THE ADVENTURE

THE ADVENTURE

Since 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has crossed the world’s most stunning deserts with several unique concepts: the MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY (252 km in the Sahara Desert in Morocco), the MARATHON DES SABLES (70, 100, or 120 km spread over 3 stages), and the new 2024 concept, the MDS TREK (4 stages with a total distance of up to 120 km), offering an accessible adventure with optimal comfort.

These international events have seen over 50 editions in various countries such as Morocco, Fuerteventura Island, Peru, Jordan, Turkey, and offer adventures that combine running/hiking in the desert with tourism.

AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

CONCEPT

MDS Legendary

MDS Legendary

The MDS Legendary is an extraordinary race and adventure that has been taking place in the southern Moroccan Sahara since 1986.

A sublime and legendary desert crossing, featuring 11 days in Morocco, including 9 days in the desert, with a course of approximately 250 km spread over 6 stages, which can be completed either running or walking.

This adventure is conducted in self-sufficiency, where participants carry all their gear and food, except for water and the tent. 

MARATHON DES SABLES

MARATHON DES SABLES

The MDS is a week-long sporting adventure that combines discovering the country, meeting new people, and pushing your limits.

The program begins with 1 or 2 nights at a hotel, after which you'll embark on a desert journey for 4 days of walking/running in self-sufficiency, covering 70, 100, or 120 km divided into 3 stages, with 3 or 4 nights spent in a bivouac.

Once the race is over, you'll return to the hotel to celebrate together and enjoy some relaxation, or to explore the country depending on the destination.

MDS Trek

MDS Trek

Much more than just a simple hike, the MDS Trek is a moment of total disconnection, immersed in the heart of the desert.

The program includes 10 days of adventure, with 7 nights spent in the desert, covering a variable distance of 70 to 120 km spread over 4 stages, followed by 2 nights at the hotel.

Accessible to everyone, this trek offers a bivouac with optimal comfort and does not require self-sufficiency.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MDS FUERTEVENTURA

Fuerteventura

September 28 – October 5, 2024

70, 100 or 120 km

Sold out

September 28 – October 5, 2024

MDS MOROCCO

Sahara Desert, Morocco

October 12 – 19, 2024

70, 100 or 120 km

Sold out

October 12 – 19, 2024

MDS Trek Maroc

Sahara Desert, Morocco

October 20 – 29, 2024

Between 70 and 120 km (variable distance)

Registration open

October 20 – 29, 2024

MDS Jordan - November

Wadi Rum, Jordan

November 2 – 9, 2024

70, 100 or 120 km

Sold out

November 2 – 9, 2024

MDS Morocco – Atlantic Coast

Atlantic Coast, Morocco

January 25 – February 1, 2025

70, 100 or 120 km

Registration open

January 25 – February 1, 2025

MDS Legendary

Sahara Desert, Morocco

April 4 – 14, 2025

250 km

Registration open

April 4 – 14, 2025

MMDS Jordan - May

Wadi Rum, Jordan

May 9 – 16, 2025

70, 100 or 120 km

Registration open

May 9 – 16, 2025

MDS Cappadocia - Turkey

Cappadocia, Turkey

June 21 – 28, 2025

70, 100 or 120 km

Registration opening: September 18, 2024

June 21 – 28, 2025

MDS Jordan

Wadi Rum, Jordan

November 1 – 8, 2025

70, 100 or 120 km

Registration opening: September 18, 2024

November 1 – 8, 2025

ACCESSIBILITY

ACCESSIBILITY

The MARATHON DES SABLES offers different concepts to allow everyone to discover the desert and experience an extraordinary adventure, regardless of their level:

  • For an adventure with total disconnection and optimal comfort, opt for the MDS Trek.
  • Experience a unique journey combining sport, humanity, and travel with the MARATHON DES SABLES.
  • Seeking the ultimate challenge? The MDS Legendary awaits you to push your limits. 

Whether you are a runner or a walker, you'll find your place at the MDS: 

  • Possibility to run or walk, regardless of the distance format.
  • Generous time limits: Minimum speed allowed of 3.5km/h 
  • Average pace at the MDS: 5.5km/h
  • Average age: 42 years 

These adventures can be done at your own pace: whether you aim for ranking or simply want to enjoy the adventure by walking, everything is possible.

DISCOVER UNIQUE PLACES

BIVOUAC

BIVOUAC

The MDS bivouac offers a place to eat, rest, and most importantly, connect and share experiences with other participants.

 

  • MDS Legendary participants sleep in a Berber tent that can accommodate up to 8 people
  • The MDS bivouac is organized into cells of 6 individual tents, provided by the organization.
  • With a higher level of comfort, the MDS Trek bivouac offers double tents equipped with separate mattresses, as well as showers (cabins with buckets of water). 

FOOD AND WATER

FOOD AND WATER

On the MDS Trek, the organization will provide meals in the morning and evening, as well as a lunch pack on stage days.

The MDS Legendary and MDS operate in self-sufficiency, so you will need to bring and carry your personal food for the 4 to 9 days of adventure.

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

The water supply is fully managed by the organization to meet all your needs throughout the adventure. 

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.