The adventure of a lifetime
Discover the HALF MARATHON DES SABLES
One week of adventure, to discover the most beautiful deserts of the world.
THE HMDS ADVENTURE
The HMDS ADVENTURE
Live a week out of time in the most beautiful places of the world. 4 days of adventure in the desert, a route divided into 3 stages, to be completed by walking or running.
3 HMDS destinations are on the program in 2023: Morocco, Jordan and Egypt.
Each edition gathers more than 50% of walkers, 52% of women and a 98% finisher rate!
AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
CONCEPT
The HMDS 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.
DISTANCES
The HMDS exists in different formats: 70, 100 or 120km - spread over 3 stages, as follows:
- Stage 1 : 25km
- Stage 2 : 20, 40 or 60km
- Rest day
- Stage 3: 25km
The difference between the formats is in step 2, where, depending on your form, you can choose between 3 distances.
ACCESSIBILITY
HMDS is designed to be accessible to everyone. Whether you're a runner or a walker, you'll find what you're looking for at HMDS:
- Possibility to run or walk any distance
- Wide time barriers: Minimum speed allowed 3,5km/h
- Average pace in HMDS: 5,5km/h
- 52% women
- Average age: 42 years old
- 98% of finishers
The HMDS 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.
DISCOVER UNIQUE PLACES
NON-FINISHER GUARANTEE
The HMDS is the only race in the world to offer a guarantee for non-finishers.
The concept:
If you don't manage to get your finisher's medal at the end of the 3 stages of the HMDS, you will be invited for free on the same edition, the following year.
Why?
We know that small problems can occur during the adventure and if you are concerned, we want to offer you a second chance.
And because we believe in you: on average, 99% of the HMDS participants become finishers!
The deserts of the whole world are waiting for you with the HALF MARATHON DES SABLES.
DESTINATIONS
THE COMPANION OFFER
Thanks to the companion offer, share the HMDS adventure with someone who is not participating in the race.
Here is the program for the companion during the HMDS week:
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Before and after the race, they are with the participants, they sleep at the hotel and take advantage of its facilities.
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They attend the start of the first stage and the finish of the last HMDS stage.
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During the 3 stages, they can encourage the participants on some checkpoints defined by the organization.
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The rest of the day is dedicated to the discovery of the desert with the group of companions, accompanied by local guides.
BIVOUAC
During the HMDS adventure, you will spend your nights in the heart of the desert, on the HMDS bivouac.
Organised in groups of 6 tents, the HMDS 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.
FOOD & WATER
As the HMDS 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.
BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPES
EQUIPMENT
You will need to bring a backpack, technical running gear, light clothing for the mornings and evenings at the bivouac, as well as night, hygiene and cooking equipment.
THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME
HMDS in the press
Equip yourself for the HMDS
WAA Ultra has been developing specialized products for HMDS participants since 2009.