The Marathon des Sables (MDS) isn’t just a race, it’s a test of grit, strategy, and survival.
Whether you’re taking on the MDS 120 (70km, 100km, or 120km across three stages in four days) MDS RAID, MDS TREK or the infamous MDS LEGENDARY (250km across six stages in seven days), the physical and mental demands are unlike any other event.
Photo by Ian Corless
Training for the MDS means more than just running a lot. You’re preparing your body to carry gear (Trek excluded) across uneven terrain WITH varied temperatures all while potentially sleep-deprived, sunburned, and blistered. It requires smart progression, precise planning, and brutal honesty about your strengths and weaknesses.
Here’s a guide how to build a training system that prepares you to compete if you’re aiming for the top, or complete if you’re focused on finishing strong and unbroken.
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Understanding the Events
MDS LEGENDARY:
• Distance: 250 km
• Duration: 6 stages over 7 days
• Focus: Endurance monster; includes one long stage (often 80-90 km,) a marathon stage and on the final day a half-marathon.
• Logistics: Self-sufficient, sleep on the ground, rationed water, blister clinics, potentially extreme heat and sharing a bivouac (tent) with 7-0ther people.
MDS 120:
• Distance: 70, 100, or 120 km.
• Duration: 3 stages over 4 days
• Focus: Shorter but intense; good as a first step into stage racing
• Logistics: Self-sufficient, similar rules to the full MDS but over a condensed period and participants sleep in individual tents. Remember, MDS 120 events have varied terrain, MDS 120 Cappadocia as an example is much more a ‘trail’ race than a desert race.
Photo by Ian Corless
MDS RAID:
• Distance: 100, or 120 km.
• Duration: 3 stages over 4 days as MDS 120 but with a ‘star night.’
• Focus: Shorter but intense; good as a first step into stage racing
• Logistics: Self-sufficient, similar rules to the MDS 120 but in teams of two and ideally the participant has more experience.
MDS TREK:
• Distance: 70 to 120 km.
• Duration: 4 stages over 6 days.
• Focus: An introduction to MDS with no self-sufficiency, extra comfort and daily distances to be undertaken ‘trekking.’
MDS ULTRA and MDS CRAZY LOOPS:
• Two unique events that do not follow the ’typical’ MDS format. The ULTRA is a single-stage race of 100km’s or 100-miles. CRAZY LOOPS is a trail event, in the mountains, participants complete as many loops as possible in a 24-hour time period.
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Competing vs. Completing
Photo by Ian Corless
These are two entirely different approaches:
Competing means aiming for the front of the pack. You’re trying to place well, maybe top-100 or higher. This demands high mileage, precise gear choices, low pack weight, and serious pacing strategy. Your training must be performance-focused, often replicating race conditions with deliberate intensity.
Completing means finishing within cutoff times, avoiding injury, and keeping yourself intact. You still need to train hard, but the mindset is survival over speed. You train to handle discomfort and manage variables like foot care, heat, and nutrition. A slower pace still means a high physical load due to long time-on-feet days.
Photo by Ian Corless
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The Influence of Previous Experience
If you’re coming from a road marathon or ultra background, your endurance engine is a huge asset. But you’ll still need to adapt:
• Road runner? Learn to move efficiently on sand, rocks, and uneven terrain. Focus on gait adaptation and ankle stability.
• Trail ultra veteran? You’ve got terrain dialled in so develop strategies based on your goals to maximise your experience. This may be to ‘perform’ aiming for a top-100 position. Asses strengths and weaknesses, add gym work, core, stability and so on.
• New to ultras? Start with time-on-feet progression and hike-run strategies. You’ll need to build both endurance and mental resilience slowly and methodically.
Prior experience informs your pace, nutrition, and how aggressively you can train. Beginners must respect the build-up. Veterans must respect the different environment. Walk, and walk a great deal.
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The Foundation: Gradual Progression and Rest
Ultra training is about progressive and controlled block of stress and recovery. You don’t jump into 30 km runs with a pack. You build tolerance over months.
Golden Rule: Progress weekly volume by no more than 10%. Rest every 3-4 weeks. Use time-on-feet as much as distance early on.
Your weekly progression may look like:
• Week 1: 45 km (with one 15 km light pack run)
• Week 2: 50 km
• Week 3: 55 km
• Week 4: 30 km (recovery)
• Week 5: 60 km (add second pack run)
And so on, depending on fitness level, adaptation, targets and goals.
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Training Cycles: Macrocycles, Mesocycles, and Microcycles
Long-term success in MDS starts with understanding training periodisation and structuring your year into manageable and purposeful blocks.
Depending on experience and the time to your event, the Macrocycle, Mesocycle and Microcycle blocks will vary.
Example 1:
As an example, if it is currently August and you have entered MDS LEGENDARY, you can plan a Macrocycle as you have 8-months to April and the race date. You can then plan the Mesocycle and blocks and then fine-tune the Microcycle as you progress.
Example 2:
By contrast, if it is August and you have entered MDS 120 Jordan (in November) it’s fair to assume you have already been training and therefore you’d start by planning four Mesocycle blocks – August, September, October and November.
Macrocycle (6–12 months)
This is the full plan from now until race day. It includes base building, load development, peak volume, and taper.
• Base (12–16 weeks): Build aerobic engine, mobility, strength. Focus on consistent running and body conditioning.
• Mesocycle 2: Terrain work, hills, stability, light pack
• Mesocycle 3: Long runs, sand training, heat exposure
• Mesocycle 4: Race simulations, high pack weight, nutrition testing
Microcycles (1 week)
These are your weekly training schedules. Balance hard/easy days, recovery, and cross-training.
Sample microcycle for intermediate runner in build phase:
• Mon: Rest or yoga
• Tue: 12 km trail run + core
• Wed: Hill repeats + strength
• Thu: 10 km easy run (pack)
• Fri: Rest or swim
• Sat: 25 km long run (pack)
• Sun: 15 km hike-run combo (pack, terrain)
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The Desert Load: Equipment and Pack Weight
Photo by Ian Corless
In MDS, you carry everything, TREK excluded. Your pack should include food, sleeping bag, medical kit, cooking gear, clothing, and mandatory gear. That’s 6.5kg minimal weight for MDS LEGENDARY plus water. MDS 120 / MDS RAID will have a lighter packs due to less days.
Light is fast and safe. Every gram adds significant energy demand over the race distance, the less weight you have will mean less fatigue, less stress and a faster pace..
Key strategies:
• Weigh everything. Cut ruthlessly.
• Test gear in training. Run with your pack at full race weight, but, do not do this all the time, you risk injury.
• Practice eating on the go. Your daily calorie requirement will be 2500–4000 kcal depending on pace and build.
You’ll also need:
• Desert gaiters
• Trail shoes with cushioning
• Anti-chafing strategies (tape, powders, creams)
• Ultralight sleeping setup
• Efficient stove or cold-soak food plan
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Specific Training Focuses
The more you plan, the more specific you are, the better prepared you will be.
1. Back-to-back Long Runs
Simulate cumulative fatigue. Do a 30 km Saturday, 20 km Sunday combo. Later in the cycle, increase both and wear your pack.
2. Heat Acclimation
• Train in heat or use sauna/hot baths post-run.
• Wear layers during training to simulate heat stress.
• Aim for 10–14 days of adaptation close to race.
3. Running with Weight
Start with 2–3 kg, progress to full 7–9 kg by peak phase. Train your posture, core strength, and blister care during these sessions.
4. Footcare Mastery
Practice taping, changing socks, lancing blisters, and prevention strategies. Your feet will suffer unless you prepare.
5. Nutrition Practice
Test every food item you plan to bring. Can you stomach 3000 calories of freeze-dried meals and energy bars daily? What about in 45°C heat?
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Simulate Race Weeks
Training in Lanzarote
The most effective training tool is a mini stage race. For example, you may enter MDS TREK as preparation for an MDS 120 event, or, you may enter an MDS 120 event in preparation for MDS LEGENDARY. Alternatively, you can plan specific race simulation in your training, think about three to four days of 20–30 km runs with a pack. As an example, you could try the following 5-weeks before an event:
• Day 1: 30 km trail run (morning), sleep on mat
• Day 2: 25 km (pack), minimal food, no shower
• Day 3: 20 km (pack), hot day if possible
You’ll discover gear weaknesses, hydration issues, and psychological fatigue, these are critical insights before the real event.
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Mental Training
Photo by Ian Corless
This race is more mental than physical. You must train:
• Positive self-talk
• Pain compartmentalisation
• Visualisation: Imagine suffering at km 60 with 40 to go—how will you manage?
• Sleep deprivation and discomfort: Train your tolerance.
Consider journaling after hard sessions. Track what worked mentally, and build a playbook.
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Rest and Recovery
Photo by Ian Corless
Rest is training. Without it, you break.
• At least one full rest day weekly
• Active recovery (walk, yoga, swim) after long runs
• Taper at least two weeks before MDS: reduce volume, stay mobile, eat well, sleep lots
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Final Thoughts
The MDS is brutal, beautiful, and deeply personal. Whether you’re aiming to finish with a smile or place in the top tier, your success depends on how well you plan, adapt, and respect the journey. Importantly, remember, we are all individual and this guide is designed to provide you with information so that you can go away and plan and prepare accordingly.
• Choose your event based on readiness and goals.
• Build your training around realistic volume and smart progression.
• Don’t skip rest, it’s when you grow.
• Test your gear and nutrition repeatedly.
• Simulate the real thing when you can.
• Remember: your brain is the strongest muscle you’ll use in the desert.
The MARATHON DES SABLES is a unique adventure of 250km’s spread over 6-stages of self-sufficiency, shared by thousands of enthusiasts, in 2026 it celebrates 40-years. In 2017, another format, HMDS was born with 70 to 120km distances, spread over 3-stages and 4-days.
Since 2024 there has been a significant changes for the MDS brand. The ‘HMDS’ format while still following the same protocols and format has now dropped the ‘half’ title and moving forward, events will be called MDS 120 Jordan, MDS 120 Morocco, MDS 120 Cappadocia and so on.
To differentiate the full distance race of 250km’s, Marathon des Sables will now be known at MDS Legendary, reflecting the legendary status of this iconic event and its long history as a pioneer of the stage racing and multi-day format.
All the races are now owned by the same team and while many may be familiar with the format and protocols for the shorter distance races, MDS Legendary since 2024 has had some significant changes.
Since 2024, MDS has expanded beyond its roots with MDS 120, the exploratory MDS TREK, the demanding MDS RAID, the mind-bending MDS Crazy Loops. and MDS ULTRA – Morocco. And the inspiring, MDS HANDI. Each one a new take on the same promise, to push the limits of what a runner can handle.
MDS EVENTS
MDS The Legendary
MDS 120 Atlantic Coast Morocco
MDS RAID Namibia
MDS 120 Cappadocia
MDS Crazy Loops – currently 2 locations in France.
MDS 120 Fuerteventura
MDS 120 Morocco
MDS Trek Morocco
MDS Handi Morocco
MDS 120 Jordan
MDS 120 Peru*
MDS ULTRA – Morocco
* Every 3-years.
WHAT IS MDS?
MDS is a self-sufficient race taking place over 3 to 6-stages.
Bivouac life.
MDS Legendary is the iconic 6-stage race (over 7-days) with a distance of 250km (+/-) based on the route, terrain and difficulty. There are no options available on distance and participants are self-sufficient for the entire race, the only exception is the provision of water and a shared tent (bivouac) with 7 other participants. An example of 2024 distances:
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
MDS120 events start at 70, 100 and 120km for the shorter race format, depending on the race destination, there are 2 or 3 distances available. To clarify, this is not 2 or 3 different races, but the same race with the option to choose what distance you run or walk. As an example, the route is divided into 3 stages (4-days), to be completed at your own pace: walking or running.
– 70 km
– 100 km
– 120 km
Here is a breakdown of each stage:
– Stage 1: 25km – 30km
– Stage 2: 20, 40 or 60km
– Stage 3: 25km – 30km
The choice of the format is made at the registration. However, you can adjust it until the time of MDS.
MDS RAID follows a similar format to MDS 120.
MDS TREK is not self-sufficient and while similar to other MDS events, the format is much more a holiday experience, ideal for first timers or those who are looking for an active travel/ relax experience. Read more HERE.
THE MDS FORMAT
MDS The Legendary and MDS 120 events follow a similar format, however, there are key differences:
MDS The Legendary is a 10-day experience
MDS 120 a 7-day experience
In both scenarios you arrange travel to the relevant destination, arriving with adequate time to meet the MDS team at a designated meeting point and time. This may mean you need to arrive one day in advance to ensure you are able to meet the schedule as stipulated. From here, the MDS team then transport you to the start of the race.
For MDS Legendary this will be a flight to Marrakech and free transport is offered to Ouarzazate.
For MDS120 / TREK / RAID and ULTRA events, the meeting point will be a specific airport for transfer to hotel.
MDS The Legendary use classic Nomad tents that hold 8-participants. By contrast, MDS120 events use individual tents organised in cells of 6. TREK has upgraded tents, RAID combines solo tents and a star night, MDS ULTRA will be hotels except when racing.
Post-race you will be transported to a hotel and an awards ceremony and gala dinner will take place.
EVENTS
MDSLEGENDARY the iconic 6-stage, 250km race celebrating 40-years in 2026.
MDS 120 (used to be HMDS) this is 3-stages over 4-days with distance options of 70/ 100 or 120km.
MDS TREK this is similar to the MDS 120 format, however, there is no self-sufficiency, more comfortable accommodation and additional facilities, an excellent introduction to the MDS.
MDS RAID an event for more experienced athletes that is undertaken in teams of two, over approximately 90-120km’s, typically, two distance options are provided. The format is similar to MDS 120 with 3-stages over 4-days. One night will be undertaken under the stars with no bivouac.
MDS ULTRA new for 2025, a 100-mile or 100km single stage race with a 40-hour cut off.
MDS CRAZY LOOPS three new events for 2025 undertaken in ski resorts, the format is to run as many loops as possible in 24-hours. The loops will be typically, 3-5km’s in length.
MDS HANDI an inspiring inclusive event to provide wheel chair athletes an opportunity to participate with team members.
Both race formats, MDS Legendary, MDS120, MDS RAID and MDS ULTRA require participants to be self-sufficient for the whole race.
What does this mean?
Quite simply, you must wear and carry all you need for your race experience with the exception of the tent / bivouac. MDS ULTRA will not require a bivouac or same kit requirements as MDS Legendary, Raid or 120.
It may sound daunting but it is not, it’s actually quite simple. You need to address the following points:
What you wear.
Equipment you need to participate.
Sleeping.
Food.
Cooking equipment. (You can purchase fuel blocks in bivouac)
Water.
WHAT TO WEAR
Hat to protect from the sun with optional neck protection.
Shirt (short or long sleeve) with adequate protection from the sun.
Shorts, skort or similar.
Socks.
Shoes with appropriate protection and durability for a desert environment with a gaiter (typically sewn on) to keep sand out of the shoe.
WAA is a partner for MDS have specific equipment for desert/ stage-racing.
Because you have entered a MDS event, there is no need to buy new apparel and shoes. Quite simply, if you have items that work, are comfortable, cause no problems or irritation, there is no need to change them. If it aint broke, don’t break it. Shoes always create a huge debate and please find what works for you. If you ask on any forum, you will get countless recommendations but none of those recommendations are specific to you and your needs. Read an article HERE and HERE.
Always remember that with MDS events you are either wearing or carrying everything you need for the race duration. Therefore, it is imperative that you purchase the lightest options available (based on budget) and you keep luxuries to a minimum.
Keep it simple!
MDS specify ‘mandatory’ equipment for participation as specified below:
A sleeping mat is highly recommended to protect from the ground, insulate and provide comfort.
A jacket is highly recommended (lightweight down) for cold morning and chilly nights. Many products exist. An excellent combination item is offered by PHD but it does come at a price – HERE.
Poles are for many 4-wheel drive in stage races, Leki are highly recommended.
Stove – if you plan to have hot water, you will need a cooking system like those provided by Esbit. Please note, you cannot use any gas stoves in the desert, you must use fire bricks which you can purchase at bivouac.
Pot – if you are using a stove, you will need a pot/ mug.
Spoon with long handle for eating. Such as a Spork.
Buff or neck roll.
Sunglasses are essential and think about protection in sand storms, goggles may be required.
Flip flops or similar. Many use the weight free slippers from hotels, however, they rarely withstand the desert.
Watch / GPX
Personal items: Tooth brush, toothpaste, hand gel, wipes, toilet paper, ear plugs, blind fold etc.
Emergency – Things can happen during a race, so, be prepared with some essential items such as needle and thread, superglue, zip ties, monkey tape etc. If something rips or breaks, you need to repair it.
Luxuries
MDS is and should be simple in format. Remember, you must carry everything, so, keep luxuries to a minimum. Many consider a small MP3 player, look for something small, light and with great battery.
Phones are an essential part of our daily lives, do yourself a favour and leave it at home. The liberation is extremely rewarding. Please note, phones are allowed, however, it is prohibited to telephone on the bivouac or on the course. If you want to make a phone call, you will have to move away from these places so as not to disturb anyone.
SLEEPING
A sleeping bag is mandatory, so, there is no discussion here. The combined weight of your food is the heaviest and bulkiest item, however, a sleeping bag is next. These days there are many options available and quite simply you want the lightest possible, with the smallest packing size with required warmth at a price that you can afford. Not all sleeping bags are the same, so, consider this. Down is the best filling as it is the lightest, warmest and packs small. However, ‘fill power’ is a key element of down, fill power tells you how much volume a 30-gram, or one-ounce, sample of down will take up. So, the higher the fill power, the warmer the bag will be for less weight, because that one ounce of down has larger down clusters that provide more loft and have the ability to trap more heat. These bags will be more expensive.
Brands to look at: Nordisk, Seat to Summit, Rab, PHD, Western Mountaineering, Wilsa, Lightwave and so on.
Note here, that you will also probably be taking a down jacket for warmth. This can be used as extra warmth and insulation in a sleeping bag. So, it is possible to think about getting a lighter, less warm bag and supplementing warmth with a jacket.
UK brand PHD has come up with the perfect solution with an Ultra Jacket and Desert Race Half Bag but is does come at a price. However, it is comparable with the costs of jacket and bag by Nordisk.
Sleeping mat is highly recommended. When you are not running or walking, you are sitting or lying down, comfort is key. Two options exist, inflatable or not. Inflatable provides the greatest comfort but with poor admin does have the risk of puncture. Sea to Summit provide excellent inflatable options with low weight and pack size. Exped have excellent closed-cell foam.
The MDS 120 events (TREK not included) are self-sufficient adventures. You need to bring your own food and carry it in your bag for the duration of the race.There is a requirement that you must have 2000 calories minimum per day. Please remember that from 2024, catering is not provided at MDS The Legendary and therefore you must have enough food and calories before the race starts.
Food is the heaviest item you will carry and is essential. Don’t skimp on food. Lay food out per day addressing key items:
Breakfast (be careful they are not too sweet)
Snacks while running (bars, nuts, dried meat etc)
Post-run recovery (usually liquid form is ideal)
Lunch if applicable (this could be another meal such as cous cous)
Dinner (dehydrated meal)
Evening snack (a bar)
Where possible, repackage food to make them smaller and lighter. However, make sure you keep nutritional information for the admin day. Pack food in day bags, that way it is easy to know what you have and importantly, you don’t take food you need for the next days. Keep doing this and you will be short of food at the end of the week.
Food is personal and you must find out what works for you. Remember taste chances when fatigued and in hot environments, often, sweet becomes less palatable with a preference for savoury. Dehydrated meals will often be used for key meals such as breakfast and dinner, some hydrate well with just warm water, others need hot water. So, if you are not taking a stove, test this. Basecamp food is a good website that shows what options exist. After many tests, highly recommended products are Firepot, Lyo, Tentmeals and Adventure Menu. Personally speaking, Firepot produce the tastiest meals I have tried.
Make sure you add some treats to spice up your palette.
A food list for MDS The Legendary could look like this:
Water provision, particularly at MDS The Legendary and MDS 120 has changed. In past editions, water was rationed and provided at key checkpoints in bottles, typically, 10km’s apart.
In 2024, the new organisation changed this and arguably, water is now available, as required whilst racing. It is poured from jugs by MDS staff.
In addition, intermediate water stations are added when deemed necessary to ensure competitor safety.
At key checkpoints, iced water is supplied and poured by MDS staff on the heads and neck to aid cooling.
Post-race, each runner is provided with a 5L bottle of water, this is used for evening cooking, breakfast and up to CP1 the next day. If you wish to wash or freshen up, this comes from the same water ration. So, prioritise food and drinking before washing.
THOUGHTS AND CONSIDERATION
MDS is available for all, be that racing snake or someone who is looking for the adventure of a lifetime. So, keep that in mind. A top runner will have his or her pack at the absolute minimum weight and will look to survive the week racing as fast as possible. They will spend the week hungry. You, for example, may wish to carry a little more weight and have some comfort during the week. Just don’t carry to much extra weight!
The pack you wear is a crucial item that not only must fit everything you need, but it must also be comfortable and allow easy access to drink. There is no one-stop solution here. We are all different sizes and have different body shapes, so, make sure you try options.Also remember, at the beginning of the race, your pack can be around 8kg, this adds extra pressure on the shoulders, so, make sure you have enough padding and comfort. Many packs now come with waist belts and this, for many, is a great solution not only for extra storage but weight distribution. WAA have the ultra bag which has been specifically designed for the job. Osprey have recently released the Talon Velocity 20 which in testing has been superb. Don’t be tempted to get a bag that is too large, remember, the more space you have, the more you may take.
Bottles are the obvious way to carry water, typically 2x 750ml on the chest straps. I personally really dislike this format, I find it uncomfortable and unpleasant. So, find your own solution. Bladders have always been considered a NO for MDS but I personally find the solution ideal for my multi-day adventures. If you are a ‘racer’ this is not the best solution, but for most, it is ideal. As always, bladders can puncture, so, think about this.
Shoes will always be a debate and point of discussion. Shoes are personal and must be suited to you, the individual. Consider your gait (neutral, supinate or pronate), consider time on feet, consider your weight, consider how much you will walk (and then double it) also consider shoe drop and how much cushioning you need. It’s impossible to recommend any one shoe because of these variables. You will see top runners using a lighter shoe, remember, these shoes only need to last 20-30 hours. However, you may well need a shoe for 40, 50 or 60-hours. Do you need a trail shoe? No, you don’t need a trail shoe but I would say that many trail shoes are more durable as they are designed for the rough and tumble of variable terrain. Do you need an aggressive outsole? No, you don’t, but I do think some grip is better than none and therefore I would use a trail shoe over road. Protection? Toe box protection is a good idea as deserts include lots or rocks, far more than you may think. Do I need a size bigger? Shoe sizing does depend on what is ‘normal’ for you. I always recommend a thumb nail of space above the big toe, you don’t need any more than this. Recommendations of going a size is bigger is bad advice in my opinion. A shoe that is too large allows your foot to move, a moving foot causes friction, friction causes blisters and the rest is the same old story that I see at desert races all over the world. However, I would recommend a shoe with a little more width in the toe box, this will allow for some comfort as the days progress. If you are prone to feet swelling, discomfort, blisters and so on, get a strategy sorted before you head out to your chosen race. You will need a gaiter and while not always the case, sewing velcro on a shoe can change its shape, so, consider this. There are specific desert racing shoes now available by Salomon and Raidlight.
Poles are a godsend, buy some and learn how to use them. They are 4-wheel drive.
Food is essential, make sure it works. Hot or cold water is a consideration and make sure if using meals that need rehydrating that they work with water at desert temperature. Never assume that water will always be warm because you are in the desert, just as we get hot years, we also get cool years.
Salt is needed to keep you in balance. Many foods contain salt so look to supplement that with the mandatory food cubes. Be careful here, for example, OXO works considerably better than Knorr. Do you need alt tablets? Do your research,, find out what you personally need and come up with a plan. Listen to a podcast HERE.
Feet – make sure you look after them. With the correct socks and correct shoes, there is no reason to get blisters and despite what some people say, the majority of people do not get blisters. Read Healthy for Running and Walking.
Heat is difficult and without doubt, it’s better to adapt to heat before the race. Read about Heat Acclimation by Dr Jodie Moss.
Hygiene is crucial and difficult when self-sufficient. But set up a protocol not only for your benefit but for those around you.
Luxuries keep them to a minimum.
Toilet paper is essential, make sure you have enough and compressed towels are brilliant to freshen up when you add a little water.
Take essentials on the plane and wear your run apparel and shoes. That way, should a baggage disaster happen your chances of racing improves.
Have additional items such as a base layer, sleeping bag liner and other items that may be on a ‘question’ list for the race. On night 1 and before you go to admin, you can make final decisions of what to and what not to take. Particularly important if you think you may be cold at night.
You signed up for the challenge, you wanted to be on the start line and therefore you are responsible for the outcome. Believe me, the ‘you’ that leaves the Sahara is not the same you that entered. Arguably, you change the moment you pay the deposit, the transformation process begins. Embrace the journey and apply yourself. Keep perspective, the MDS journey is an enhancement of you as a person. It’s easy to become obsessed, ultimately the majority of runners at MDS are enthusiasts, if you keep that in mind the journey will be a complete one.
Plan ahead, formulate a long term plan and don’t rush. The sooner you start this process, the greater your chance of success and the less chance of injury. Plan stepping stone races and don’t be fooled into thinking that you need to run marathons day-in and day-out. You don’t! Training is about ALL the training you do and not about anyone run.
If we exclude the top 50-100 runners (who will also walk sometimes) the majority of the MDS field spend a huge amount of time walking. Learn to walk! Believe me, it’s a huge tick in the MDS box and rest assured that if you are able to walk at a good consistent pace (barring injury or dehydration) you will finish MDS.
You are going to share bivouac with other people and you are going to have some serious highs and lows. These tent mates will pull you through and motivate you. They will become friends for life.
Legs, lungs, heart and feet will only get you so far. The mind is what will get you to the finish. Despite the hardships and pain, embrace the journey and mentally prepare for the challenge.
MDS is a magical and life changing journey, it really is a true challenge of mind and body to race over many days, irrespective if you complete or compete. It’s a hark back to a more primitive time, a time without clutter and modern technology. Embrace this. Embrace the silence of the surroundings and the simplicity of placing one foot in front of the other, eating, resting and sleeping and then doing it all again.
You can read a SUMMARY of the 2024 MDS The Legendary HERE
Desert running brings many challenges and running in a desert for multiple days brings a whole new set of challenges.
For 40 years, the Marathon des Sables (MDS)has defined the edge of human endurance. It began as a wild idea—could someone run across the Sahara carrying everything they needed to survive? That idea sparked a revolution. MDS became the godfather of the ultra-stage race, a test of self-sufficiency, resilience, and pure grit. Over time, it expanded beyond its roots: the MDS 120, the exploratory MDS TREK, the demanding MDS RAID, and the mind-bending MDS Crazy Loops. Each one a new take on the same promise, to push the limits of what a runner can handle.
MDS as it is affectionately known paved the way not only for multi-day desert racing but ‘all’ multi-day racing, be that in snow, ice, rainforest, jungle or the mountains. If multi-day racing was the mafia, MDS would be the Corleone family.
All multi-day races have followed and tried to replicate the MDS format, however, the reality is, I have yet to experience a race that matches the size, the scale, the organisation and awe-inspiring splendour of what MDS has created in the Sahara. Ask anyone, despite experience, despite achievement, MDS is usually ‘on the bucket list!’ It’s fair to say, that MDS is directly attributable for many new ultra-runners. You see, MDS offers more than just running, it offers a challenge, it offers something quite unique – the Sahara and the MDS strips the runner back to basics and deprives them of all luxuries so that they are stripped raw. Runners find themselves in the desert.
2024 and onwards:
2024 saw a new team take over the MDS brand, at the head, Cyril Gauthier and Olivier Cerbeland. Significant changes took place for the 38th (2024) MDS Legendary pioneered at what was the HMDS format (now MDS 120) and they remained for 2025 and moving forward.. There are 3 key points:
Point 1:
Legendary is now 6 timed stages and not 5 stages with a charity stage. The distance will be, +/- 250km’s. The long day in 2024 was stage 3, for 2025 this will be stage 4.
Point 2:
MDS events are contested in food self-sufficiency: only water, in limited quantities but sufficient to cover the needs of an athlete evolving in the desert, is provided to you each day. You must take along for your entire stay in the desert everything you need to eat and prepare to eat (freeze-dried meals, semolina, cereal bars, stove, etc.). This self-sufficiency will include the day of your arrival in the desert, and the day of control preceding the race. *Trek is exempt from food self-sufficiency.
Point 3:
You must arrange your own travel to race destination. As usual, MDS will take care of you from your arrival airport, this will depend on race location. Typically, free shuttles will be offered from one key airport. You will thus have the possibility of anticipating or extending your stay, or of being joined by your family, much more simply than before.
It is recommended you listen to a podcast with co-owner and CEO Cyril Gauthier. Listen HERE.
MDS Events, 2025 moving forward:
LEGENDARY the iconic 6-stage, 250km race celebrating 40-years in 2026.
MDS 120 (used to be HMDS) this is 3-stages over 4-days with distance options of 70/ 100 or 120km.
MDS TREK this is similar to the MDS 120 format, however, there is no self-sufficiency, more comfortable accommodation and additional facilities, an excellent introduction to the MDS.
MDS RAID an event for more experienced athletes that is undertaken in teams of two, over approximately 90-120km’s, typically, two distance options are provided. The format is similar to MDS 120 with 3-stages over 4-days. One night will be undertaken under the stars with no bivouac.
MDS ULTRA new for 2025, a 100-mile or 100km single stage race with a 40-hour cut off.
MDS CRAZY LOOPS three new events for 2025 undertaken in ski resorts, the format is to run as many loops as possible in 24-hours. The loops will be typically, 3-5km’s in length.
DESTINATIONS:
Morocco – has multiple events: Atlantic Coast, Legendary, MDS Ultra, MDS 120 Morocco, and MDS Trek.
Namibia – a MDS Raid event
Turkey – MDS 120
France – Crazy Loops – La Rosière and Courchavel
Fuerteventura – MDS 120
Jordan – MDS 120
Peru – MDS 120– This event takes place every 3-years.
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If you have entered MDS or another self-sufficient multi-day race or adventure, you will be asking:
“What equipment do I need?”
This question is the same for many other desert races but I need to be clear, not all races are the same. For example, MDS requires the runner to be completely self-sufficient. This harks back to Bauer’s pioneering expedition in 1984. The runner must carry ‘all’ they need for the duration of the event, the only exception being:
Bivouac – A simple tent cover is provided at the end of each day and this tent must be shared with 7 other runners. This is specific to Legendary. Other MDS events, MDS 120 as an example, runner’s a re provided solo-occupancy small yellow WAA tents.
Water – Water is provided in bivouac and out on the course. Whilst running, water is abundant and not rationed. At the end of the day, you are provided 5ltr of water which must last to CP1 the following day.
Anything else the runner needs must be carried – pack, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, food, snacks, luxuries etc.…
The Detail
Let’s be clear, it is important to note that equipment will not make you complete any race. What it can do is make the process easier and more comfortable. Equipment is something we all must take to any race and finding out what works and doing the research is part of the fun.
If you want to increase your chances of completing your chosen race, commit to the training required, get your head in the correct place and then finish off with the appropriate equipment for the job. Far too many stress about what equipment they need and neglect the appropriate training.
Multi-day racing in its purest form should be very simple. However, over the year’s deciding what equipment to take has become increasingly more complicated.
It shouldn’t be complicated and in all honesty, it isn’t!
Here is just a list of absolute essentials, one could say that this list is mandatory:
Hat
Sunglasses
Buff
Jacket (usually down)
T-Shirt
Shorts/ Skort
Socks
Shoes
Gaiters
Rucksack
Sleeping Mat (optional)
Sleeping bag
Head Torch
Flip-flops or similar
Toilet paper
Personal medical kit (feet etc.)
Spot Tracker (supplied at MDS, optional at other races)
Road Book (supplied)
Stock cubes
*Food for the required days
**Mandatory kit
***Water
Optional items:
Warm jacket (usually down that packs small and light) – I consider this essential and not optional
Stove and fuel blocks
Sleeping bag liner
Spare socks
Walking Poles
Goggles
Spare clothes (?)
Luxuries:
Mp3 player
Phone
Solar charger
Kitchen sink…
Perspective:
Any multi-day race has (arguably) five types of participant:
The elite races who will contest the high-ranking positions.
Top age groupers who will look to race for a high place and test themselves overall.
Competitive runners looking for a challenge.
Those who wish to complete and not compete.
Newbies who are out of their comfort zone looking to finish at all costs.
When one looks at kit and requirements, it’s easy to think that the needs of the top elites in group 1 will vary from those in group 5. I would arguably say no! All the runners need the same things; they all must carry the same mandatory kit and they all must carry the same minimum food requirement.
I think the differences come with experience. Novices and newbies will more than likely prepare for the unknown, the ‘just in case’ scenario. Whereas top runners will be on a minimum, the absolute minimum. Groups 2- 4 are a mix of groups 1 and 5 and they fall somewhere between.
So, for me, groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 should (where possible) aim to be like group 1. The only key difference comes with shoe choice. Runners who will spend much longer on their feet and out on the course will most definitely need a shoe that can withstand that pressure and the shoe must also be good for walking. Groups 2-5 never fully appreciate (often until it’s too late) how much they will walk in a desert race.
EQUIPMENT IN DETAIL
When looking at equipment, I am going to provide a brief synopsis and then some recommendations. I will then supply ‘my’ equipment list.
I strongly advice using a tool such as LIGHTERPACK which is a great tool. Here is an example of one of my personal fastpack lists.
Remember WAA is the official equipment of MDS and you can purchase many of the key items via their website HERE
Hat – A hat is essential to keep the sun off your head; options exist that have a neck cover built in to avoid that delicate area that will almost certainly be in the sun all day.
Sunglasses – So many choice, but you need a good pair that has ideally a large lens to protect the eye. Some desert specific sunglasses include a brow pad that helps stop sweat dripping in your eye. Do you need prescription? If so, I use prescription Oakley and they are excellent. Do you need goggles? Yes and no. If you have good sunglasses with good coverage, then no. However, should a sand storm hit, it can be uncomfortable. Goggles guarantee no sand in the eyes.
Buff – A buff or even two are essential. One around the neck helps keep the sun off and you can also wet it to help reduce core temperature. In wind and sand storms, the Buff is lifted and protects mouth, nose and sometimes eyes. A spare Buff is a luxury but worth considering.
Jacket – Jacket choice will depend on sleeping bag choice. If you are using a light bag, a lightweight down jacket is an essential item. Häglofs, Yeti, Mont Bell, Rab and others have exceleent super light options.
T-Shirt – It’s not rocket science, you will have been running in a shirt already, if it works, why change it? I read countless arguments about should it be black or white – you know what, it doesn’t ‘really’ matter. Look at the elite runners, they are often sponsored and have little or no choice on colour. However, lighter colours reflect heat. Comfort however is key.
Shorts/ Skort – Same answer as T-Shirt.
Socks – Getting the correct socks are key for any race and like I have said for shirt and shorts, if you have socks that work, why change? So many options exist but for me I am a firm believer in Injinji toe socks.
Shoes – Read HERE – Shoes are personal and must be suited to you, the individual. Consider your gait (neutral, supinate or pronate), consider time on feet, consider your weight, consider how much you will walk (and then double it) also consider shoe drop and how much cushioning you need. It’s impossible to recommend any one shoe because of these variables. You will see top runners using a lighter shoe, remember, these shoes only need to last 20-30 hours. However, you may well need a shoe for 40, 50 or 60-hours. Do you need a trail shoe? No, you don’t need a trail shoe but I would say that many trail shoes are more durable as they are designed for the rough and tumble of variable terrain. Do you need an aggressive outsole? No, you don’t, but I do think some grip is better than none and therefore I would use a trail shoe over road. Protection? Toe box protection is a good idea as deserts include lots or rocks, far more than you may think. Do I need a size bigger? Shoe sizing does depend on what is ‘normal’ for you. I always recommend a thumb nail of space above the big toe, you don’t need any more than this. Recommendations of going a size is bigger is bad advice in my opinion. A shoe that is too large allows your foot to move, a moving foot causes friction, friction causes blisters and the rest is the same old story that I see at desert races all over the world. However, I would recommend a shoe with a little more width in the toe box, this will allow for some comfort as the days progress. If you are prone to feet swelling, discomfort, blisters and so on, get a strategy sorted before you head out to your chosen race.
Gaiters – Are essential and they should be sewn and glued on to the shoe to guarantee that no sand can enter. WAA provide race gaiters.
Rucksack – A rucksack is one of the most essential items for the race as it will hold on your kit for the duration of the event. Many versions exist and the type of pack you choose depends on many things: Male/ Female, Small/ Large, Tall/ Short and so on. Some packs just don’t work for some people. You also need to consider if you need a front pack to hold essential items. How will you drink on the go? How much do you plan to run in comparison to walk? I have some simple advice:
Keep the pack as small as possible, if you have a bigger pack you will just fill it.
Keep the pack simple – far too many packs are over complicated and messy
Keep the pack light
Make sure that drinks are accessible, easy to use and don’t bounce
See how the pack feels full with all food and then see how the pack feels with 5-days food missing.
Make sure you can access ‘on the go’ essentials.
Needless to say, WAA is arguably the most popular pack at MDS. However, find what works for you.
Sleeping Mat (optional) – Inflatable, Foam or no mat. I’m a firm believer in taking a mat, the weight v comfort is a no brainer. I would also choose an inflatable mat even though it does run a risk of puncture. However, with good admin, good care, and years of using inflatable I have never had an issue. A foam mat is guaranteed to last the race but for me is large and cumbersome. Look at products from Thermarest, Sea to Summit, Klymvit and OMM.
Sleeping bag – Like the pack, a sleeping bag is a key item is it is likely to be the largest and heaviest item (except food and water) that you will carry. A sleeping bag is important as a good night’s rest is key for day-to-day running. I will always go with a sleeping bag and down jacket scenario is this for me provides less weight, less packed size, more flexibility and the option to get warmer at night by wearing the jacket inside the bag. Problem is, this comes at a price. Also, consider your size, shoulder width, height and so on. Some bags are very small whereas bags such as PHD and Yeti can be purchased in small, medium or large. Recommended bags are PHD (custom or off-the peg), Yeti, Western Mountaineering, Häglofs, RAB, OMM (not down) and Raidlight. Read HERE
Head Torch – Don’t compromise, you need a good head-torch that provides enough light for running in a black desert at night. Don’t use rechargeable or a torch with gizmos. You just ideally need variable power, a red-light option so you don’t disturb others at night and it will either take AA or AAA batteries. Recommendations are Black Diamond, Petzl, Silva or LED Lenser.
Flip-flops – Free slippers that hotels give away are popular as they are small, fold and are lightweight. However, they don’t stay on and they don’t protect from thorns or stones. Cheap, lightweight plastic or rubber flip flops work for me. I have seen some improvised flip-flops made from run shoe insoles and some string. It’s that group 1 to group 5 scenario again!
Personal medical kit (feet etc.) – Foot care is essential and although many races have a medical team on hand to look after you and your feet, understanding how to do this yourself is key. learn foot care and treatment and understand how to tape your feet. Ready-made foot care kits are available such as this at MyRaceKit here
Spot Tracker (supplied at MDS, optional at other races)
Road Book (supplied)
*Food for the required days – (see clarification below). Food is very personal and it’s imperative you find out what works for you based on your size, gender, calorie burn and speed of running. The front runners will use carbohydrate and fat as fuel as they will run at a faster pace and therefore they will potentially fuel ‘during’ each stage with carbs. However, as you move through the pack going into groups 2-5 the need for fat as a fuel is more important and therefore ALL runners before heading out to any multi-stage race should ideally have taught their bodies to use fat – we have an unlimited supply of this fuel! Post run it’s important to repair, we need protein for this and re-stock energy supplies, we need carbs for this. Dehydrated meals for many runners form the basis of a morning meal and evening meal. Many options are available, some people can eat anything, others are very particular. Keep in mind allergies such as gluten intolerance and decide in advance will you go hot or cold food. For me, the additional weight of a Titanium stove and fuel is worth it for hot food and a drink. We sampled some dehydrated food in 2015 HERE. In 2015 I worked hard to reduce pack weight to the minimum with a coaching client and we made sure we dialled food choices in to provide desired calorie needs but also keep weight low.
It’s important to note that equipment must be specific to the race you are doing and race conditions. The list below is an example of equipment for Marathon des Sables. However, if I was going to Atacama or the Grand to Grand (both self-sufficient) I would be looking at a heavier and warmer sleeping bag and a warmer jacket. Temperatures at night get much colder than the Sahara. The Grand to Grand can also have rain, so that would need consideration.
It’s important to note that equipment will not make you complete any race. What it can do is make the process easier and more comfortable. If you were looking for a one-stop solution, I would say that if you went away and purchased the equipment list below, you would have a comfortable and successful race. The exceptions come with shoes, that is personal and food. Food choices below are personal but a good example, you must find what works for you.
Also, note that minimum pack weight (on day one) at MDS is 6.5kg. So, you can keep purchasing lighter and lighter and then find that you are too light. I have done this. The plus side of this, is that lighter equipment allows you to take more food and/ or more options – again a good thing. For example, in my equipment list, I could go with a slightly lighter jacket, I could not take poles and I could leave the iPods at home and that would allow me 2 or 3 more dehydrated meals. However, I would prefer the equipment I want and am happy with and add 2,3,4 or 500g for the first day. Remember, the pack gets lighter as the day’s pass.
WEARING:
Hat: A good hat that will keep the sun off your head, the option to have neck coverage is a good idea and ideally make sure the inside of the peak is black. It reduces flare from the sand.
Shirt: A good t-shirt that provides coverage for the shoulders, is light and breathable.
Shorts: Lightweight shorts that cause no irritation or friction.
Socks: Injinji Trail Midweight or Injinji Outdoor 2.0 (which is Merino wool)
Shoes: Ultimately a shoe must fit you and fit well. There is no need to go larger, on the contrary, a shoe that is too large allows ones foot to move, a moving foot creates friction and friction creates blisters! However, a wider toe box can be a good option, depending on individual foot shape. Read HERE about how a shoe should fit. Consider how long you will be on your feet, the demands on a shoe are very different for someone who will finish in 20-hours in comparison to someone who will take 60-hours. Consider body weight too; a heavier individual may well need a more substantial shoe. For a race like MDS, a trail shoe is not essential, but for most preferable. Good shoe options for ‘neutral’ runners: Nike Wildhorse, inov-8 Trail Talon, Hoka One One are very popular and for zero-drop enthusiasts, Altra and inov-8 Terraultra G270. Gaiters are essential and typically Raidlight or MyRaceKit are the most popular. You can glue them on (with care and ideally some experience) but most people have them sewn on via Kevin Bradley at Alex Shoe Repairs.
Watch: Coros Vertix and Garmin Enduro are the two key considerations to last any MDS event on one charge
Buff: Any
Glasses: Look for sunglasses that fill well, cover the eyes so as to be suitable for sandstorms. You need a good strong lens that blocks the sun, however, photochromatic offers flexibility. Oakley (and others) offer the option for prescription lenses. I would avoid using contact lenses, there can be endless problems, sand and eyes do not mix well!
IN THE PACK:
WAA Ultrabag has been designed for the race and is the most popular.
Häglofs Essens160g – is super light jacket with treated down suitable for a multitude of conditions – here
PHD Minimus K Sleeping Bag380g – PHD work for me, you can have them custom made with or without zips and they are excellent. Yeti make a bag that is more than 100g lighter but I prefer the warmth and comfort of the PHD. Here
Thermarest Prolite Small310g – Small, comfortable and you can double up and use it as padding in your pack OR Sea to Summit (here)
Black Diamond Carbon Z Poles 290g – Lightweight and folding that provide 4-wheel drive when walking.
Black Diamond Spot Headtorch w/ batteries and spares 120g – Powerful (200 lumens), lightweight with many varied settings.
Esbit Stove 11g – Small, lightweight and simple.
Esbit Titanium Pot 106g – Small, lightweight and durable.
Esbit Fuel 168g
iPod Shuffle x2 64g – Life saver
Spare Socks91g – Injinji Trail Midweight or Injinji Outdoor 2.0 (which is Merino wool)
Flip-Flops 150g – But Xero True Feel are good.
Total Weight 2406g If I was looking to be very minimalist and as light as possible, I would not take the stove, pot and fuel and the poles, total 1831g. But, I would probably prefer the option for hot food/ drinks and work around no poles, so total weight would be 2116g.
Note – with constant changing weather in MDS locations, a waterproof jacket is highly recommended!
EXTRAS:
Compeed 22g
Sportshield 8g
Corn Wraps 8g
Spork 10g
Pen Knife 22g
Compass 32g
Matches 20g
Savlon Antiseptic 18g
Toothpaste 36g
Tooth Brush 15g
Superglue 3g
Space Blanket 60g
Hand Gel 59g
Wipes 85g
Toilet Paper 36g
Safety Pins 5g
Ear Plugs 2g
Venom Pump 28g
Blindfold 15g
Sun Cream 80g
Whistle 15g
Signal Mirror 12g
SPOT Tracker 113g
Total Weight 806g
TOTALS:
Pack and Main Kit Contents: 2406g
Extras: 806g
Food: 3550g
Total 6762g
This pack weight includes poles and cooking utensils plus luxuries like Mp3
(water would be added to this weight)
IN SUMMARY
I enjoy the process of looking at kit, looking at the options available and working out what is best for me and my situation. In some respects, I am lucky as I can test many items out in the market place and decide what I do and what I don’t like. However, trust me, products these days are so good that you can’t go wrong with almost any of the choices. Yeti, PHD, Haglofs etc. all make great sleeping bags, they will all work. Mountain Hardwear, Yeti, Mont-Bell etc. down jackets are all excellent, they all work. I could go on, but you get the picture. Like I said at the beginning, multi-day and desert racing is not complicated, don’t make it so. The only item you need to be sure on is shoes, make sure you get that right. But then again, I am sure you were running before you entered your multi-day race? You were using run shoes, be them road or trail and one must assume that they gave you no problems? If the answer is yes – why change them!
Finally, we all love equipment and gadgets, it’s fun to go shopping and get new items. However, being physically fit and mentally strong is what will get you to the finish line – equipment is just part of the process, remember that.
Good luck!
Clarification:
*Food (As required at Marathon des Sables)
He/she must select the type of food best suited to his/her personal needs, health, weather conditions, weight and backpack conditions. We remind you that airlines strictly forbid the carrying of gas (for cooking) on board either as hand luggage or otherwise. Each competitor must have 14 000 k/calories, that is to say a minimum of 2,000 k/calories per day, otherwise he/she will be penalized (see ART. 27 and 28). Any food out of its original packaging must be equipped, legibly, of the nutrition label shown on the product concerned. Any food out its original packaging must be equipped, legibly, of the nutrition label shown on the product concerned.
**Mandatory Kit (as specified at Marathon des Sables)
10 safety pins
Compass 1deg precision
Whistle
Knife
Disinfectant
12 stock cubes
Signal mirror
Survival blanket
Sun cream
200-euro note
Passport
Medical certificate
***Water (as specified for Marathon des Sables)
Why not join our Multi-Day Training Camp in Lanzarote. The camp takes place in January each year.
For 40 years, the Marathon des Sables has defined the edge of human endurance. It began as a wild idea, could someone run across the Sahara carrying everything they needed to survive?
That idea sparked a revolution. MDS became the godfather of the ultra-stage racing, a test of self-sufficiency, resilience, and pure grit. In recent years, MDS has expanded beyond its roots: the MDS 120, the exploratory TREK, the demanding RAID, and the mind-bending Crazy Loops.
Each one a new take on the same promise, to push the limits of what a runner can handle.
Photo by Ian Corless
January 2026, 9th to 14th
MDS returns to Morocco with something raw, stripped back, and different.
MDS Ultra – Morocco
One stage.
One journey.
A single unbroken push across the Sahara.
One race, two distances, the iconic 100-miles or 100km’s. You choose the distance, and, you don’t even have to decide until mid-race… At around 60 km’s (tbc), you’ll face a moment: choose100K or push through to the full 100-miles.
Photo by Ian Corless
The course is fully marked. You won’t need to navigate. What you will need is focus, patience, and fight. You’ll be moving across the open desert, flatter than the classic MDS route, with firmer, more compact sand underfoot. The terrain will allow for speed, but don’t let that fool you. Weather in the Sahara is unpredictable, especially in January. You could get heat, wind, even rain. And when the sun drops, the temperature will follow. Nights will be cold, and you’ll feel it in your bones.
Photo by Ian Corless
This is self-sufficiency in its purest form. You carry your own food, survival kit, and race gear. Water is provided at aid stations every 10 km’s, and every 30 km’s, you’ll reach a life base: a checkpoint to rest, refuel, seek medical support, or just sit in silence for a moment. But no outside help is allowed. No pacers. No spectators. Just you and the desert, on your terms.
Photo by Ian Corless
The race begins with your arrival in Morocco on January 9 2026. You’ll be transferred to a hotel where the countdown begins. The next day, the technical briefing will cover everything: your gear, the course, the conditions, the risk, and the reward. Then, on January 11, you’ll be taken deep into the Sahara for the start. No frills. No countdown show. Just the wind, the sand, and the clock ticking. You have 40-hours to finish. Whether you run 100 km’s or 100-miles, that’s the window. What happens inside that window will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Photo by Ian Corless
As the race unfolds, time stretches and bends. The sun scorches your back, the wind whistles across the flats, and at night, under the stars, the desert becomes silent and infinite.
Photo by Ian Corless
Somewhere out there, maybe after 70K, maybe after 90, your mind will try to pull you backwards. That’s when you’ll know you’re doing something real. When your legs ache and your thoughts get loud, you’ll understand what makes this event different. This isn’t just an ultra. It’s a rite of passage.
Photo by Ian Corless
Cross the finish line, and the pressure falls away. You’ll eat real food, sleep in a warm bed, and look around at the other 199 people who know exactly what you just went through. The next day is yours to rest, recover, and celebrate. An awards ceremony and gala dinner mark the end of the journey. You’ll laugh, maybe cry, and raise a glass with strangers who’ve become something more. Then, on January 14, you go back to the world – changed.
MDS Ultra – Morocco is for those who want more from an ultra than just a finish time. It’s for those who don’t need a crowd to run, who are curious about what happens deep into the night, when the course is quiet and the only thing guiding you forward is the sound of your own breath. This race is designed to be accessible and challenging at once. The course is fast and flat. The cut-off is generous. The experience is massive. You don’t have to be a world-class runner to finish. You just have to want it enough.
Photo by Ian Corless
Only 200 runners will be accepted. The entry fee is €1750, but the first 40 to register get a €150 discount. Any previous MDS finisher, regardless of which event, gets €200 off. You can defer your entry for free, and the cancellation policy is flexible to protect you from life’s curveballs. There’s no fine print. No hidden extras. What you see is what you get.
Photo by Ian Corless
This is a return to the roots.
A simple journey.
One course, one finish line, one desert.
No stages.
No shortcuts.
Just the raw, beautiful brutality of a long-distance run through one of the most iconic landscapes on Earth.
Photo by Ian Corless
This isn’t about medals or social media moments. It’s about becoming part of something that can’t be manufactured, a moment of stillness inside suffering, a glimpse of clarity inside chaos.
Photo by Ian Corless
Be a pioneer. Be part of the very first MDS Ultra. The stories from this race will be the ones others reference for years to come. In a world of overproduced, overhyped events, this is something real. The desert doesn’t care who you are. It doesn’t care what you’ve done before. But if you show up, if you commit, it will show you something few others will ever experience.
Photo by Ian Corless
Become a legend. Sign up now. The desert is waiting.
IAN CORLESS 