Stage 1 of the 40th edition of the MDS Legendary

Start of Stage 1

This morning, the desert awoke gently, as if it knew that something extraordinary was about to unfold.

Under a calm sky and the first light of day, 1,500 runners stood ready. Each with their own story, each with their own reasons for taking part in the adventure. Slowly, the setting came to life.

This was not just another adventure about to begin, but the 40th edition of the MDS Legendary.

The atmosphere was electric, a palpable mix of excitement and fear. Some participants stood in silence, eyes fixed on the horizon. Others laughed nervously, shaking out their legs, enjoying the final moments of comfort before the storm. For many, it was the culmination of years of dreaming. For all, it was the beginning of a challenge that would push them beyond their limits.

The start was launched to the sound of “Highway to Hell”, an iconic ritual of the MDS Legendary. And in an instant, the waiting was over.

Ahead of them: 35 kilometres through the first landscapes of the Sahara.

A fast and committed start

This opening stage was marked by a particularly sustained pace, especially at the front of the race.

In the men’s race, defending champion Rachid El Morabity set a strong tempo from the start, breaking from his usually more strategic approach. The race quickly took shape around a leading group composed of Rachid El Morabity, his brother Mohamed El Morabity, and Michaël Gras.

The selection happened progressively before a decisive acceleration from the El Morabity brothers at Checkpoint 3. In a closely contested finish, Mohamed El Morabity claimed victory in 2:26:29, finishing 21 seconds ahead of Rachid El Morabity. Michaël Gras completed the podium, 4 minutes and 34 seconds behind the winner.

In the women’s race, the pace was also intense from the very first kilometres. Aziza El Amrany took the lead early, setting a strong tempo, closely followed by Maryline Nakache, who stayed within reach throughout the race.

The decisive move came in the second half of the course, when Maryline Nakache accelerated to create a decisive gap. She won this first stage in 3:04:01, finishing 5 minutes and 33 seconds ahead of Aziza El Amrany. Agathe Teillet-Magot secured third place, 17 minutes and 26 seconds behind.

Beyond the athletic performances, this first day took place in particularly favorable conditions, with mild weather and a desert environment offering a remarkable setting.

This stage sets the tone for an edition that already promises to be highly competitive, both in the men’s and women’s races.

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