The adventure of a lifetime

The MARATHON DES SABLES is a unique adventure, shared by thousands of enthusiasts since 1986. Different formats exist: the MDS Legendary, the legendary race, celebrating its 38th edition in April 2024, with 250km spread over 6 stages, in Morocco. In 2017, another format was born with 70 to 120km, spread over 3 stages, with editions in Jordan, the Canary Islands, Cappadocia, Morocco, etc.

The MDS is a one-week sporting adventure that combines the discovery of the country, meeting new people and surpassing yourself.

The program: after spending 1 or 2 nights in a hotel, you will go to the desert for 4 days of walking/running and 3 or 4 nights in bivouac.

Once the race is over, we will return to the hotel to celebrate together and spend some time relaxing, or to discover the country depending on the destination.
 

MDS is designed to be accessible to everyone. Whether you're a runner or a walker, you'll find what you're looking for at MDS:

• Possibility to run or walk any distance 
• Wide time barriers: Minimum speed allowed 3,5km/h  
• Average pace in MDS: 5,5km/h  
• 52% women   
• Average age: 42 years old  
• 98% of finishers

The MDS can be done at your own pace: whether you sign up for the rankings or want to enjoy the adventure while walking, it's possible.

During the MDS adventure, you will spend your nights in the heart of the desert, on the MDS bivouac.

Organised in groups of 6 tents, the MDS bivouac is the place where you will eat, rest and, above all, exchange and share with the other participants.

The organisation will provide you with an individual tent.

As the MDS is self-sufficient in food, you will have to bring and carry your own food for the 4 days of the adventure.

It's up to you to choose between freeze-dried meals, salty snacks, compotes, soups, cereal bars, gels or other energy sources.

The water supply is entirely managed by the organization, in order to provide for all needs during the 4 days.