MDS 120
Atlantic Coast
2027

ATLANTIC COAST

70, 100 or 120 kmof your choice

3 stages

Self-sufficiency

7 days of disconnection

THE FORMAT

Set off to discover the hidden treasures of Morocco’s Atlantic coast during the 3rd edition of the MDS 120 Morocco – Atlantic Coast.

Head to Plage Blanche for a week out of time: between wild beaches, rugged cliffs, and sandy tracks, embark on a truly unique adventure.

On the program for the MDS 120 Morocco – Atlantic Coast: 3 stages, a total distance of 70, 100, or 120 kilometers, to be completed at your own pace, walking or running. You will spend 3 nights in the heart of Plage Blanche at the MDS bivouac, as well as 4 nights in a stunning hotel located near Agadir and close to the sea (2 nights before and 2 nights after the adventure).

70, 100 or 120 km

The format

A tailor-made adventure in the heart of the desert

Whether you are a walker or a runner, choose the challenge that suits you: 70, 100, or 120 km to be completed over three stages.

The course adapts to your desired level of effort while still offering the full MDS 120 experience.

The distance is chosen during the second stage, meaning you can decide on the day itself, based on how you feel, your level of fatigue, and your desire to push your limits.

stage

25 to 30 km

stage

20, 40 or 60 km

stage

25 to 30 km

Finish line

stage

25 to 30 km

stage

20, 40 or 60 km

stage

25 to 30 km

Finish line

ACCESSIBILITY

Experience a unique adventure combining sport, human connection, and travel

The MARATHON DES SABLES offers different formats so everyone can discover the desert and experience an extraordinary adventure, whatever their level. Whether you are a runner or a walker, you will find the challenge that suits you at the MDS.

This adventure is completed at your own pace: whether you aim for a ranking or simply want to enjoy the journey by walking, anything is possible.

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

Option to run or walk, regardless of the distance format
Generous time limits: minimum authorized speed of 3.5 km/h
Average pace at the MDS: 5.5 km/h
Average age of participants: 42 years

01 / 02

Choice to run or walk

Run

Walk

Generous time limits

For all ages

MUST-VISIT DESTINATION OF THE MDS

Moroccan Atlantic Coast

Participants enjoy pleasant temperatures throughout the race. The diverse landscapes of the Atlantic coast offer varied terrain to suit every preference: explore wild beaches, challenge steep cliffs, and traverse sandy tracks.

Furthermore, for those preparing for the next edition of the MDS Legendary, the MDS Atlantic Coast offers a perfect final opportunity to train and acclimate to the conditions of the Moroccan desert.

01 / 03

An authentic adventure

Life at the bivouac

Each night in the desert, you will sleep in your own individual tent at the MDS bivouac. The bivouac is organized in clusters of six tents and remains in the same location throughout the entire race.

It is a place for connection, where strong bonds are formed, and stories, laughter, and moments of support are shared. Here, there is no electricity, no mobile network, no showers, just the essentials to reconnect with nature, yourself, and others.

On-site, you will find toilets (don’t forget to bring your own toilet paper), shared shaded areas, and a medical tent open at all times to take care of you if needed.

An intense personal challenge

Self-sufficiency

The MDS 120 Atlantic Coast takes place under full food self-sufficiency. This means you will need to carry in your backpack all the food required for the four days in the desert. The organization provides only drinking water at the bivouac and at checkpoints, which are located approximately every 8 to 12 km during each stage. After each stage, you will receive 5 liters of water to use for hydration, cooking, or personal care until the following day.

To prepare properly, plan for 10 to 12 meals, with a recommended daily intake of at least 2,000 kcal. Many participants choose freeze-dried meals, salty snacks, dried fruits, or energy bars to keep their backpacks as light as possible.

This self-sufficiency approach provides an intense personal challenge… and makes crossing the finish line all the more rewarding.

In the heart of the dunes

The adventure program

Day 1

Saturday, January 23

Night : Hotel

Arrival of participants

Hotel check-in

Day 2

Sunday, January 24

Night : Hotel

Technical and medical checks at the hotel

Day at the hotel

Day 3

Monday, January 25

Night : Bivouac

Desert transfer

Stage 1

25 to 30 km

Day 4

Tuesday, January 26

Night : Bivouac

Stage 2

20, 40 or 60 km

Day 5

Wednesday, January 27

Night : Bivouac

Rest day

Day 6

Thursday, January 28

Night : Hotel

Stage 3

25 to 30 km

Arrival and medal ceremony

Day 7

Friday, January 29

Night : Hotel

Day at the hotel

Awards ceremony and gala dinner

Day 8

Saturday, January 30

Departure of participants

Day 1

Saturday, January 23

Night : Hotel

Arrival of participants

Hotel check-in

Day 2

Sunday, January 24

Night : Hotel

Technical and medical checks at the hotel

Day at the hotel

Day 3

Monday, January 25

Night : Bivouac

Desert transfer

Stage 1

25 to 30 km

Day 4

Tuesday, January 26

Night : Bivouac

Stage 2

20, 40 or 60 km

Day 5

Wednesday, January 27

Night : Bivouac

Rest day

Day 6

Thursday, January 28

Night : Hotel

Stage 3

25 to 30 km

Arrival and medal ceremony

Day 7

Friday, January 29

Night : Hotel

Day at the hotel

Awards ceremony and gala dinner

Day 8

Saturday, January 30

Departure of participants

01 / 08

THE HOTEL BEFORE AND AFTER YOUR RACE

Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort & Spa

Participants of the MDS 120 Atlantic Coast will stay at a stunning 5-star hotel located on Morocco’s beautiful Atlantic coast. Situated in the heart of Taghazout Bay, the Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort & Spa offers an exceptional setting with direct access to the ocean.

The resort features modern and comfortable rooms, many with Atlantic Ocean views, as well as numerous facilities dedicated to well-being and recovery: outdoor pools, a spa with hammam and treatments, and a fitness center. For dining, the hotel’s restaurants offer a varied cuisine combining local and international influences.

Combining luxury comfort, a relaxing atmosphere, and a spectacular natural environment, the Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort & Spa is the perfect place to balance effort, relaxation, and escape to the rhythm of the Atlantic Ocean.

Learn more about the hotel here.