They have entered the legend
An intense final stage
After 270 km, the participants of the 40th edition of the MDS Legendary became legends.
The 2026 edition was not like any other. It marked the 40th anniversary. Forty years of stories written by determined men and women, driven by the desire to experience something extraordinary and push beyond their limits.
The 6th and final stage delivered a perfect conclusion to this unique adventure.
Participants set off at 6:30 AM for a 23.2 km course with 238 meters of elevation gain.
In the women’s race, Maryline claimed victory on this final stage ahead of Magdalena and Aziza, confirming her consistency right to the end of the event.
In the men’s race, the battle was particularly tight: Mohamed El Morabity won by just a few seconds ahead of Ludovic Pommeret, while Rachid El Morabity completed the podium.
The finishes were marked by exceptional and particularly challenging weather conditions: a mix of sandstorm, rain, and strong gusts of wind created a spectacular and dramatic end to the adventure.
Maryline Nakache dominates
6 out of 6 for Maryline Nakache. Unbeatable at this MDS Legendary 2026, the French ultra-trail runner claimed an exceptional victory in the Sahara Desert. She quite literally dominated this edition of the MDS Legendary, winning all six stages of the adventure.
During the iconic crossing of the Merzouga dunes on the final 23 km stage this Saturday, April 11, Maryline was running in second place, two minutes behind Morocco’s Aziza El Amrany. But, true to her dominance throughout the week, she took back the lead and never let it go.
Maryline Nakache crossed the finish line in 2:06, celebrating not only her stage victory but also her overall triumph and a rare achievement: three wins in three participations. As in Stage 5, she finished ahead of American Magdalena Boulet (2:11) and Morocco’s Aziza El Amrany (2:18). American Desiree Linden and Morocco’s Aziza Raji completed the top 5 (2:24).
