) September 11, 2015

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There are marathons, and then there are desert marathons. We take a look at some of the most extreme -- and beautiful -- foot races on the planet.

Photos: Spectacular desert races around the world

Toughest desert races – There are marathons, and then there are desert marathons. We take a look at some of the most extreme -- and beautiful -- foot races on the planet.

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Started in 1986, the <a href="http://www.marathondessables.co.uk/site/" target="_blank">Marathon des Sables</a> is held in southern Morocco's Sahara Desert. It covers 156 miles over six days... including the odd camel skeleton.

Photos: Spectacular desert races around the world

Marathon des Sables – Started in 1986, the Marathon des Sables is held in southern Morocco's Sahara Desert. It covers 156 miles over six days... including the odd camel skeleton.

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Describing itself as "The World's Toughest Foot Race," the <a href="http://www.badwater.com/event/badwater-135/" target="_blank">Badwater Ultramarathon</a> takes place in California's Death Valley at the height of summer, with temperatures often reaching 130F. <br />Competitors must race 135 miles nonstop, with previous winner Dean Karnazes calling it: "A midsummer inferno."

Photos: Spectacular desert races around the world

Badwater Ultramarathon – Describing itself as "The World's Toughest Foot Race," the Badwater Ultramarathon takes place in California's Death Valley at the height of summer, with temperatures often reaching 130F.
Competitors must race 135 miles nonstop, with previous winner Dean Karnazes calling it: "A midsummer inferno."

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Following the ancient caravan route from East to West, the third <a href="http://marathonoman.com/" target="_blank">Oman Desert Marathon</a> will kick off this November, covering 102 miles in six stages.

Photos: Spectacular desert races around the world

Oman Desert Marathon – Following the ancient caravan route from East to West, the third Oman Desert Marathon will kick off this November, covering 102 miles in six stages.

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Here, runners wind their way through Jordan's ancient city of Petra, with the option of a <a href="http://petra-desert-marathon.com/" target="_blank">full or half marathon. </a>

Photos: Spectacular desert races around the world

Petra Desert Marathon – Here, runners wind their way through Jordan's ancient city of Petra, with the option of a full or half marathon.

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Australia's magnificent monolith, Uluru, looms in the background as competitors race across the country's red center. The next edition of <a href="http://australianoutbackmarathon.com/" target="_blank">the marathon</a> will be held in July 2016.

Photos: Spectacular desert races around the world

Australian Outback Marathon – Australia's magnificent monolith, Uluru, looms in the background as competitors race across the country's red center. The next edition of the marathon will be held in July 2016.

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The spectacular Atacama Crossing in Chile is one of four marathons held as part of the <a href="http://www.4deserts.com/" target="_blank">4 Deserts Race</a> challenge.<br />Those planning on completing all four races, must cover 621 miles, over 28 days, spread out across the year.

Photos: Spectacular desert races around the world

Atacama Crossing – The spectacular Atacama Crossing in Chile is one of four marathons held as part of the 4 Deserts Race challenge.
Those planning on completing all four races, must cover 621 miles, over 28 days, spread out across the year.

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