Notícias e Media
1 Março 2021
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The 5 Toughest Races in the World

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It is easy to get into the habit of wanting to stay indoors, especially with the typical rainy British weather. But it is important to get outside and take on new outdoor challenges and activities.This could be anything from heading to some of the best walking trails in the UK or doing something action-packed. If you have a competitive streak, you may want to consider signing up for something a bit more stimulating, like a race. But be warned, what we’re about to present isn’t for the faint-hearted.

We’ve put together a list of the five hardest races in the world – something you may want to aspire to take part in at some point in the future.

WHAT SETS THE HARDEST RACES APART FROM OTHERS?

While most people consider half marathons to be pretty tricky, there are a few aspects that will ultimately make a race more difficult than most, including:

  • Intense terrain

  • Altitudes

  • Extreme temperatures (cold or hot)

  • Steep ascents and descents

  • Long distances

  • Cut-off times

To be able to complete these types of races you must train for long periods. However, there is no experience quite like taking part in the real thing.

THE HARDEST RACES IN THE WORLD

IDITAROD TRAIL INVITATIONAL

The Iditarod Trail Invitational has a reputation for being the “world’s longest-running winter ultra-marathon”. As one of the most challenging experiences on the planet, with inhospitable conditions and minimal outside support, it is arguably one of the toughest races in the world.

Taking place each February, the course is 1,000 miles long, and before you can even be invited to attempt it, you must first complete a much shorter (it’s a relative term) 350-mile version of the race.

As a participant, you must brave the extreme environmental and mental challenges, while also dealing with the gruelling physical demand that this race requests of you. According to the Iditarod Trail Invitational website, the race “is a measure of human willpower like no other”. Those looking to take part need to make it through 30 days and nights in frozen temperatures and demanding conditions.

MARATHON DES SABLES

The second competition making it onto our list of the toughest races in the world is the Marathon Des Sables, a race held in the middle of the Sahara Desert in Morocco in April. The race was founded by Patrick Bauer after he walked 2017 miles through the desert.

This arduous and physically demanding race is just one of the many that our very own National Army Cadet Ambassador Sally Orange has completed to support military charities.

Along with finding the mental and physical strength to contend with demanding terrain and scorching temperatures, each participant must carry their own backpack containing food and sleeping gear for approximately 150 miles. The race aims to bring participants together and create a community in the tents, on the trails and at the finish line. This is a race where you might meet lifelong friends as well as accomplish something you never thought possible.

TENZING HILLARY EVEREST MARATHON

For most people, hiking Mount Everest is an unimaginable feat with high altitudes and frozen temperatures. However, both new and professional runners come together to take part in this once in a lifetime experience.

The Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon celebrates the historical ascent of Mount Everest by the late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary on 29th May 1953. In honour, this tough race continues to be held on 29th May every year.

Participants can choose between three categories they want to take part in – 60km Extreme Ultra, 42km Full Marathon or 21km Half Marathon. As part of the acclimation process to the extreme conditions, competitors are required to spend at least three weeks in Nepal before the race.

It’s technically a downhill run – the starting line is about 7,000 feet above the finish line, but we’re not sure that makes it any easier. You still end the race more than 11,000 feet above sea level.

BADWATER 135

Badwater 135 is a non-stop 135-mile race in Death Valley, North America, covering three mountain ranges with a cumulative ascent of 14,600 feet and a cumulative descent of more than 6,000 feet. If you found Everest’s downhill race too easy, then this might be the alternative you are looking for.

Dubbed “the world’s toughest foot race”, contestants start the race at the lowest elevation at Badwater Basin, Death Valley (the lowest elevation in North America, 278 feet below sea level). They then continue to the Whitney Portal – the trailhead to the Mount Whitney summit at 8,300 feet.

The Badwater 135 takes place each July.

JUNGLE MARATHON

The final, but equally as tough, race on the list is the Jungle Marathon. Voted by CNN as “The World’s Toughest Endurance Race”, it takes place in the Amazon Rainforest, in Brazil.

Along with having to factor in the dangers that the jungle poses with a hot and humid environment, wild animals and poisonous plants, participants need to have the strength to carry themselves and their provisions too. However, race officials are always on hand and provide water for the duration of the race.

The Jungle Marathon takes place each February, and offers three levels of challenge; you can run a standard marathon of 26 miles, a 4-stage race of 79 miles or a 6-stage race of almost 158 miles.

Those looking to take part need a combination of strength, willpower and strong mental tenacity to make it through the swamps, river crossings, steep climbs and trails that the jungle will throw at them.

GET INVOLVED WITH THE ARMY CADETS

At the Army Cadets, we regularly challenge ourselves with training, new experiences, and exciting activities that you may otherwise not take part in. If you want to take part in one of these once-in-a-lifetime races, find out how becoming a cadete can help you prepare.

We also work with voluntários adultos who can give back their skills and experience to a new generation. Find out more and see how you can get involved.