Episode 245 of Talk Ultra is with Ferdinand Charriau, head of communications for Marathon des Sable – The Legendary. In this podcast we discuss the final details as the 2024 edition is just weeks away.

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• Key discussion points and notes:
• The stock cubes provide a better and less aggressive provision of salt.
• Water rations will not be as strict as in previous years, for example, at a CP, if you have 2 x 750ml bottles and a 500ml soft-flask, you can fill all three.
• A 1.5ltr bottle will be issued at CP1 on the ‘long day’ so that it is possible to have a 3ltr capacity for the ‘long day!’
• CP distances will be as usual 10 to 13km apart. HOWEVER, there will be intermediate water stations now, say at 6km +/- so you can access additional water.
• There will be cold water at CP’s (not to drink) but the medical team will pour cold water to cool body temperature.
• Stage starts will be between 0600 and 0730 depending on the stage and the length. For example, the ‘long-day’ will start at 0600. Most days will start around 0700 to 0730.
• Email in printed format will not be provided. There will also be no email tent. However, there will be IP phones available for emergency use only. MDS ideally do not want you to use them, but, the option is there.
• Mobile phones are allowed BUT you must not use them in bivouac – You must leave the camp in communicate in an isolated place. However, the MDS recommend being disconnected – be with yourself, and your tent mates.
• Foot care will be as good if not better than before.
• There will be fast response vehicles too – extra security en-route
• There will also be medical runners – They will wear an orange bib and they will run the route for immediate response on the course.
• There will be live tracking – access via the MDS website so people at home can follow.
• Fuel blocks – If you have problems taking fuel. Fuel will be available in B1 and there will be enough for well over 200 people.
• There will be a MDS shop in B1 selling all the mandatory kit – just in case!
• Make sure you travel wearing your run apparel and carry you pack.
• Meeting point is Ouarzazate airport on Friday 12th from 0800.
• Be patient on arrival for passport control.
• Bus transfer to B1 is approximately 6-hours. You will be given the road book. Also a lunch pack will be provided.
• At B1 you will be provided a 5Ltr bottle of water, there will be a welcome briefing and then self-sufficiency starts.
• There will be NO hot water provision in camp. If you want hot water, you provide it yourself.
• Admin day will have a significant change and will be done via tents and not numbers as in the past, this will mean less wait time and more opportunity to sit in the shade.
• Make sure you have original medical documents for admin day.
• It’s important to have the minimum 2000 calories per day, but at admin, the team will not be very strict. Take personal responsibility. Have your food in bags for each day and then state the total calories in each bag.
• There will be a medical emergency tent in the middle of bivouac. There will be more staff in the runner’s bivouac.
• If there are any questions – email, contact on social media or call. The MDS team are available for you.
• Wednesday 27th there will be an English and French broadcast.
• There will be some new surprises, to be revealed in bivouac!

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