Forget the desert obstacle courses that have become so popular in Dubai over the last number of years, THIS is the real deal.

And quite possibly the biggest test of endurance most athletes could ever face.

The Ultra Marathon is coming: a 270km ultra-run at the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai.

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Choose 50km, 100km or 270km

The big race is divided into five stages and includes one overnight camp before the start.

The important bits

When? December 11 and 15

Who can participate? There are three categories; male, female and team

How much? AED5,800 for the 270km race

Grand prize? AED22,000

Everything you need to know about the ultramarathon.ae

For the 270km run, the Dhs5,800 fee includes bus transport, accommodation in a camp (depending on which race you take), a hefty main meal before the race starts as well as a medal and t-shirt when you finish.

Entrants need to be aged over 18 years old and provide a medical certificate to show their ability to participate in a race –along with being extremely physically fit, of course.

Tents will be pitched throughout the course and there will be water rations on the route and in the camp.

A medical team of doctors and paramedics will also be supervising the race, which is organised by the Dubai Sports Council, in case of injury or exhaustion.

What better way to test your endurance than running 270km in the scenic deserts of UAE?
Dhs5,800 (270km), Dhs2,755 (100km), Dhs772 (50km). Dec 11-15. Al Marmoom Desert Reserve, ultramarathon.ae.