Isn’t it crazy expensive?

No - actually quite the opposite compared to other similar destination/ adventure races. I recently looked into to doing a couple of races in a very cold part of the world and was horrified to be quoted around 40,000 Euros for each. Even Iron man UK costs around 800 Euros. Saharaman costs just over 1,000 but includes accommodation and food for a week. I think I spent about 800 Euros on top for flights and accommodation in Algiers on the way to and from. About 2000 Euros in total. While that is still a large amount of money it is incredibly good value - especially when you factor in everything that is included.