10 Ten Endurance Competitions

As the Dakar Auto Rally — held this year for the first time outside of Africa — kicks off, TIME looks at other notable tests of human stamina.

Vendee Globe

Lincoln Commane / AFP / Getty
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One person, on one yacht, traveling around the world. It's as simple as that. Founded in 1989, the Vendee Globe, considered one of the most grueling races in sailing, has been run every four years since '92. Ships depart out of France, down the African coast, round the Cape of Good Hope, around Antarctica, past Cape Horn, up the South American coast, and back to France. One person on one yacht. First one to make it back wins. The race starts in November, and Jan. 6, 2009 marked the 58th day of this year's competition.

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