15.01.26

2026: a historic year for the MDS

A NEW YEAR, A HISTORIC YEAR — 2026: 40 YEARS OF ADVENTURE

A historic anniversary, new formats, unmissable classics, and a year that stretches from the Sahara to the Alps. In 2026, the calendar shows just how unique this year will be in the history of the MDS.

 

Forty editions after its beginnings in the Moroccan desert, the MDS has evolved into a family of events that test endurance in different ways, across diverse landscapes, and for very different runners. But the DNA remains the same: self-sufficiency, camaraderie, and the satisfaction that comes from moving forward when stopping would be easier.

The MDS Ultra

January opened with something new: the MDS Ultra.

 

Two distances. Two very clear challenges. A 100 km option for runners ready to go beyond the classic stage format, and a 100-mile race for those who want to discover just how far they can really go.

 

Long distances, sustained effort, and the mental strain that only ultra racing can deliver. For many, it was the first true test of their winter preparation. For others, it was the flagship event of their season. The MDS Ultra represented an evolution, not a revolution. The MDS does not stand still, even as it celebrates its past.

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MDS 120 Atlantic Coast

Before the end of January, attention will turn westward toward the ocean for the MDS 120 Atlantic Coast. Where dunes once dominated the horizon, participants will now face open beaches, shifting sand, and the constant presence of the sea.

 

The terrain will change with every kilometer. Temperatures may vary (last year, runners experienced rain). Still self-sufficient, still demanding. but in a way that will surprise many participants for the first time.

 

When the final runners cross the finish line, January will have delivered two very different expressions of what the MDS can be.

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February and March: Preparing for the MDS Legendary

February and March bring a change of pace. No race numbers. No finish lines. Instead, preparation. The focus turns to the flagship event of the year: the 40th edition of the MDS Legendary. Forty years after the first participants set out across the Sahara, this anniversary edition will celebrate both the organization and the MDS community that has grown around the MDS Legendary.

 

The MDS Legendary is more than just a race; it’s a benchmark for stage racing, for many a rite of passage, and in 2026, it will also be a celebration of everything the MDS has become.

 

Once the 40th edition of the MDS Legendary concludes, the calendar will open up again, and the global dimension of the MDS will take center stage.

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MDS Raid Namibia

The MDS Raid Namibia offers raw beauty and isolation in one of Africa’s most striking landscapes. Namibia’s vast spaces, bright light, and unforgiving terrain strip everything back to the essentials.

 

This is racing in its purest form, where the environment sets the rules. A unique event where teams of two take on a rawer, more stripped-down challenge.

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MDS 120 Cappadocia

From Namibia, the series will move on to Turkey for the MDS 120 Cappadocia. Volcanic rock formations, flowing trails, and a sense of history beneath your feet make this event one of the most visually distinctive on the calendar.

 

It is demanding, but also deeply immersive. Ironically, despite the name “sands,” the MDS 120 Cappadocia is much more of a trail race, something new, different, and truly unique.

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MDS Crazy Loops – a format that truly lives up to its name

A short loop (3 to 5 km), repeated efforts, and a psychological challenge that can unsettle even the most experienced runners over 24 hours.

 

It’s less about the distance on paper and more about resilience in the moment. A fun, accessible, and challenging event for all levels, taking place at iconic ski resorts across Europe during the summer. A community-focused event that brings the MDS atmosphere and inclusivity to the mountains.

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MDS 120 Morocco et MDS Handi

As the year moves into its final months, the pace won’t slow down. On the contrary, it will pick up. The MDS 120 Morocco will bring runners back to familiar terrain—but with the confidence and refinement that come from years of experience. It’s the desert, revisited with fresh eyes.

 

At the same time, the MDS Handi will continue to redefine what inclusion means in endurance sport. A powerful reminder that the challenge isn’t universal, and that determination takes many forms.

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MDS 120 Jordan

The international momentum will continue with the MDS 120 Jordan, where desert running meets ancient history.

 

The terrain is challenging, the landscapes unforgettable, and the sense of vastness impossible to ignore. An iconic event, arguably one of the most sought-after on the MDS calendar.

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As 2026 draws to a close, the MDS will have traversed continents and climates—Morocco, Jordan, Peru, Turkey, Namibia, and Europe, with the Alps adding altitude to the mix. Each location brings its own challenges, stories, and reasons to be unforgettable.

 

Events united by a single philosophy: self-sufficiency, respect for the environment, and a shared understanding among participants that this is about far more than just racing.

 

This year will honor 40 years of history while pushing into new territories, formats, and ways to test human endurance.

 

What a year it promises to be!