The adventure of a lifetime
The MDS and HMDS organizations are merging to become one big family: the MARATHON DES SABLES’ family.
In 2024, the events will adopt new denominations. The MARATHON DES SABLES Morocco, which celebrates its 38th edition in 2024, will become "MARATHON DES SABLES, The Legendary". The HMDS editions will become "MARATHON DES SABLES", including in 2024, the MARATHON DES SABLES Cappadocia, Fuerteventura, Morocco, Jordan, Egypt, and Peru.
THE ADVENTURE
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.
AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
CONCEPT
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.
DISTANCES
The MDS 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
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.
DISCOVER UNIQUE PLACES
NON-FINISHER GUARANTEE
The MDS 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 MDS, 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 MDS participants become finishers!
The deserts of the whole world are waiting for you with the HALF MARATHON DES SABLES.
DESTINATIONS
BIVOUAC
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.
FOOD & WATER
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.
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
MDS in the press
Equip yourself for the MDS
WAA Ultra has been developing specialized products for MDS participants since 2009.