It has been a hectic period for the MDS crew with back-to-back events, MDS Fuerteventura, MDS Morocco and then MDS Trek. Now it’s a quick transition from Morocco to Jordan and the highly anticipated, 2024 edition of MDS Jordan.
With 599 participants, of which 332 are women and 267 men, once again, MDS events pioneer the way with more women participants than men, 55% to 45% for Jordan.
Jordan will see 25 different nationalities with the French topping the participation numbers. Unsurprisingly, the average age is 43! With 10-participants under the age of 25-years and 16-participants over 65-years. It’s an incredible testament to the MDS format that these races appeal to everyone seeking an adventure.
Schedule:
Day 1: Arrival at hotel
Day 2: Technical and medical checks, day at hotel with access to the Dead Sea
Day 3: Bus transfer, first stage, night in bivouac
Day 4: Second stage, night in bivouac
Day 5: Rest day, night in bivouac
Day 6: Third stage, discover Petra, night in hotel
Day 7: Day at hotel, Gala dinner
Day 8: Transfer to airport, end of adventure
Is Jordan the jewel in the MDS crown? With so many great destinations, it’s hard to pick a stand out, however, when speaking to many, Jordan is high on many a runner’s wish list for very good reason. Only ‘The Legendary’ tips the ‘wish list’ scales.
The 4th edition, running from November 2nd to 9th is sold out and importantly, dates are already set for the 5th and 6th editions, May 9-16 2025 and November 1-8 2025.
Breathtaking landscapes and backdrops await in the amazing desert of Wadi Rum. Living in the rhythm of the desert, as with all MDS events, participants will run or walk 70, 100 or 120km over 3-stages in 4-days.
Day 1 / Stage 1 25-30km.
Day 2 / Stage 2 choose 20km, 40km or 60km.
Day 3 Rest day
Day 4 / Stage 3 25-30km followed by transfer to hotel.
Pre and post-race, 2-nights before and 2-nights after, the 599 runners will enjoy a 4-star hotel situated on the Dead Sea. But the magic does not end there, post-race, a visit to the mythical city of Petra is included.
Photo @mirandahdz
On the final day, time to relax and prepare for the awards ceremony and gala dinner.
Nothing like an MDS post-race party with DJ Robin.
Three sublime stages which will transport participants in the most beautiful places. Wadi Rum is a truly exceptional place Located in the south of Jordan, the desert is breathtaking Contrasting sand, mountains, canyons, caves and natural arches; the landscape is mind-blowing.
4 days in the heart of Wadi Rum, that’s the unique experience that the participants of this MDS adventure will live.
What is the MDS?
The MARATHON DES SABLES is a unique adventure, shared by thousands of enthusiasts since 1986.
To differentiate the full distance race of 250km’s, Marathon des Sables will now be known at MDS The Legendary, reflecting the legendary status of this iconic event and its long history as a pioneer of the stage racing and multi-day format.
The ‘HMDS’ format whill still follow the same protocols as before but has now dropped the ‘half’ title and moving forward, events will be called MDS Jordan, MDS Morocco, MDS Cappadocia and so on.
The MDS events are a one-week sporting adventure that combines the discovery, travel, meeting new people and physically challenging yourself in a self-sufficient manner.
Since 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has crossed the world’s most stunning deserts with several unique concepts: the MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY (252 km in the Sahara Desert in Morocco), the MARATHON DES SABLES (70, 100, or 120 km spread over 3 stages), and the new 2024 concept, the MDS TREK (4 stages with a total distance of up to 120 km), offering an accessible adventure with optimal comfort. These international events have seen over 50 editions in various countries such as Morocco, Fuerteventura Island, Peru, Jordan, Turkey, and offer adventures that combine running/hiking in the desert with tourism.
The 3rd edition (2024) of MDS Morocco came to a conclusion on Thursday October 17th.
What is a MDS event?
For clarity, MDS (previously HMDS) races take place over 4-days with 3-stages of running, the 3rd day is a rest day before the 4th day and stage 3. stages 1 and 3 are the same distance for all participants, typically between 20 and 30km. Stage 2 has three distance options: 20, 40 or 60km’s therefore making the MDS format adaptable to your personal ambitions, fitness and ability.
MDS The Legendary.
Legendary uses traditional Berber/ Amazigh tents
By contrast, MDS Legendary, to be known as The Legendary, is the classic full-distance race taking place over a full week. The format is 250km’s over 6-stages/ 7-days.
The race format:
MDS or MDS Legendary, you carry all you need for the race
Both formats of race are self-sufficient. Therefore, the competitor must carry all they need for the duration of the event. This includes clothes, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, food and snacks for the whole race and mandatory equipment as specified by the the organization. The only items provided are a place to sleep, for MDS events this is a single-occupancy tent and for The Legendary, a Bereber tent that holds 8 participants. In addition, rationed water is provided as specified in the race rules.
In simple terms, both races function on a very similar format. The Legendary obviously considerably harder due to the distance and duration.
MDS events provide an incredible challenge that opens the self-sufficient, stage race format to participants who would not normally take on such a challenge. For this, MDS events must be applauded and appreciated. There is a little too much ‘ultra’ snobbery that downgrades these events and I for one am glad that the ‘half’ tag (HMDS – Half Marathon des Sables) has been removed. Half had negative connotations, these events are a challenge in there own right and they should be appreciated as such.
Planning:
When planning a self-sufficient race, particularly in Morocco, you will be inundated with advice from past participants. Use caution.
I love the quote from the Baz Luhrmann song, ‘Wear Sunscreen.’
“Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia: dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts, and recycling it for more than it’s worth.”
MDS events and The Legendary have hot editions, cold editions, windy editions, sand storm editions and as with the 2024 MDS Morocco, a combination of all these elements with the addition of thunderstorms, torrential rain and yes, flooding!
Gore-Tex jacket while running in the Sahara
So, when someone tells you you don’t need a sleeping bag, you don’t need a jacket, you don’t need goggles or you don’t need x, x, or x, take this advice and then ignore it.
Flooding in the Sahara
The best advice I can give, be prepared! Be prepared for all eventualities and then fine-tune equipment very close to the event, even at the event location on admin day so that you can make sure you have the appropriate equipment based on the current weather forecast.
The 2024 MDS Morocco:
The 2024 MDS Morocco provided a unique, memorable and stunning experience, it is one that will go down in the history for the Marathon des Sables. Gladly, the rain was anticipated and in general, most participants were prepared with a jacket. Usually a jacket is worn in camp to avoid early morning chill or late night temperature drops… Imagine wearing a jacket mid-stage, in the Sahara, while rain poured down and the desert floods.
Rain cover on the WAA pack proved to be a luxury item
It’s rare that participants take additional clothes, t-shirt/ shorts for example, however, those that did were laughing on stage 1 when they could remove wet clothes, dry off and wear dry clothes.
However, there is an important caveat here, participants who did not use dry bags or pack covers (the WAA Ultra Bag has a rain cover) had wet clothes and wet sleeping bags. Important lesson, make sure you have a dry bag or rain cover to protect important items: sleeping bag, clothes, socks etc
MDS laundry as participants tried to dry equipment
Luckily, after stage 1, the weather did clear and the sun appeared making bivouac look like a laundry with clothes and sleeping bags laid out everywhere. But, had the rain persisted into the night, there would have been many miserable runners.
Stage 2, the weather cleared and the new route was excellent
The impact of the rain could not be underestimated and for stage 2 the planned routes needed to be re-worked. The original routes had sustained considerable flooding making it impossible to use the 20/40 or 60km options. This is where the MDS organization steps in. Contingency plans were activated, emergency routes were used and the MDS staff worked tirelessly to re flag the routes and put the infrastructure in place to make sure the user experience was not impacted. Bravo!
Whilst the weather did its best to make things difficult, this 3rd edition of the race also had two other unique aspects.
Handi category getting help on stage 3 in the gorge
Firstly, the inclusion of the HANDI category, 10 teams of 3 people, 2 runners/ one wheelchair athlete. Something very special this and we can only hope to see and experience more of it. Cyril Gauthier is passionate about making this work!
Secondly, a film crew were using the MDS event as a backdrop for a feature film. This actually did no impact on the race or runner experience at all, however, it did provide an extra dynamic for the MDS team to handle.
Iced water at aid stations to help cool down the runners
Stage 2 experienced some light rain early on but the weather cleared and finally the heat returned. This time though, considerably more humidity than the traditional dry heat of the Sahara. An extra challenge. For many, stage 2 is the long day with 40km or 60km. Whilst most of the 40km runners finished in daylight, the 60km went on till beyond midnight.
Late night finish party
However, the finish line atmosphere was electric with DJ Robin and participants and staff dancing.
Rest day recovery
The rest day coming on day 3 was welcome. The weather was once again unpredictable and variable; sometimes windy, occasionally raining but the Berber tents provided a welcome haven to protect from the elements.
Those who had problematic feet had time to have them looked after and cared for by the Dokever team.
Even the afternoon yoga session had rain, but nobody seemed to mind!
Yoga in the desert
Stage 3 was scheduled to start at 0430, this was put back to 0530 to make sure the first finisher would be in daylight. In addition, the early stages of stage 3 were completely flooded, so, another re-route was required.
Early on stage 3
And finally, for the HANDI category, for stage 3 they would do the full 25km route. Only one section, a narrow gorge coming at 11.5km would cause a problem for them, but MDS orange and blue coats were there to support and facilitate safe passage. It was a special day to experience the HANDI teams achieve these incredible goals – it was emotional.
The HANDI category was awe-inspiring to watch
Weather wise, it felt like a typical Saharan day; an awesome sunrise, temperatures rising close to 30-deg and little wind. The last competitors arrived just before 1400 hrs and everyone, including staff were back in Ouarzazate by 2000hrs.
The following day, a trip to Ait Ben Haddou, afternoon relaxation, dinner and then the awards ceremony and party.
Post awards party time
Despite incredible challenges, the 2024 MDS Morocco was a huge success, and it is for sure, one to be remembered.
The medal
Finally, while many things are transferable between any MDS event, clothing, pack, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, food etc, one thing is important and it cannot be emphasised enough, be prepared. Plan for the best and worst case scenarios, plan for intense heat, plan for the cold, and yes, you may not think it is going to rain, but this edition proved that not only can it rain, it can rain pretty much everyday and cause many problems.
Since 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has crossed the world’s most stunning deserts with several unique concepts: the MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY (MDS Legendary or The Legendary) – 252 km in the Sahara Desert in Morocco, the MARATHON DES SABLES (MDS) – 70, 100, or 120 km spread over 3 stages, and the new 2024 concept, the MDS TREK (4 stages with a total distance of up to 120 km), offering an accessible adventure with optimal comfort. These international events have seen over 50 editions in various countries such as Morocco, Fuerteventura Island, Peru, Jordan, Turkey, and offer adventures that combine running/hiking in the desert with tourism.
The final stage of the 2024 MDS Morocco started with an early wake up ahead of the 0530 start. There was a chill in the air as participants prepared their last meals.
WAA – What An Adventure
The stage 3 route had been modified due to flooding, but the course would take place in the same region of the Sahara as planned, just a slight detour avoiding the requirement to swim…
Race winner, Rachid El Morabity
The stage of 25km’s was notable as the HANDI category would complete the entire stage, just one section at around 11km, a narrow gorge, requiring outside assistance from the MDS blue coats to help ensure safe passage.
Teamwork makes the dream work.
For the top runner’s, the stage would be completed in almost darkness, with sunrise coming at 0720 and the expected first finisher at 0730.
Amazing sunrise
It was a magical day, the glow and lines of headlamps creating a visual spectacle. The Handi teams inspiring and showing that there are no limits and of course, the sunrise was really exceptional.
Magic of the Sahara
The 2024 MDS Morocco will be remembered in the history of the Marathon des Sables legacy; strong winds, sand storms, thunderstorm, torrential rain, flooding and the Handi teams.
The flooding created unique visual moments.
The experience has been all the greater for these moments of test. And for future editions of MDS lessons can be learnt, participants must be prepared for all eventualities. History has shown, the Sahara is not always hot, it is not always dry and it is not always calm and relaxing. This is what makes the adventure and challenge so great and rewarding.
The Handi category, amazing and emotional.
As with all MDS events. there are three distance categories, 70km, 100km and 120km. For the 2024 MDS Morocco, a fourth category, the Handi. A category that we all hope that can grow and develop to more races in the MDS portfolio.
The MDS Morocco 2024 came to an end. Winners were crowned at the awards ceremony, but the top-3 in each distance are only the tip of the iceberg in a race of 630 participants. The MDS format truly appreciates and applauds all who take part, be them fast runner or walker. These races exist to allow all abilities an opportunity to seek an adventure at a pace and a distance that is a challenge to themselves, it’s a wonderful concept.
Since 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has crossed the world’s most stunning deserts with several unique concepts: the MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY (252 km in the Sahara Desert in Morocco), the MARATHON DES SABLES (70, 100, or 120 km spread over 3 stages), and the new 2024 concept, the MDS TREK (4 stages with a total distance of up to 120 km), offering an accessible adventure with optimal comfort. These international events have seen over 50 editions in various countries such as Morocco, Fuerteventura Island, Peru, Jordan, Turkey, and offer adventures that combine running/hiking in the desert with tourism.
A sunny afternoon, some heat and strong winds brought a welcome end to stage 1, however, on the horizon, storms were visible from bivouac. Gladly, they never appeared and everyone had a calm night after a beautiful sunset.
Camp life
The impact of the weather on stage 1 however, caused a complete re-working of the stage 2 route, as key sections were still under flood water.
The 0800 start.
With two starts for stage 2, 0800 and 1000 (for the top 50) the day started with some light rain, needless to say, there was concern within the whole bivouac. However, after a cloudy start, the weather started to clear and by mid-afternoon, we were back to a normal Sahara day with temperatures close to 30deg and blue skies. The main difference coming with some extra humidity.
The route was a wonderful mix of climbs, soft-sand, stoney plateau all in an area that is considered a highlight of the Sahara.
The heat returned
With three route options available, 20km, 40km or 60km the full results from the day will only be known when all participants have finished and the timekeepers have collated the data, so, please check the results via the link below.
Full MDS Morocco results are available to be viewed HERE
One thing we do know is that Rachid El Morabity crossed the finish line, hand-in-hand with Abdekkader Elmouaziz.
The landscape in the Sahara is very different at the moment
The HANDI race started with the masses as they did on stage 1 and proceed for 1km before transferring via vehicle to Cp1. They then raced to Cp2. Once at Cp2 they then transferred back to the final km to finish under the MDS arch.
Tomorrow is a rest day and an opportunity to re-charge before stage 3 on Thursday.
Since 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has crossed the world’s most stunning deserts with several unique concepts: the MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY (252 km in the Sahara Desert in Morocco), the MARATHON DES SABLES (70, 100, or 120 km spread over 3 stages), and the new 2024 concept, the MDS TREK (4 stages with a total distance of up to 120 km), offering an accessible adventure with optimal comfort. These international events have seen over 50 editions in various countries such as Morocco, Fuerteventura Island, Peru, Jordan, Turkey, and offer adventures that combine running/hiking in the desert with tourism.
Bivouac in the distance towered by the ominous weather
The 2024 MDS Morocco officially got underway after a day of strong winds, sandstorms and rain through the night.
With the glow of fires in bivouac, the sky was ominous and the flashes of light and sound in the distance was a warning of what was to come.
A river runs through it
Stage 1, 24.7km and 507m+ was in theory, an easier day passing through very familiar MDS territory. With 2.5km´s of easy terrain before a short sand climb and descent before a long flat section to cp1.
Climbing the early pass before the rain came
Cp1 to Cp2 contained more soft-sand and soft-sand followed as the runners climbed to the highest point via a mountain pass and then a descent all the way to bivouac.
Making a splash
The story of the day was the weather, the ominous clouds and distance sounds moved to bivouac and then reached the first mountain pass just as the last runner came through.
The fagility of nature
What followed was nothing short of a biblical downpour turning certain sections of the stage 1 route into a mud bath of flooding, rivers and streams. Cp2 was hit hard, but participants embraced the challenge. Everyone was smiles, fully understanding that they were experiencing a very unique moment in MDS history.
As quickly as the storm came, it disappeared and as the day passed, by midday, skies were blue, the sune was once again beating down and all was resumed for a typical MDS day!
Full MDS Morocco results are available to be viewed HERE
El Morabity after cp2 in the rain
Top 3 for stage 1 came as no surprise for the men with Elmouaziz and El Morabity playing a game setting up Rachid for the long stage tomorrow.
The HANDI race started with the masses and proceed for 1km before transferring via vehicle to Cp1. They then move from Cp1 to Cp2, km8.5 to km12.2 in ´race mode.´ A tough and arduous challenge moving a special wheelchair through the soft sand of the Sahara. One pushes, the other pulls. It’s incredible to see these 10 pioneering teams pave a new way in Morocco.
Inspiration from the Handi teams
Tomorrow, stage 2, which is the theoretical long day. Athletes can choose, 20km, 40km or 60km. However, after the heavy rains of today and localised flooding, there may be a change of routes.
Since 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has crossed the world’s most stunning deserts with several unique concepts: the MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY (252 km in the Sahara Desert in Morocco), the MARATHON DES SABLES (70, 100, or 120 km spread over 3 stages), and the new 2024 concept, the MDS TREK (4 stages with a total distance of up to 120 km), offering an accessible adventure with optimal comfort. These international events have seen over 50 editions in various countries such as Morocco, Fuerteventura Island, Peru, Jordan, Turkey, and offer adventures that combine running/hiking in the desert with tourism.
Following on from MDS Fuerteventura, the MDS team quickly transition to Morocco and the 2024 edition of MDS Morocco that will take place in the heart of the Sahara. MDS Morocco offers an adventure accessible to all kind of walkers and runners. A unique journey, where you will cross breathtaking landscapes. Far from any form of civilization, this is a unique opportunity to refocus on yourself and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
This 3rd edition, 12th to the 19th October will see 600 participants arrive for the adventure of a lifetime in the place where the Marathon des Sables story started over 37-years ago, Morocco.
Participants will arrive in Ouarzazate on Saturday October 12th for technical and medical checks followed by a night in a hotel.
Admin and medical checks
The following day, Sunday, is the journey, via bus, to the desert (approximately 6 hours) with arrival in bivouac and the start of self-sufficiency.
Bus transfer to the desert
Day 3, 4, 5 and 6 will have participants follow the classic MDS format of racing, 3 stages spread over 4-days.
Day 1 / Stage 1 25-30km.
Day 2 / Stage 2 choose 20km, 40km or 60km.
Day 3 Rest day
Day 4 / Stage 3 25-30km followed by transfer to hotel.
Importantly, MDS Morocco will see the addition of the NEW category, HANDI MDS which will cover 51km and 867m+
The following day provides the opportunity to visit the iconic site of Aït-Benhaddou(one of the locations of the film Gladiator). On arrival back at the hotel, time to relax and prepare for the awards ceremony and gala dinner.
Saturday 19h October is departure day.
Three sublime stages which will transport participants in the most beautiful places of the Moroccan Sahara, sleeping 4 nights in the MDS bivouac, this is the start of one of the adventures of a lifetime.
What is the MDS?
The MARATHON DES SABLES is a unique adventure, shared by thousands of enthusiasts since 1986.
To differentiate the full distance race of 250km’s, Marathon des Sables will now be known at MDS The Legendary, reflecting the legendary status of this iconic event and its long history as a pioneer of the stage racing and multi-day format.
The ‘HMDS’ format will still follow the same protocols as before but has now dropped the ‘half’ title and moving forward, events will be called MDS Jordan, MDS Morocco, MDS Cappadocia and so on.
MDS always an adventure
The MDS events are a one-week sporting adventure that combines the discovery, travel, meeting new people and physically challenging yourself in a self-sufficient manner.
Since 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has crossed the world’s most stunning deserts with several unique concepts: the MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY (252 km in the Sahara Desert in Morocco), the MARATHON DES SABLES (70, 100, or 120 km spread over 3 stages), and the new 2024 concept, the MDS TREK (4 stages with a total distance of up to 120 km), offering an accessible adventure with optimal comfort. These international events have seen over 50 editions in various countries such as Morocco, Fuerteventura Island, Peru, Jordan, Turkey, and offer adventures that combine running/hiking in the desert with tourism.
MARATHON DES SABLES 2025 events are already open:
MDS Morocco – Atlantic Coast: January 25 to February 1, 2025
A rest day made all the difference for the participants of MDS Fuerteventura and stage 3 was eagerly anticipated.
An early departure from bivouac and then a bus transfer to the start at Sotavento Beach, ahead 26.3km with 587m+ to La Pared.
A beautiful day of sand and path passing through Jandia National Park and concluding with epic coastal cliffs and an ocean backdrop.
Today, was all about the medal gladly, all achieved there goal finishing before the cut-off time of 16.45, a huge success.
After the bad weather in 2022 and the missing 2023, MDS Fuerteventura is well and truly back!
In the 120km race, SANTANA FERNÁNDEZ was crowned the winner with an elapsed time of 9:36:35. FOULQUIÉ PADILLA and ROGER PÉREZ placed 2nd and 3rd, 9:40:37 and 9:48:15 respectively.
For the women, DEL RIO VALLES, BOLLENGIER and NACHARD placed 1, 2 and 3, 13:54:20, 14:47:42 and 15:47:08 respectively.
PÉREZ DE LA CRUZ 10:23:12 and MUJICA GONZÁLEZ 11:53:49 were the male and female winners of the 100km and RODRÍGUEZ MORENO 9:02:44 and MAHIQUES 8:47:49 were the male and female winners in the 70km class, with MAHIQUES the outright winner.
Full results are available HERE for 120km, HEREfor the 100km andHERE for the 70km.
Now it is time for a shower, fresh clothes, a good dinner and bed with clean sheets. Tomorrow is a day of relaxation and then a gala dinner with awards ceremony.
Since 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has crossed the world’s most stunning deserts with several unique concepts: the MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY (252 km in the Sahara Desert in Morocco), the MARATHON DES SABLES (70, 100, or 120 km spread over 3 stages), and the new 2024 concept, the MDS TREK (4 stages with a total distance of up to 120 km), offering an accessible adventure with optimal comfort. These international events have seen over 50 editions in various countries such as Morocco, Fuerteventura Island, Peru, Jordan, Turkey, and offer adventures that combine running/hiking in the desert with tourism.
Stage 1 was a challenging day for many, the 33.6km proving a tough start to the 2024 MDS Fuerteventura. On the positive side, there were no DNF’s.
Stage 2 is called ‘The Long Day’ as this is the day that for 100km and 120km will prove to be the longest of the race. However, the challenge can be as much mental as physical.
An early start
Challenge 1.
After the start, almost immediately, the runner’s are given the option to to turn right and take on the 17.8kmm loop, 20 men and 63 women chose this. Alternatively, you can turn right and start the 40.5km loop. The remainder of the participants chose this.
Challenge 2.
At the end of the 40.5 km loop, you can turn right and run to the finish – 25 min and 41 women chose this.
Challenge 3.
For the brave, a left turn after the 40.5km loop provides the option to complete a final loop and the total long day distance of 56.7km – 75 men and 61 women chose this.
MUJICA GONZÁLEZ
Today’s route followed a figure of 8 shape for the 120km. The terrain mostly sandy and rocky path, the need for gaiters minimal.
Some wonderful small canyons to run through
The day started at 0600 after a warm night under the stars. The winds had calmed but the sky was cloudy and it would remain that way until midday, when a sunny period provide some blue skies. Temperatures reached a high of 28 degrees and running conditions were good.
Time to grab the race by the horns
With three race distance options, rankings would change considerably during stage 2, however, in the 120km distance, the main protagonists of SANTANA FERNÁNDEZ, ROGER PÉREZ and FOULQUIÉ PADILLA would remain the same. However, today it was FOULQUIÉ PADILLA who now takes the overall lead with an elapsed time of 7:31:21 closely followed by SANTANA FERNÁNDEZ in 7:32:11. ROGER PÉREZ remains in third.
For the women, stage 1 winner MUJICA GONZÁLEZ started the day slower but then moved up through the field and is now in the women’s overall lead with a time of 8:56:08. BOLLENGIER who was 2nd on stage 1 is now 4th on GC with DEMARQUILLY moving into 2nd 9:55:47 and DEL RIO VALLES 3rd with 10:49:47.
Since 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has crossed the world’s most stunning deserts with several unique concepts: the MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY (252 km in the Sahara Desert in Morocco), the MARATHON DES SABLES (70, 100, or 120 km spread over 3 stages), and the new 2024 concept, the MDS TREK (4 stages with a total distance of up to 120 km), offering an accessible adventure with optimal comfort. These international events have seen over 50 editions in various countries such as Morocco, Fuerteventura Island, Peru, Jordan, Turkey, and offer adventures that combine running/hiking in the desert with tourism.
IAN CORLESS 