Eco-challenge competition starts in morocco

Eco-Challenge contest, an adventure expedition of various disciplines, set out Tuesday morning from the beach of Essaouira (a Moroccan southwestern city).

Some 200 competitors from 27 countries will cross 480 km in canoe, walking, horse riding and mountain climbing. The race is measured by the participants' endurance and team spirit. Taking only a minimum of food and water, participants sleep for a few hours to be able to complete their race in between 7 to 10 days.

The 80-km long first stage will link Essaouira to the village of Tamri. Participants know their itinerary only a few hours before setting out

. The latest edition of eco-challenge, held by "Discovery Challenge" TV, was held in Austria.