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peru.travel
Saturday, June 2, 2018
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Peru will host the Des Sables Half Marathon, considered one of the most extreme races in the world. The race will be take place in the Ica dessert in the first week of December and will cover 120 kilometers that will be run in three stages over four days.
“Our destinations and adventure tourism are strengthened with sports activities like this race. Thanks to the coverage that the major news networks provide, we are able to reach an international audience that is interested in nature,” said the minister in charge of this sector.
He points out that hundreds of runners are expected from around the world for the four-day race and that various activities to promote Peru as a destination will take place in the days leading up to the race.
Last year the Des Sables Marathon was also held in our country and showcased the skills of the Peruvian distance runners, with Remigio Huaman from Huancavelica giving a particularly strong performance.
“Our country has many runners. Remigio Huamán Quispe ran a great race in 2017 in Fuerteventura (Canary Islands, Spain) and with a bit of luck he'll be a strong contender to win in Peru,” concluded the minister Valencia.
THE PERUVIAN EXPERIENCE
During a press conference held in Paris, France, Valencia made the announcement that the Des Sables Half Marathon will again be held in Peru.
Among those attending the presentation was Cyril Gauthier who is in charge of developing the sports contest. He insisted that the positive experience in Peru at the end of last year shows that the Des Sables Half Marathon can take place in other countries.
According to the organizers, it is predicted that the race will attract runners of 35 different nationalities to our country.
ABOUT THE RACE
Marathon des Sables is one of the world’s most brutal long-distance footraces. First held over 30 years ago in the Sahara desert in Morocco, participants cover 150 miles in temperatures pushing 120 degrees, carrying their equipment and food for the entire race.
Over time, this elite ultramarathon has taken on mythical proportions for top-tier athletes around the world, who dream of having a crack at this unrivaled trial of physical and mental stamina. Since last year the Des Sables Half Marathon has also been organized, which covers half the distance of the main race.