The Hardest Races in the World, From Mount Everest to Wales and Alaska to Morocco Can your legs handle these brutal challenges around the globe? 05/03/2021 JEFF PACHOUDGetty Images Many races (and racers) had to take a break in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. And even some of the hardest races in the world had to hit pause. But for those of us who love tapping into our mental and physical grit, many of the world’s hardest and most difficult races are eyeing a comeback in 2021 But what makes a “tough” race? For starters, if you grimace when reading the race description, that’s a strong indication that you’ll need months of training to complete the route that’s ahead of you.