Covid-19
The organisation of the HALF MARATHON DES SABLES is doing its best to ensure that the events take place in the best possible conditions, and that participants who register do not take any risk.
1. Register without risk
Because registering in an epidemic period can be complicated, we have introduced new options to reassure participants who join the adventure:
Refund in case of cancellation of the event:
If an HMDS event is cancelled or postponed due to COVID, each participant will get a 100% refund of the committed amount (within 60 days).
Free report:
If, as the HMDS approaches, you don’t feel ready to participate or if for any reason you cannot come, you can postpone your participation to the next edition until a certain date. To know the dates of each edition, go to the page of the event in question.
If you are not a finisher, you will be invited the next year:
If you do not manage to complete one of the stages of the HMDS in which you participate, you will be invited the next year to the same destination and on the same registration offer (does not include flight, equipment, and other additional options).
In case of a first edition, this finisher guarantee is not valid. You will find all the necessary information on the event pages.
2. Covid-Compatible events
HMDS events, unlike many other races, have the particularity to bring together all the conditions to take place in compliance with the barrier rules:
Tents and individual meals
Each participant has an individual tent provided by the organization, spaced from the other tents, as well as their own cooking and eating utensils.
Desert environment
HMDS events take place in the middle of the desert, in huge places where it’s very simple to respect social distancing, and where there are no enclosed spaces. A delayed departure, organized in several "departure airlocks", can be set up if necessary.
Tents and individual meals
Each participant has an individual tent provided by the organization, spaced from the other tents, as well as his or her own utensils for cooking and eating.
3. Frequently asked questions
Below, you will find answers to other questions you may have. The different elements related to the epidemic context will evolve according to the situation.
We adapt the security measures according to the recommendations and laws of the countries in which the different HALF MARATHON DES SABLES events take place. These measures may vary depending on the destination.
Outside race times
During bus transfers, briefings, or other times when it is difficult to respect social distancing, the wearing of a mask will be recommended.
During the race
In the desert, you will have enough space to maintain a social distance from other participants. Regular reminders will be made by members of the organisation about the importance of respecting barrier gestures.
Members of the organisation will wear the mask at all times and will have to disinfect their hands regularly.
The checkpoints will be set up to allow participants to keep their distance during water supplies. These checkpoints will also be regularly disinfected by the organisation.
On the bivouac
On the bivouac, the layout of the tents will be reviewed compared to previous editions, in order to put even more distance between the participants.
It’s possible to cancel without any fees until a certain date. As the date of the event approaches, fees will be applied. To find out the dates for each edition, go to the page of the event in question.
It is possible to postpone your participation to another edition for free. After a certain date, fees will be applied. To find out the dates for each edition, go to the page of the event in question.
It is your responsibility to find out about travel restrictions in your country. You will be able to postpone or cancel your participation according to the conditions of the event you are registered for.
However, in the case of specific cases such as a prohibition from your country to come, implemented a few days before the event for example, the organisation will deal with your case separately.