running the sahara marathon

26 miles 385 yards of punishing running--marathons take part all around the world, most prominently in large cities and beautiful locales like new york, london or hawaii. now imagine running not on asphalt, but rather loose sand and scattered rock, and you've got the terrain for the sahara marathon. documentary film maker (and personal friend) dan zaccheo ran the marathon in february of this year to show solidarity with the saharawi refugees and their situation in southwest algeria. shot from the hip using his mini dv camera (which later succumbed to the effects of sand mixing with electronics), dan captures not just a punishing run but also a glimpse into the lives of people who have lived in the harsh desert for generations.