In pictures: World's largest camel race
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A race by 468 camels around a 4km-track in Layoune, in Western
Sahara, has, say the organisers, broken a world record with some
100 more entrants than previously recorded - although this is still
to be ratified.
Sahara, has, say the organisers, broken a world record with some
100 more entrants than previously recorded - although this is still
to be ratified.
It was the high point in a week-long festival celebrating the culture of the
Saharawi people. ![](http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/07/africa_world0s_largest_camel_race/img/2.jpg)
Saharawi people.
The entrants included 100 one-humped dromedaries, known as Arabian camels,
and 200 Bactrian camels, which have two humps.
and 200 Bactrian camels, which have two humps.
![](http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/07/africa_world0s_largest_camel_race/img/2.jpg)
Camels need to be in peak physical condition to race.
Younger camels tend to run quicker than their older counterparts, so races
are often divided into different categories. ![](http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/07/africa_world0s_largest_camel_race/img/3.jpg)
are often divided into different categories.
Here, races take place featuring camels either above or below five years old.
![](http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/07/africa_world0s_largest_camel_race/img/3.jpg)
The starting line-up
The track was not wide enough for all 468 competitors. ![](http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/07/africa_world0s_largest_camel_race/img/4.jpg)
This meant several heats of about 50 camels each were staged over three days.
![](http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/07/africa_world0s_largest_camel_race/img/4.jpg)
The race
Camels are known for their stamina and endurance. ![](http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/07/africa_world0s_largest_camel_race/img/5.jpg)
They can run over short distances at speeds of about 30km an hour.
![](http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/07/africa_world0s_largest_camel_race/img/5.jpg)
Saharawi women wear long flowing robes known as melhfa.
Women here enjoy a greater status within the family than in Morocco to
the north.
the north.
The festival's organiser, a woman, said female camels run faster than male
ones. ![](http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/07/africa_world0s_largest_camel_race/img/6.jpg)
ones.
"It's natural, women are better than men," Hajbouha Zoubeir added.
![](http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/07/africa_world0s_largest_camel_race/img/6.jpg)
Race leaders battle it out as they approach the finish line.
A good lap time around the 'hippocameldrome' is about 10 minutes.
Riders often hit the camel to make it run faster. ![](http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/07/africa_world0s_largest_camel_race/img/7.jpg)
However, commentator Najib Tanani said it was unnecessary.
"An experienced jockey should have a good understanding with his
beast and need not strike it that much," he said.
"An experienced jockey should have a good understanding with his
beast and need not strike it that much," he said.
![](http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/07/africa_world0s_largest_camel_race/img/7.jpg)
Despite strong winds that whipped up a sandstorm, hundreds of local
Saharawis turned out to cheer their favourite camel. ![](http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/07/africa_world0s_largest_camel_race/img/8.jpg)
Saharawis turned out to cheer their favourite camel.
The grandstands echoed to the ululations of female supporters, and a
special enclosure was reserved for local dignitaries.
special enclosure was reserved for local dignitaries.
![](http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/07/africa_world0s_largest_camel_race/img/8.jpg)
Western Sahara is the subject of a decades-long dispute between
Morocco and the Algerian-backed Polisario Front. ![](http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/07/africa_world0s_largest_camel_race/img/9.jpg)
Morocco and the Algerian-backed Polisario Front.
Although under the de facto administrative control of Morocco -
which also maintains a strong military presence - the status and sovereignty
of Western Sahara remain unresolved.
which also maintains a strong military presence - the status and sovereignty
of Western Sahara remain unresolved.
![](http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/07/africa_world0s_largest_camel_race/img/9.jpg)
The winning rider in the fastest race category - featuring female camels
under five years old - was 14-year-old Zayn Enour.
under five years old - was 14-year-old Zayn Enour.
A good jockey needs to be light, say commentators, so successful jockeys
are often young boys.
are often young boys.
Words and pictures by Richard Hamilton. BBC.
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