You arrive in Morocco, pass through passport control, wait for your luggage, leave the airport arrivals hall and find a seat on a coach. 

The MDS journey is now in full swing. 

Waiting in anticipation, the Road Book (the bible) for the next edition of the race is provided and immediately pages turn, running through the mind of each participant:

“How long is the long day?”

Well, the wait is over, I can tell you. For 2024, the long day will be 85.3 km’s.

The MARATHON DES SABLES – The Legendary is breaking silence and today, we announce the daily stage distances for the 2024 edition.

• Stage 1 : 31.1 km
• Stage 2 : 40.8 km
• Stage 3 : 85.3 km (over 2 days)
• Stage 4 : 43.1 km
• Stage 5 : 31.4 km
• Stage 6 : 21.1 km

• Total 252.8 km

Taking place in the southern Moroccan Sahara since 1986; an extraordinary adventure will take place covering 252 km’s, the longest edition in the race history. Lasting 11-days with 9-days in the desert, divided into 6 stages over 7-days, a magical crossing of the Sahara walking or running.

The exact route, with maps, will once again be covered in detail in the road book, which as per usual, will be provided in Morocco whilst on the way to the bivouac one.

This is the first time that the daily distances have been disclosed before arrival in Morocco. Does this change anything? No, not really. I guess there is a reassurance knowing that the long day is not 90+ km’s. 

However, with the 2024 edition being 252 km’s and over 6 timed stages, it was my prediction that this race would be a tougher challenge in contrast to those that have gone before. Therefore, to ease minds, the distances have been announced.

Previously, the long day would come on stage 4 (over 2 days) and it would be followed by the marathon stage. It was common thought, “Get the long day done and it’s just a marathon to go!” At the finish of the marathon, the medal would be received; job done. 

Now, with the long day coming on stage 3, you still have 3-stages to run totaling 95.6 km’s. This will require a completely different mental and physical approach.

So, plan accordingly and be prepared.

You may wish to read my previous post HERE that provides some important information in regard to the 2024 race.

It is 8 weeks to go to one of the greatest experiences of your life. Make this time count!

ORGANIZATION OF THE WEEK

Here is how a typical week at the MARATHON DES SABLES is organized

• Day 1: Arrival in Morocco, transfer by bus in the desert, installation and night at the bivouac.
• Day 2: Day of technical, administrative and medical checks, night at the bivouac.
• Day 3:First stage, night at the bivouac.
• Day 4:Second stage, night at the bivouac.
• Days 5 & 6:Third stage – “the long one” – which lasts 2 days. Nights at the bivouac.
• Day 7: Fourth stage, night at the bivouac.
• Day 8: Fifth stage, night at the bivouac.
• Day 9: Sixth stage, award ceremony.Transfer by bus to Ouarzazate, night at the hotel with half board accommodation.
• Day 10: Free day in Ouarzazate, night at the hotel with half board accommodation.
• Day 11: End of the adventure, transfer back to the airport.

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