In the desert heat, Niger holds first ever marathon In an arid desert setting, runners participate in the first ever marathon in Niger's history, taking place in and around the city of Agadez. The athletes run under the close watch of dozens of soldiers, deployed to prevent any possible attack by jihadists. Organised with the slogan "Running for Peace in the Sahel", the 'Grand Marathon du Ténéré' aims to help put a stop to the isolation of this troubled region.