The adventure of a lifetime
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.