LIMA, Dec. 4 -- More than 500 competitors from 61 countries and regions will participate in a historic edition of the Dakar Rally in Peru next month, race organizers said on Tuesday.

The event will run from January 6-17 and begin and end in the capital Lima and span 5,000km, of which almost 3,000km will be timed. The route includes five days in the Ica desert and a section in which competitors will tackle the world's second highest sand dune - known locally as Duna Grande - which stands 1,700 meters tall.

"It will definitely be an edition unlike any other," Dakar Rally director Etienne Lavigne told reporters. "The beauty of the dunes and the extreme characteristics of the rally have attracted hundreds of participants. Thanks to Peru we have exceptional and unique geography to put together a great event."

The 334 registered vehicles include 167 motorcycles and quads, 126 cars and 41 trucks. Among those to have confirmed their presence are Spain's Carlos Sainz and Austrian Matthias Walkner, the defending car and motorcycle champions, respectively.

First staged in 1978, the Dakar Rally originally took place between Paris, France, and Dakar, Senegal. It was moved to South America in 2009 because of security concerns.

【体坛英语资讯：Dakar Rally to break with tradition in Peru】相关文章：

★ 体坛资讯：Riquelme double inspires Argentina to win over Peru

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Katie says Tom is a great husband

★ 体坛英语资讯：Beijing Olympic flame arrives in Jakarta, Indonesia

★ 体坛英语资讯：Federer, Jankovic reach second round of French Open

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Miley Cyrus tops highest-earning-teens list

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Britney Spears enjoys romance holiday with mystery man

★ 体坛英语资讯：Top skiers to miss National Games after sponsorship battle

★ 体坛英语资讯：Diving queen Guo shines at 2008 National Diving Championships

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Matt Damon named sexiest man alive

★ 体坛英语资讯：China surprises world in rowing