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.

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.

Today’s route followed a figure of 8 shape for the 120km. The terrain mostly sandy and rocky path, the need for gaiters minimal.

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.

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.

All results for all distance are – Results here

Tomorrow, day 3 is a rest day. An opportunity to relax and recharge before the final day of 29.3km.

Marathon des Sables website HERE

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.

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