You're going to love the difference
THE CONCEPT
Discover the new MARATHON DES SABLES concept: the MDS Handi.
More than just a race, the MDS Handi is an inclusive adventure that proves difference is not a barrier to the extraordinary. This journey invites you to push your limits in one of the most demanding and breathtaking environments on the planet: the Sahara.
Each MDS Handi team consists of 4 people, with 3 members taking turns as pushers, pullers, and runners.
You will fully experience the MDS 120 Morocco, following almost the same route as all participants, with detours on sections that are impassable by wheelchair.
MDS HANDI 2027
Registration for the MDS HANDI 2027 will open on October 28, 2026, at 12:00 PM (UTC+2).
In the meantime, if you are interested in the next edition of the MDS 120 Morocco, please fill out the expression of interest form to receive all the latest updates.
For an adventure accessible to all:
You will be provided with an ultra-trail racing wheelchair.
The bivouac is adapted to meet your needs, ensuring optimal comfort after each stage.
Equipped shuttles will facilitate transportation before and after the race, allowing everyone to fully enjoy this experience with peace of mind.
The MDS Handi is a collective adventure that begins long before the desert, a challenge where you are not alone.
You have the opportunity to finance your participation by mobilizing your network and companies that wish to associate themselves with your adventure. This process is undertaken on your own initiative.
You are not setting off as a team of four alone, but with everyone who has chosen to support your project and contribute to making it happen. The search for patrons, partners, sponsors, or the launch of crowdfunding campaigns is carried out on your own initiative. Every contribution, whatever its form, helps make this experience possible.
The second edition of the MDS Handi will take place from October 2 to 10, 2026, in Morocco.
WHY HAS THE EVENT BEEN POSTPONED TO 2026?
After the success of the first edition of the MDS Handi in October 2024, which brought together 10 committed and determined teams, the adventure doesn’t stop here, it’s gaining momentum!
The next edition, scheduled for 2026, will welcome 50 teams to experience this unique adventure.
The year 2025 will serve as a transitional and preparatory phase. This extra time is essential to support the event’s growth. It will give teams the opportunity to get organized, strengthen their communication, and most importantly, focus on finding partners and sponsors to support their project.
THE FORMAT
Before embarking on the adventure, you will have the opportunity to test all the equipment at the bivouac and make any necessary adjustments.
Each stage will present its own challenges, as follows:
These distances are estimates and may vary from one edition to another.
Special challenges may be introduced throughout the race*, where you will be tasked with covering specific distances over short segments.
*Distances may vary depending on the course layout of each edition but will remain within these estimates. Specific challenges or trials may be added based on the route, such as covering 150m in a wheelchair without assistance from teammates. This will be communicated prior to the event.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
The adventure is designed to be accessible to wheelchair users with a minimum level of mobility. They must be able to propel their wheelchair using their upper limbs, as the goal is to remain active during the stages.
ADAPTATIONS
THE MDS HANDI BIVOUAC
Because your well-being and accessibility are our priority, the MDS Handi bivouac has been designed to meet your needs while fully integrating you into the MARATHON DES SABLES Morocco experience. You will be accommodated in teams of four in Berber tents, at the heart of the main bivouac, alongside the other participants.
To facilitate your movement, mats have been installed throughout the bivouac, ensuring better wheelchair accessibility. Unlike the MDS Morocco participants, you will have access to showers equipped with benches and adapted toilets. These AQ-TICA toilets feature gel cushions for added comfort.
A medical space will also be set up within the bivouac clinic, with a specialized rehabilitation medicine team dedicated to MDS Handi participants.
Program of the adventure
The offer
MDS Handi Offer
Offer including 1 bib for the MDS Handi adventure, 4 nights at the bivouac, and 4 nights in a hotel.
Your registration can be funded through sponsors, associations, or patrons, with a sponsorship dossier.
What is included in the offer:
1 race bib for the participation of one person in the MDS Handi, as part of a team of 4 people
Transfer in an adapted shuttle between Marrakech airport, the hotel, and the desert
An ultra-trail racing wheelchair provided
A specialized medical team in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) and spinal cord injuries
4 nights in an accessible hotel room in the Ouarzazate region, at the gateway to the Sahara (2 before the adventure, 2 after)
4 nights at the MDS Handi bivouac, in a Berber tent specifically adapted to your needs
AQ-TICA type toilets
Shower benches at the bivouac
Medal
Gala evening
REGISTRATION PROCESS
THEY LIVED IT
TESTIMONIALS
