While the 'Marathon des Sables' is not directly associated with Marrakech (it takes place beyond the Atlas in the Souss-Massa-Draa area close to Ouarzazate) it has become a major annual event in Morocco and visitors to Marrakech may well wish to catch at least part of it (4 to 14th April), perhaps as part of an excursion. The Sand Marathon Rated one of the most gruelling foot races on the planet, the 'Marathon des Sables' attracts around 350 participants from all over the world, elite runners as well as amateurs, entered both in teams and individually.