ABOUT US
The spirit of the MDS, carried by a passionate team
Inspire, include, unite
THE ADVENTURE
The MDS (MARATHON DES SABLES) is a French organization based in the Paris area. Since 1986, it has delivered more than 60 events in 7 different countries, all with a single goal: to offer participants unforgettable human and sporting adventures, bringing together thousands of people every year in unique locations around the world. Behind each edition, a passionate team works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that runners and walkers live an extraordinary experience under the highest safety standards.
OUR MISSION: To create events that bring people together, where everyone can push their limits, share a powerful experience, and discover the magic of wide-open natural spaces.
OUR VISION: To share the MDS spirit and the sense of adventure with as many people as possible, constantly reinventing our formats to make them accessible to all.
OUR VALUES
Include
Making adventure possible for everyone.
Inspire
Showing that anyone can take on an extraordinary challenge, regardless of age, experience, or ability.
Unite
Bringing together participants, volunteers, medical teams, locals, and partners around a common goal: to share an intense and deeply human adventure.
OUR EXPERTISE
Organizing the MDS means building a true ephemeral city in extreme conditions, whether in the heart of the desert or at high altitude. Logistics, safety, medical support, food, transport… every detail is designed to ensure participants can take on their challenge in the best possible conditions.
This unique expertise is built on four decades of experience in organizing large-scale adventures in demanding natural environments.
THE PEOPLE
BEHIND THE MDS
For nearly 40 years, the MDS has brought together more than 40,000 participants from over 70 countries. Beyond the adventure, a true global community has emerged, united by a passion for sport and the pursuit of self-transcendence. On the bivouac as on the course, unique bonds are forged between runners and walkers, transforming each edition into a moment of sharing, friendship, and camaraderie.
Behind each edition, a passionate team makes the adventure possible: logisticians, volunteers, doctors, technicians, drivers, cooks, media crews, partners, and local authorities… all united by the same energy to deliver an intense, safe, and memorable experience. Every role is essential in bringing the magic of the MDS to life.
JOIN
THE ADVENTURE
