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10 Of The Toughest, Craziest, Most Rewarding Marathons In Africa

10 Of The Toughest, Craziest, Most Rewarding Marathons In Africa

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Marathoners are constantly traveling the globe, looking for the next big challenge. Testing fitness, resolve, and will, marathons and ultra-marathons are the ultimate challenges for athletes. Africa has its fair share of opportunities and more than its fair share of spectacular scenery as a backdrop. Here are 10 of the toughest marathons in Africa — and the craziest.

Sources: Big-Five-Marathon.com, LazyRunner.com, RunFunTravel.com, RiftValleyMarathon.com, Comrades.com, VicFallsMarathon.com, MarathonDesSables.co.uk,

Depicus.com
Depicus.com

The Big Five Marathon, South Africa

As the name suggests, the Big Five Marathon in South Africa travels through the habitats of the most famous African game: elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard. There are no fences, rivers, or any type of barriers separating race participants from the animals.

RunnersWorld.co.za
RunnersWorld.co.za

Victoria Falls Marathon, Zimbabwe and Zambia

Runners may need to bring their passports for the Victoria Falls Marathon. The route crosses over the Victoria Falls Bridge and briefly into Zambia before continuing through the Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe. The course winds through stunning scenery of the river, waterfall, and game park, giving participants the chance to spot some of Africa’s incredible wildlife, and several opportunities for runners to get a bit of a misting to cool off mid-route.

Facebook.com
Facebook.com

Rift Valley Marathon, Kenya

The 21-kilometer (13-mile) loop west of Eldoret winds around the town of Mosoriot, Kenya, taking runners on shaded paths, climbs, and trails through a handful of rural villages. The route includes incredible views from an elevation of up to 2255.5 meters (7,400 feet). Marathoners run the breathtaking route twice in the Great Rift Valley to complete the course. Half marathon and relay options are also available.

ThomsonTreks.com
ThomsonTreks.com

Kilimanjaro Marathon, Tanzania

Held on the last Sunday of June, the Kilimanjaro Marathon begins at the base of the famous Mount Kilimanjaro in the village of Moshi, Tanzania. The course is only 10.5 kilometers (6.5 miles) and runners complete the track four times as it winds along the base of the mountain. The Kilimanjaro Marathon is one of the few  in the world that does not invite any professional runners, giving amateurs the chance to win each year. Many who travel to the region for the race combine the event with a Kilimanjaro climb (most likely afterwards), or a safari to the Serengeti.

Blogs.Sacbee.com
Blogs.Sacbee.com

Marathon Des Sables, Morocco

Considered one of the most challenging ultra-marathons in the world, the Marathon Des Sables crosses through the Sahara Desert in East Morocco for a whopping 220-to-240 kilometers (137-to-149 miles). Traversing through saltpans, up desert mountains, passed ancient ruined towns, and more, runners must withstand crippling heat and occasional the sand storm as they compete in the self-proclaimed toughest footrace on Earth.

Techmoran.com
Techmoran.com

Safaricom Marathon, Kenya

The Safaricom Marathon is the only one in the world to take place in the heart of a wildlife conservancy, giving runners the opportunity to see zebra, giraffe, gazelle and more as they wind through dirt trails in the savanna grasslands. The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy offers breathtaking views, as well as difficult conditions for runners. Rough terrain, harsh climates, and altitude — 1676 meters (5500 feet) above sea level — ensure that only the hardiest attempt it.

Androgon.com
Androgon.com

Mauritius Marathon, Mauritius

The Mauritius Marathon takes runners on a 42-kilometer (26-mile) track along some of the most gorgeous coastal views in the world, including a UNESCO protected site, Le Morne Mountain. Held place on the island of Saint Felix, the marathon runs through coastal villages and along a vast lagoon, allowing for views of pebble beaches, Sanchot Island, and much more.

AdventureLisa.Blogspot.com
AdventureLisa.Blogspot.com

Fish River Canyon Ultra Marathon, Namibia

Unofficial running through the Fish River Canyon in Southern Namibia gave rise to the official Fish River Canyon Ultra Marathon, which held its inaugural event in 2011. With intense elevation gains, runners are allowed to direct their own routes so long as they reach predefined checkpoints. There are shortcuts that reduce distance, but increase difficulty. Fish River is widely considered one of the most beautiful routes, but is unforgiving in its harsh terrain and climate.

SouthCoastSun.co.za
SouthCoastSun.co.za

Comrades Marathon, South Africa

The Comrades Marathon in Durban, South Africa is the world’s oldest and largest ultra-marathon. Its inaugural race was May 1921 on Empire Day. The 90-kilometer (60-mile), route overlooks the Valley of a Thousand Hills. More than 11,000 participants make their way to Pietermaritzburg, the capitol of KwaZulu-Natal. The Comrades Marathon began as a way to honor the fallen of World War I, to rekindle the camaraderie among soldiers on the battlefield, and to help families torn apart by war.

Marc-Dhaenen.com
Marc-Dhaenen.com

Trans Atlas Marathon, Morocco

Because one ultra marathon in the harsh terrain of Morocco isn’t enough, the Trans Atlas Marathon is a 285-kilometer (177-mile), six-day event in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains. Runners must gain elevations of more than 13,000 feet (3962 meters), while carrying all their own food and equipment. For runners who attempt to take on the challenge, the rewarding scenery includes rushing rivers, Berber villages, incredible mountain views and lush valleys. Finishers have the luxury of ending the race in Marrakech where they can soak in the sights and take time to relax.