Another hot night in the Sahara passed with many runners questioning whether they even needed a sleeping bag. The desert offered little relief and, as dawn approached, everyone knew another tough day was waiting.
Stage 2 is known as the day of choice. Competitors in the MDS 120 must decide whether to take on 20km, 40km or 60km. After the demands of Stage 1, those decisions become much harder. Fatigue is already creeping into tired legs and minds.
There were two starts once again. The main field set off at 05:30, while the top 50 runners started an hour later at 06:30.
For the MDS Handi teams, the challenge was a 22km route from Water Station 1 to CP4, followed by the now familiar and emotional final 200m solo effort to conclude the day. As always, that last stretch brought moments of courage, determination and pride.
It was already warm before the start. A light breeze drifted across the dunes, offering a welcome illusion of coolness. It did not last long. Before the race was underway, the Sahara began to exert its full force.
The stage delivered a relentless mix of terrain. Soft sand drained energy with every step. Rocky plateaus punished tired feet. Sandy climbs tested resolve, while steep descents demanded concentration. It was a day that seemed to throw every possible challenge at the runners.
In the men’s 60km race, the battle at the front was captivating. Rachid El Morabity and Louis Godemon traded blows throughout the day. At times Rachid was in control, then Louis would answer. Neither athlete was willing to give an inch.
After hours of racing across the Sahara, there was nothing to separate them. In a fitting end to an intense contest, they crossed the finish line together.
Behind them, Selim Deterpigny delivered another solid and consistent performance to secure third place on the stage.
The overall standings are now:
- Rachid El Morabity – 7:45:39
- Louis Godemon – 7:48:52
- Selim Deterpigny – 8:31:43
With less than four minutes separating the top two, all eyes now turn to Stage 3. The battle for overall victory is very much alive.
In the women’s race, Stage 1 winner Marie Kirton set the early pace and looked determined to extend her advantage.
However, as the kilometres passed and the heat intensified, the race began to change. After CP3, both Sylvie Van Baelen and Laura Dumortier surged forward, overtaking Marie and moving into first and second place.
Marie battled bravely to hold on to third, but it was clearly a challenging day in the desert.
The overall standings are now:
- Sylvie Van Baelen – 10:14:24
- Laura Dumortier – 10:28:42
- Marie Kirton – 11:17:04
With momentum shifting and the desert taking its toll, the women’s race remains wide open.
- Full updated results for all race distances (70/100/120) will be on Livetrail HERE
The MDS Handi teams faced a particularly demanding day. Whenever soft sand appeared, progress became slow and hard-earned. Every metre required extra effort, teamwork and trust.
The team of Aubin Barillon was once again the fastest across the course. But in MDS Handi, speed tells only a small part of the story.
What truly stands out is the strength, determination, commitment and solidarity shown by all 16 teams. Together they continue to demonstrate what is possible when people unite around a common goal.
Now comes a well-deserved rest day. Bodies can recover, feet can heal and minds can reset before the adventure continues.
On Thursday, Stage 3 awaits. The Sahara is far from finished, and neither are the athletes.
Live Trail Results HERE
Marathon des Sables website HERE
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