North Carolina ultra runner Mohammed Idlibi is currently competing in the Marathon de Sables, (French for Marathon of the Sands) a famous seven-day stage footrace across the Sahara Desert. After being delayed because of torrential rains, the race began yesterday in Morocco. On the first day, Idlibi ran 20 miles across the dunes of the Sahara, fighting sun exposure the entire day. He’s carrying all of his gear and food for the week on his back, and if all goes well, will cover 150+ miles in temperatures that exceed 120 degrees.
Follow Idlibi’s progress as he gives race reports after each stage on his blog.
