MDS TREK (Morocco) 2026 – The Adventure Begins

Following the excitement of MDS 120 Morocco and MDS Handi, the MDS organisation now turns its attention to a very different, yet equally special, desert experience: MDS TREK.

If you’ve ever looked at images of runners crossing the Sahara and thought, “I’d love to experience that, but there’s no way I could race across the desert,” then MDS TREK was designed with you in mind.

Unlike the self-sufficient MDS events, where participants carry everything they need, MDS TREK offers a more comfortable and accessible way to immerse yourself in the magic of the Sahara. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided every day. The iconic MDS bivouac remains, but instead of sleeping under communal tents, participants stay in twin-share individual tents complete with mattresses. Add optional massages, a locally managed bar serving drinks in camp, and the result is something that feels less like a race and more like an unforgettable active adventure holiday.

Of course, this is still the Sahara.

Participants gathered in Ouarzazate several days ago before making the journey south into the desert. Their arrival wasn’t without drama. Unseasonal storms swept through the region, creating challenging conditions for organisers and bivouac crews alike. The desert had delivered an early reminder that nature is always in charge.

Fortunately, by morning the Sahara had transformed once again.

Blue skies replaced the storm clouds, sunshine warmed the camp, and the desert revealed its more familiar face. Day one was intentionally relaxed, allowing participants to settle into camp life with technical checks, a leisurely lunch and an informative afternoon briefing.

As the sun dipped below the dunes, painting the horizon in shades of gold and orange, everyone gathered for dinner before turning in early.

Tomorrow would bring the real adventure.

Stage 1: The Journey Begins

One of the defining features of MDS TREK is choice.

Participants can select between two route options each day, and for Stage 1 those choices were 15.5km or 22km. There are no cut-off times, no pressure and no expectation to race. While running is welcomed, trekking and walking are very much encouraged. The emphasis is on enjoyment, discovery and experiencing the desert at your own pace.

And that is where the real beauty of MDS TREK lies.

For many participants, this is their first time in a desert. For some, it is their first multi-day adventure. Others arrive after years of dreaming about doing something outside their comfort zone. MDS TREK creates an environment where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can challenge themselves without the intimidation often associated with traditional endurance events.

As dawn broke over the Sahara, calm conditions and a spectacular sunrise greeted the 400-strong field. At 7:00am, participants set off into the vastness of the desert, beginning what for many will become one of the most memorable weeks of their lives.

With seven nights spent in the Sahara, MDS TREK is far more than a sporting event. It is a fully immersive experience. Across five days of movement and four stages, participants will explore spectacular landscapes, with Stage 3 split into two parts and featuring the much-loved Star Night, where participants spend a night beneath one of the most breathtaking night skies imaginable.

Results are very much secondary at MDS TREK. This event is about the experience rather than the stopwatch. Nevertheless, there will always be those who like to push the pace. For anyone interested in following the competitive side of the event, live results are available online.

The statistics from Stage 1 tell their own story about the inclusive nature of the event. Of the finishers, 348 participants chose the longer 22km route, while 40 selected the 15.5km option. Different distances, different goals, but exactly the same sense of achievement at the finish line.

Because in MDS TREK, every participant has their own personal victory.

Some are discovering they can walk further than they ever imagined. Some are building confidence with every step across the dunes. Others are sharing an adventure with friends, family and fellow trekkers from around the world. Every story matters, and every finisher is an inspiration.

Looking Ahead

Stage 2 promises one of the highlights of the entire week.

Participants will climb a spectacular ridge at sunrise, a truly unforgettable experience that showcases the beauty and scale of the Sahara at its very best. Once again, there will be two route options, 11.7km and 15km, ensuring everyone can choose the challenge that suits them.

And that perhaps sums up MDS TREK perfectly.

Following the excitement of MDS 120 Morocco and MDS Handi, the MDS organisation now turns its attention to a very different, yet equally special, desert experience: MDS TREK.
If you've ever looked at images of runners crossing the Sahara and thought, "I'd love to experience that, but there's no way I could race across the desert," then MDS TREK was designed with you in mind.

This is not about being the fastest. It is not about elite athletes or extreme performances.

It is about adventure. It is about sharing extraordinary moments in an extraordinary place. It is about discovering that you are capable of far more than you think.

Most of all, it is proof that the magic of the Sahara can be experienced by everyone.