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The Ultimate Equipment Guide to MDS Racing 2025/ 2026

Posted on July 17, 2025 by talkultra

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.

Also read

Fuelling for a Multi-Day HERE

How to choose a Sleeping Bag HERE

Top Tips to better Multi-Day Running HERE

Fastpacking Guide HERE

Winter Fastpacking HERE

Walking with poles HERE

Walking efficiency when climbing HERE

Long Term Goal Setting HERE

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 38^th (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 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.

****

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.

Recommended meals FIREPOT

As an example:

Dehydrated Meals x6 672g
Dried Mango 93g x 4 372g
Porridge 59g x 7 413g
Coffee 1g x 10 10g
Peanut Butter 33g x 5 165g
Honey 21g x 8 168g
Mini Salami 10g x 10 100g
Tropical Mix Bag 194g
Sesame Bites 27g x 6 162g
Dried Banana Block 270g
Mixed Nuts 200g x 2 400g
Macademia Nuts Bag 153g
Cranberries Bag 175g
Pitta Wraps 296g

Total Weight 3550g

**Mandatory kit – see clarification

***Water – see clarification

EQUIPMENT LIST as an example

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 Essens 160g – is super light jacket with treated down suitable for a multitude of conditions – here

PHD Minimus K Sleeping Bag 380g – 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 Small 310g – 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 Socks 91g – 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.

Information HERE

RESOURCES

Interested in another MDS event in 2025?

A full calendar of dates and destinations are available HERE

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

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MDS ULTRA – MOROCCO 2026 Announcement

Posted on July 16, 2025 by talkultra

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Become a legend. Sign up now. The desert is waiting.

MARATHON DES SABLES WEBSITE HERE

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MDS 120 Cappadocia 2025 – Race Summary

Posted on June 30, 2025 by talkultra

There are races that test your legs. There are others that test your mind. Then there’s the MDS 120 Cappadocia, a four-day,3-stage footrace that breaks down and rebuilds runner’s in one of the most staggering landscapes on Earth.

The second edition of this extraordinary event was nothing short of epic. It fused the spirit of ultra-running with the magic of deep time, where each participant pushed through heat, fatigue, and self-doubt and yet felt part of something much larger, something ancient, something eternal.

Cappadocia is not a place that’s easily explained. Words fall short, pictures get close, but to run through it, that’s where the real story begins. From the first light of dawn to the finish line and the glow of the medal, the 2025 MDS 120 Cappadocia offered an experience that was brutal, beautiful, and of course, unforgettable.

Runners arrived from across the globe with 25 countries represented to stand on the start line beneath towering rock formations that look like they belong on another planet. With female participation at a record 62%!

Trails cut through a high-altitude dreamscape where volcanoes once erupted, empires rose and fell, and entire civilisations carved homes into the rock. To run here is to move through living history, a living museum of geology, culture, and time itself. Cappadocia is the kind of place that feels mythic. Its valleys have names like Love, Rose, and Red.

The format of the race was designed to challenge runners of all levels while still demanding serious endurance. The full race spanned up to 120 kms over three stages, spread across four days with one rest day in the middle. Stage 1 and Stage 3 were the same for all runners, but Stage 2 offered a unique choice: 20, 40, or 60 kms, allowing each participant to tailor their challenge to their ability and ambition. This approach gave the event a powerful sense of inclusivity while preserving the core of what MDS stands for: pushing yourself farther than you thought you could go.

“The terrain, however, had no intention of making anything easy.”

Each day brought something different, a test of legs, lungs, and willpower. Stage 1 began with a baptism of dust and stone, leading runners through twisting canyons and across ancient paths etched into the volcanic rock. The climbs were relentless. The descents were technical and punishing.

Stage 2, whether 20, 40, or the full 60 kms, was a crucible in the heat, sending runners through sun-scorched valleys and across ridges with no shade and no mercy.

It was here that the Cappadocian sun made itself known. Temperatures soared into the mid-30s Celsius, radiating off the rocks and baking every exposed inch of trail. What began as a scenic adventure quickly became a battle against dehydration, overheating, and sheer exhaustion. The ‘orange’ jackets ensuring that medical protocols and safety for each runner was paramount.

The rest day was welcome, a day to re-charge, relax, eat, sleep and yes, even some yoga was an opportunity to find some zen amongst the chimneys that surrounded bivouac.

Stage 3, the finale, was no victory lap. It was a final reckoning. After the rest day, legs were stiff, feet swollen and raw, but spirits were high.

The route wound past ancient cave dwellings and hidden churches, finishing in a dramatic final stretch that felt more like a pilgrimage than a race. The Love Valley an amazing conclusion to a stunning journey.

Four runners, despite grit and effort, didn’t make it to the end. But in the spirit of MDS, the organization extended them free entry into the 2026 edition, a gesture that underscores the ethos of the race: resilience over results, and community over competition.

What makes MDS 120 Cappadocia unique isn’t just the landscape or the difficulty. It’s the way it all comes together. The suffering is real, but so is the reward. Every runner finished with a story that could never be captured in a finisher’s medal alone. There were tears, high fives, sunburns, hallucinations, and moments of silence that felt like communion with the land.

And just when it seemed the adventure was over, the organisers gave one final gift: a sunrise hot air balloon flight on the last morning. It wasn’t a tourist gimmick, it was a floating tribute to everything the runners had just done. Watching the sun rise over the Göreme Valley, suspended in silence above the trails they’d conquered, was a moment that stitched the entire experience together. From above, the rock valleys, the winding trails, the start and finish lines, it all made sense. It was breathtaking.

After the balloon flight, runners were finally allowed to stop. A full day of rest and recovery followed, giving battered bodies a chance to relax and reconnect. The evening brought everyone back together for a gala dinner, an award ceremony that celebrated not just the fastest, but the toughest and most spirited. Pierre (a single leg amputee) and Leon getting special recognition for personifying the meaning of MDS solidarity.

A film screening that captured the emotion and scale of what had unfolded over the past four days. Laughter mixed with tears. Strangers had become teammates. Solo runners had become family.

The verdict from every corner was the same: this race had delivered something extraordinary. It had pushed people to their edges and rewarded them with a kind of beauty, depth, and meaning that’s rare in the ultra-running world.

MDS 120 Cappadocia wasn’t just a race across Turkey. It was a race through deep time, a personal reckoning, and a reminder of what the human body and spirit can endure when the landscape is fierce, and the story is this good.

The bar is set. The expectations are high. But if the 2025 edition proved anything, it’s that this race is only getting better, stronger, and more awe-inspiring.

If you’re looking for an ultra that leaves a mark, not just on your legs, but on your soul: get ready for the 2026 dates, registration opens July 9th 2025.

Pack your shoes. Respect the heat. And come run through fire and stone in Cappadocia.

Marathon des Sables website HERE

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MDS 120 Cappadocia 2025 – Stage 3

Posted on June 27, 2025 by talkultra

Stage 3 of the MDS 120 Cappadocia delivered a brutal, beautiful reckoning. Spanning 26 kms under a punishing sun, the course cut through some of Turkey’s most iconic landscapes, from the pastel walls of Red Valley to the towering spires of Love Valley. But make no mistake: this stage wasn’t just about scenery. It was a furnace.

With temperatures soaring past 36°C and a heat index that felt closer to 48°C the early start with hot air balloons was welcome.

Even so, runners were fighting the heat within minutes. Shade was rare, and the terrain offered no favours: narrow single tracks, slot canyons, technical descents, and long exposed stretches tested every step.

By mid-morning, the route through Love Valley felt less like a romantic postcard and more like a slow-motion survival drill.

Despite the conditions, runners dug deep. The lead pack charged forward with astonishing control, weaving through the heat haze with purpose, but it was the back of the pack that showed the rawest version of the struggle. Blistered feet, overheated cores, and sheer exhaustion painted a stark picture of just how hard-earned every kilometer was.

Crossing the finish line at the edge of Love Valley brought a wave of emotion. Some wept, others collapsed. The medal placed around each finisher’s neck wasn’t just symbolic, it was earned in full, mile by scorching mile. For many, it marked the toughest test they’d ever faced in a race.

From first to last, the results were staggering. All athletes held their nerve in the heat, but it was the collective will of the entire field that defined the day. This was more than a stage, it was a battle. And everyone who crossed that line came out the other side changed.

Blue and Orange jackets make it all happen

Stage 3 didn’t give anyone an easy finis. It demanded everything. The landscape may have been romantic, but the race was ruthless. The medal, deserved!

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MDS 120 Cappadocia 2025 – Stage 2

Posted on June 25, 2025 by talkultra

Stage 2 of the 2025 MDS 120 Cappadocia tested every ounce of determination runners had left in the tank.

The day began with a 4:00 AM wake-up call under a pitch-black sky.

By the time the starting line buzzed to life, the first glow of sunrise was filled with dozens of hot air balloons over the otherworldly landscape, a surreal and unforgettable sendoff into a brutal, beautiful day. This is what makes MDS 120 Cappadocia so special.

Blue coats, a key and important element of MDS 120.

Participants had a choice: 20km, 40.9km, or 58.6km. Three distances, one shared battle. No matter which course they committed to, the terrain made sure no one got an easy ride.

From the start, runners faced a punishing mix of steep canyons, tight tunnels, dusty switchbacks, and rocky plateaus.

The famed Cappadocia chimneys, towering rock formations sculpted by time and wind rose like sentinels along the route, offering brief moments of awe in between relentless stretches of heat and effort.

At times, dense vegetation clawed at legs and arms. Elsewhere, there was nothing but the sun, dry air, and the crunch of feet against rock and dust.

The longer the distance, the deeper the challenge. The sun bore down with intent, turning even the breezes into blasts from a hair dryer. Hydration and mindset became as critical as foot placement. There were stumbles, cramps, and moments of silence where only the sound of breath and grit kept runners going. This is where the MDS 120 orange (medical) and blue (logistics) help keep the runner’s going, importantly, they bring a key safety element to the race.

Maëva, our last finisher receiving treatment just 4km’s from the finish.

But they did go. Every last one of them.

The final competitors crossed the line after an incredible 16 hours and 25 minutes on the move. A huge shoutout to Maëva and Clémment, who showed unreal resilience and heart, pushing through to the very end.

To all who took on Stage 2, no matter the distance, no matter the time, today you didn’t just run through Cappadocia. You conquered it.

Tomorrow brings the third and final stage, concluding in the Love Valley.

Marathon des Sables website HERE

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MDS 120 Cappadocia 2025 – Stage 1

Posted on June 23, 2025 by talkultra

Stage 1 of the 2nd edition of MDS 120 Cappadocia kicked off under the early light of an Anatolian sunrise, with 25 km’s of raw terrain waiting to test the field. A race drawing runners from 25 countries, with 62% of the field made up of women, the stage offered more than just a test of fitness. It celebrated resilience, international camaraderie, and the wild beauty of one of Earth’s most spectacular landscapes.

MDS 120 Cappadocia LIVE HERE

Start: Göreme valley
8:00 AM (UTC+3)

Distance: 25km
Elevation gain: 735m
Arrival: Bivouac
Arrival time max: 03:10 PM (UTC+3)

At 08:00, runners surged forward through soft dust and rising heat, chasing not just the finish line, but the promise of the valleys, ridges, and canyons that make Cappadocia a runner’s dream.

A perfect introduction to this region’s surreal terrain. Cappadocia’s sculpted rock formations and ancient pathways aren’t just scenic, they’re alive underfoot. The ground shifts from soft tuff to jagged stone without warning. Trails wrap through fairy chimneys, drop into hidden valleys, and climb ancient volcanic ridges that defy rhythm and punish pacing mistakes.

In Sword Valley, the finish line was framed by tall rock blades that towered like silent spectators. But before that moment of glory, runners had to earn it, through a twisting, relentless route that refused to give them anything for free.

This stage, at 25km’s, may have been short by ultra standards, but it made up for that in technicality and vertical grind.

“That climb? That was a truth serum to the CP,” said one British runner, laughing between gulps of water.

“I’ve raced ultras all over the world, and I’ve never seen terrain like this,”

This was only the opening round, but already the stage has shaped expectations for the rest of the MDS 120 Cappadocia: With deeper valleys, hotter days, and longer distances on the horizon, strategy will start to matter even more. Pacing, hydration, and mental grit will be required in abundance, especially with increasing hotter temperatures.

Equal parts brutal and beautiful, it gave runners a taste of what’s ahead: unpredictable terrain, and heat. The landscape demands respect. The heat punishes the arrogant. And the first finish line felt like a small rebirth.

One stage down. Two to go. Cappadocia has opened the door and it’s not letting anyone through without a fight.

Marathon des Sables website HERE

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Official Everest Trail Race website here

ANSWER THE CALL OF THE HIMALAYAS – EVEREST TRAIL RACE 2025

Posted on June 11, 2025 by talkultra

If you’ve ever dreamed of running in a place that feels otherworldly, where every breath reminds you you’re alive, and every step tests your limits, the 2025 Everest Trail Race is your chance. Happening this November, 10th to 22nd, 2025.

This is not just a race, it’s a life changing experience stamped into your muscles, your memory, and your soul.

The Everest Trail Race is a semi self-sufficient, multi-stage ultra that pushes you across roughly 160 km (100 miles) of raw Himalayan terrain.

You carry your own gear. You fuel yourself. You keep going. Over six days, you’ll face steep ascents, grinding descents, suspension bridges, narrow trails, and thin air all at altitudes between 2,000 and 4,100 meters.

This is not a race for comfort. It’s a race for people who crave discomfort, who see sweat and struggle as part of something bigger.

This is trail running in its purest form. Technical sections, single tracks carved into mountainsides, ancient stone paths connecting remote villages. One moment you’re running through a pine forest; the next, you’re skirting a cliff with views that stop you in your tracks.

The race route threads through the Solukhumbu region, home to the legendary Sherpa people, along the same trails used by mountaineers heading to Everest Base Camp.

November in the Himalayas is cool, crisp, and clear, perfect for trail running. Daytime temps are mild, with intense sunshine at altitude.

But the nights get cold. You’ll wake up to frosty mornings, and every breath will be visible. It’s the dry season, so the skies are often brilliantly blue, framing the snowcapped peaks like a postcard that never ends.

This is the kind of race where you learn to respect the air. The oxygen gets thinner, and your body feels it. It’s a slow grind uphill, and then a fast, careful descent. Pacing becomes survival. Acclimatisation is your secret weapon. But when you’re out there, breathing hard, moving slow, you realise something: you don’t need speed. You just need grit and determination.

You’ll meet Sherpa families offering you tea from tin cups in smoky kitchens. Kids will run beside you, barefoot and beaming.

The camaraderie among runners is real, forged in pain, sweat, and shared awe. You’ll finish each stage beside people who were strangers, now teammates.

The Everest Trail Race is small and personal. It’s not about crowds. It’s about connection — to the land, to each other, and to something deeper inside yourself.

You’ll see Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other giants of the Khumbu up close. But it’s not just the mountains — it’s the prayer flags flapping in the wind, the monasteries perched on hillsides, the layers of ridge upon ridge fading into the horizon. Every day looks like a screensaver. Every sunrise feels earned.

If you’re waiting for the “perfect moment,” this is it. You don’t need to be the fastest or the strongest. You just need to show up ready to push, adapt, and feel everything this place throws at you. The Everest Trail Race is not about conquering the mountain. It’s about discovering who you are when the mountain pushes back.

Transcontinental flights Barcelona/ Kathmandu / Barcelona and transfer to the Hotel.
Domestic Flights. Manthali/Lukla/Manthali and transfer to the hotel.
4 nights hotel in Kathmandu 4 * (according to local tourist category) with breakfast, double occupancy.
Overnight in lodge (hostel) during the trek in full board. Not beverages included.
Dinner the second night in a hotel in Kathmandu. Not beverages included.
Dinner and awards party. Not beverages included.
Allowances and staff insurance.
Trekking permit.
Entry into the National Park

SIGN UP FOR ETR 2025 HERE

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Chasing Horizons – The Second Edition of MDS Cappadocia Redefines Adventure

Posted on June 9, 2025 by talkultra

The MDS Cappadocia returns for its second edition, bringing trail runners back to one of the most visually surreal landscapes on Earth.

Set across three demanding stages over four days, this is not your typical desert race, on the contrary, it’s a technical, high-impact trail event through ancient terrain steeped in history and visual splendour.

Runners choose between 70km, 100km, or 120km of total distance, stages 1 and 3 are the same for everyone, stage 2 participants choose 20/40 or 60km.

Each course is carved through a landscape that feels pulled from another planet.

This isn’t a race of endless dunes, Cappadocia stands unique in the MDS format with no sand. It’s a test of grit over rock, gravel, and dust trails, winding through steep valleys, high plateaus, and narrow chimney-like formations.

The terrain shifts constantly. One moment you’re powering up a canyon, the next you’re cruising past thousand-year-old cave dwellings.

Cappadocia’s late summer weather is unpredictable. Days can scorch above 30°C (86°F), while nights drop sharply in temperature. As with all MDS events, participants will sleep in individual tents in a stunning location set within an amphitheatre of rock.

The sky, often cloudless, fills at dawn with dozens of hot air balloons, silent giants drifting above the rock spires and carved cliffs. Arguably, one of the most unique and memorable sights in any MDS event.

Whether you’re going for the 70km or pushing through the full 120km, MDS Cappadocia strips away distractions and puts the challenge squarely on participant versus the trail: raw, remote, and unforgettable.

More information on the MDS website HERE

Interested in another MDS event? Go to marathondessables.com

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