Is Jordan the jewel in the MDS line-up of races? It is hard to pick any one location with so many stunning options, but, Jordan offers something very unique.

The runner’s are surrounded by ampitheatres of rock, canyons, gorges and the glow of intense light making Wadi Rum a very special place.

Stage 1 started with an early wake up and a 4am depart from the race hotel, ahead, a 4-hour journey to the desert.

Starting a little after 0930, 550 runner’s were released for the adventure of a lifetime, ahead 27.4km and 980m+.

The passage of a narrow gorge and climb came early and then the track weaved through mountains, much of the time, the terrain soft sand. It’s a tough day 1.

After cp2, the track is more open and flat allowing for an ‘easier’ run to the finish line of the day and bivouac, home for the next three nights.

As with all MDS races, the journey is unique and challenging for each person, run or walk. However, at the front a race takes place and today, Rachid El Morabity was the victor ahead of Theo Detienne and Dorian Louvet, 2:07:52, 2:12:47 and 2:14:58 respectively. Salameh El Alaqra, the Jordanian was 4th in 2:30:44.

MDS The Legendary champion in 2022, Sylvaine Cussot was the clear winner for the women, crossing the line in 3:18:24. Pauline Thinus was 2nd and Maine Canas was 3rd, 3:40:10 and 3:43:14.

Tomorrow, stage 2, is the long day where participants can choose 20km, 40km or 60km.

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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