MDS LEGENDARY
The ultimate challenge to push your limits
11 days9 days in the desert
2 hotel nightsafter the adventure
250 kmin 6 stages
FormatFood self-sufficiency
AccessibilityRequires good physical condition
THE CONCEPT
The MDS Legendary is a unique race and adventure that has been taking place in the southern Moroccan Sahara since 1986. It’s a magnificent and mythical desert crossing that includes 11 days in Morocco, of which 9 are spent in the desert, covering a distance of approximately 250 km over 6 stages. Participants can choose to run or walk the course, all in food self-sufficiency.
In 2026, the MDS Legendary will celebrate its 40th edition—a perfect occasion to honor four decades of emotion, challenges, and incredible human stories in the heart of the desert. This anniversary edition promises to be exceptional!
Join the adventure with peace of mind, as your registration includes free deferral insurance up to 7 days before the event.
approximately 250 km
The Race
The total distance to cover is approximately 250 kilometers over 6 stages. This distance may vary depending on terrain and elevation.
The structure of the stages and the distance breakdown may vary from year to year depending on the routes chosen. The exact route and stage distances are revealed in the roadbook, which is handed to you in Morocco upon arrival at the bivouac, the day before the race starts.
stage
01
32 km
stage
02
40 km
stage
03
32,2 km
stage
04
82,2 km (over 48h)
stage
05
42,2 km
stage
06
21,1 km
Finish line
stage
01
32 km
stage
02
40 km
stage
03
32,2 km
stage
04
82,2 km (over 48h)
stage
05
42,2 km
stage
06
21,1 km
Finish line
THE CAMP
The Bivouac
The bivouac is the camp where participants spend the nights during the Legendary. The tents are traditional Berber tents, designed to withstand desert conditions and spacious enough to accommodate 8 people each.
At the bivouac, you’ll also find sanitary tents and medical teams available in the clinic if needed.
Self-Sufficiency
Once the buses leave Ouarzazate for the desert, self-sufficiency begins from the travel day itself, starting with the first night at the bivouac, continuing through the administrative day, and then into the day the race officially starts.
It’s important to note that there’s a distinction between these two periods of self-sufficiency:
During the travel and administrative days, participants can bring as much or as little food as they like.
Food
However, this part is not counted toward the race’s mandatory minimum food requirement of 2,000 calories per day.
Participants are free to bring canned goods, drinks, wine, beer, caviar, or any other items of their choice. Being able to manage your own food intake is clearly beneficial and helps reduce the risk of food-related health issues that could compromise your success in the race.
MDS LEGENDARY
EQUIPEMENT
Test your gear thoroughly
Before heading into the desert, you need to be 100% confident in what you’re taking with you. Every item should be tested — ideally in real conditions: backpack, shoes, clothing… A small discomfort at kilometer 10 can turn into a real problem by kilometer 50. The more you train and test your equipment beforehand, the more comfortable you’ll be during the race.
Optimize your pack weight
Your pack must include all mandatory gear, your personal equipment, and your food. The regulations require a total weight between 6.5 and 15 kg, but we recommend aiming for 6.5 to 8.5 kg. Don’t forget that you’ll also be carrying around 2 kg of water in your bottles during each stage. It’s up to you to find the right balance between lightness and the comfort you want to bring along.
PARTICIPANTS
an adventure open to all
The MARATHON DES SABLES Legendary is an adventure open to all. With 39 editions so far, over 30,000 people have taken part in the adventure. On average, each edition brings together:
- 60 nationalities represented
- Over 30% walkers
- 27% women
- Average age: 47 years
- 90% finishers
- Average pace: 5.2 km/h
- Time barriers are set at 3.5 km/h, allowing walkers to complete the adventure within the time limits and at their own pace.
SUPPORTING WOMEN
The Desert for Women
Every year, more and more women participate in the MDS Legendary. To support them, we’ve put specific measures in place so they can enjoy this adventure in the best possible conditions:
- Women-only tents for those seeking more privacy
- Dedicated tents for changing in comfort
- Sanitary products available at checkpoints during stages and at the bivouac if needed
These systems in no way restrict gender diversity but offer everyone the freedom to choose what suits them best.
THEY DID IT
TESTIMONIALS
01 / 03
MDS LEGENDARY
upcoming legendary event...
Under the High Patronage of
His Majesty King Mohammed VI