While most people are content with running a 10k or biking a coast-to-coast, others can’t help but push there bodies and stamina to the max by taking part in some of the craziest endurance races on Earth.

There are many theories on why we like to do this. Some people argue that as creatures, we’re made to travel ridiculous distances. Others say it’s a simple human urge to throw yourself into the unknown.

While there’s no definitive answer as to why we run across sweltering deserts for hours on end, there is no doubt that we love  taking on the gnarliest races, all in the name of fun.

Do you have that extreme edge? If so, here’s some of the crazy endurance events the planet has to offer…