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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.