It’s April 14, 1994, and an Italian policeman and ultramarathoner named Mauro Prosperi is running the world’s most challenging footrace: the Marathon des Sables, across the Sahara Desert in Morocco. But when a sandstorm kicks up, Mauro finds himself hopelessly lost.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign ... Show More
Dec 2024
Nine Days in the Desert I Delirium | 2
Mauro Prosperi wakes up alone and lost in the middle of the Sahara Desert. He’s forced to drink his own urine, and tries and fails to attract the attention of a rescue plane by burning his belongings. Finally, he takes shelter in an abandoned Islamic burial shrine, where he eats ... Show More
41m 4s
Dec 2024
Nine Days in the Desert I The Finish Line | 3
Mauro Prosperi has lost count of how many days he’s been lost. In despair, he attempts to take his own life. But when he wakes up still alive, he decides he has to keep going – even if that means climbing over a mountain range — and praying that on the other side, he’ll finally f ... Show More
43m 13s
Oct 2022
The bizarre twist in South Africa’s ultramarathon
At the 1999 Comrades ultramarathon, South Africa’s most gruelling road race, runner Nick Bester and his teammates notice something suspicious, as they run the 90km race from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.Nick speaks to Craig Boardman about his experience in the race including winnin ... Show More
10m 20s
Sep 2025
Alone in Zambia: Scorching Sun, Out of Water
Chaz Powell is determined to walk the full length of the Zambezi River, from source to mouth. 2,000 miles through harsh terrain, even harsher weather and some of the hottest temperatures on Earth. After two months, he’s making good headway… until his progress grinds to a sudden h ... Show More
51m 36s
Jan 2019
El rescatado (The Rescued)
Cristian Gorbea had been running long-distance races for 20 years when he decided to enter his first ultramarathon. The race would begin at the base of a mountain in Argentina and last 24 hours — at least, in theory. For Cristian, the experience would last much longer, and test m ... Show More
21m 52s
May 2024
Pinned by a 4-Ton Boulder: Inches from Death
Kevin DePaolo is a ‘digital nomad’. He works remotely, lives in his van, and freely travels around the United States seeking new experiences. One day, he sets out to explore the desolate plains of Santa Rita Flat. But here, suddenly, the on-the-move adventurer will find himself t ... Show More
47m 2s
Oct 2023
The Sahara: Traders and Travellers
<p>Stretching across from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, Northern Africa is dominated by the Sahara Desert. The largest hot desert in the world, it's an indomitable force. So how did Ancient Communities manage to traverse it, and who were the people organising and participati ... Show More
38m 40s