Peru has been chosen to host the prestigious Marathon Des Sables (MDS) in November, the country's Exports and Tourism Promotion Board (PromPeru) representatives announced.
The Inca nation will thus become the first Latin American country to welcome this grueling race, which convenes elite athletes under scorching temperatures for the run of a lifetime.
Hosting such international events constitutes a relevant platform to further promote the country as an adventure sports destination with ideal settings for all kinds of competitions, PromPeru highlighted.
Similarly, the ultramarathon will entail an economic boost to hosting localities, attracting customers to hotel, transport and restaurant services.
MDS' 2017 route will take over 300 foreign runners through Ica region's Nazca and Paracas dunes during six days.
According to MDS organizers, the competition will be covered by more than 50 journalists from the United States, Brazil, Japan, Mexico and Europe, thus guaranteeing Peru's worldwide media exposure.
The marathon
Marathon Des Sables (Marathon of the Sands) is one of the most demanding long-distance foot races in the world.
The 240-km marathon has been held in Morocco's Sahara Desert for over 30 years, pushing participants to their limit at soaring temperatures that border 50°C.
As if that were not enough, the race is also self-supporting: participants must carry their own gear and nearly a week's worth of food as they run.
Over the years, this tough endurance test has become the ultimate trial for elite athletes worldwide, challenging their bodies' and minds' breaking points.
(END) NDP/DHT/MVB