Countdown to MDS 120 Morocco and MDS Trek Morocco: Anticipation Builds After Fuerteventura Cancellation

After the last-minute cancellation of MDS 120 Fuerteventura, the focus now shifts firmly to Morocco, where two cornerstone events are about to take center stage: MDS 120 Morocco and MDS Trek Morocco. Anticipation is high, the energy is back, and participants are ready for the desert challenge they’ve been waiting for.

What Are MDS 120 and MDS Trek?

The MDS 120 is a three-stage, four-day 10/100 or 120 km endurance race in the desert, modelled after the legendary Marathon des Sables but in a shorter, more accessible format. Athletes carry their food and gear, manage their effort in the heat, and experience the highs and lows of true desert racing, every kilometer tests both body and mind.

The MDS Trek shares the same landscapes and spirit as all MDS events but swaps competition for exploration. Designed for adventurers and walkers, it offers a supported trek across the Sahara, with each stage a new chance to discover the desert at a different pace. Participants are not self-sufficient, camp has more luxury and yes, even showers are possible!

The Journey Into the Desert

The adventure begins well before the start line. Most participants first gather in Marrakech, where the atmosphere is electric as athletes and trekkers from around the world converge. From there, MDS arrange transfers over the High Atlas mountains to Ouarzazate, often called the “door of the desert.”

Two hotel nights in a hotel with administration protocols, then the caravan heads deeper into the Sahara. The transfer to Bivouac 1 marks the true start of the experience: the desert horizon stretching endlessly, the iconic WAA tents awaiting, and the realization that the adventure is about to begin.

MDS 120 Morocco:

MDS Trek Morocco:

Looking Back at 2024

The 2024 editions showed the enduring strength of the MDS spirit. Morocco delivered outstanding editions and for MDS 120, there were some challenging climatic conditions with rain and flooding.

MDS Trek, was business as usual with classic Morocco weather. Participants took on dunes, jebels, and starlit nights. These moments reinforced Morocco’s reputation as the spiritual home of the Marathon des Sables.

Why 2025 Will Be Bigger and Better

In 2025, expect the same, but amplified. The organisers have doubled down on delivering unforgettable events, and the buzz suggests the community is ready for it. The MDS 120 Morocco will push competitors harder, while the MDS Trek will continue to offer an inclusive and inspiring path through the Sahara.

And Then Comes Jordan

Photo by Ian Corless

The adventure doesn’t stop in Morocco. Just weeks after the conclusion of the MDS Trek, the focus shifts east for MDS 120 Jordan, where runners and trekkers will swap the Sahara for the dramatic landscapes of Wadi Rum. It’s a quick turnaround, but for those chasing the full MDS experience, it’s the perfect continuation of a year dedicated to desert discovery.

The countdown is on.

Morocco awaits.

Interested in a Marathon des Sables event? More information HERE

WAA apparel HERE

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Adventure Awaits: MDS 120 Morocco , MDS Trek Morocco and MDS 120 Jordan 2026 Go on Sale September 10 2025.

Photo by Ian Corless

On Wednesday, September 10 at 12:00 PM UTC+2, registration opens for three unforgettable endurance adventures:

  • MDS 120 Morocco – October 2–10, 2026
  • MDS Trek Morocco – October 11–20, 2026
  • MDS 120 Jordan – October 31–November 7, 2026

For runners, trekkers, and anyone who dreams of testing their limits in the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth, these dates mark the beginning of a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

What is the MDS?

The Marathon des Sables (MDS) is not just a race. It’s a legend. Born in Morocco in the 1980s, the event has earned a reputation as “the toughest footrace on Earth.” Participants cross vast stretches of desert on foot, carrying their own food and gear, with only water and tents supplied. It’s as much a mental battle as it is a physical one – a journey into resilience, camaraderie, and discovery.

But MDS isn’t just about the ultra-hardcore. Over the years, the family has grown to include formats that open the experience to more people while retaining its wild, adventurous spirit. That’s where MDS 120 and MDS Trek come in.

MDS 120 vs. MDS Trek: What’s the Difference?

Both are designed to immerse you in the magic of the desert, but the style of challenge is different.

MDS 120

  • A shorter, yet still demanding, version of the iconic Marathon des Sables.
  • 120 kilometers spread across three stages.
  • Self-sufficient format: you carry your food and equipment.
  • Runners and fast hikers alike join in, moving between marked checkpoints across some of the most beautiful, wild landscapes imaginable.
  • Nights are spent in camp, bonding with fellow adventurers under desert skies.

MDS TREK

  • Designed for those who want the MDS atmosphere without the clock.
  • Roughly the same length as the 120, but completed at a trekking pace over five stages.
  • Guided and supported: you carry a daypack, while larger bags are stored in bivouac.
  • Perfect for walkers, adventurers, and anyone who prefers to savour the desert at a slower rhythm.

In short: MDS 120 is a race. MDS Trek is an adventure. Both give you the thrill of the desert, the community spirit, and the sense of achievement that comes from stepping far outside your comfort zone.

Photo by Ian Corless

Morocco: The Heart of MDS

It’s no accident that MDS was born in Morocco. The Sahara here is everything you imagine when you hear the word “desert”: towering golden dunes, dry salt lakes, endless rocky plains, and distant mountains shimmering in the heat.

During the MDS 120 Morocco (Oct 2–10, 2026), participants will move through terrain that feels ancient and otherworldly. Running or trekking across sand seas lor along fossil-studded plateaus, you’ll witness landscapes that seem unchanged for millennia.

If you prefer a slower, more contemplative journey, MDS Trek Morocco (Oct 11–20, 2026) is your chance to follow in the footsteps of nomadic caravans. Expect strong mint tea at camp, Berber hospitality, and sunrises that wash the dunes in pink and gold.

Jordan: A Desert of Myths and Monuments

After Morocco, MDS 2026 turns east to another jewel of the desert world: Jordan.

From October 31 to November 7, 2026, MDS 120 Jordan takes place in Wadi Rum, a place so breathtaking it has been called “the Valley of the Moon.” Red sandstone cliffs, natural arches, and wide sandy valleys create a setting that feels almost Martian—no wonder so many films have been shot here.

Photo by Ian Corless

The terrain is ideal for running and trekking: firm sand flats, winding canyons, and rocky ridges that offer sweeping views. And the cultural backdrop is equally unforgettable. This is the land of Lawrence of Arabia, Nabataean traders, and Bedouin camps where hospitality is still sacred.

Photo by Ian Corless

Add in the chance to visit Petra – the rose-red city carved into cliffs – and float in the Dead Sea, and you’ve got a trip that balances physical challenge with world-class cultural exploration.

Why These Events Sell Out

Every MDS event is capped to maintain its unique atmosphere: a balance of challenge, safety, and community. That’s why when registration opens, places vanish fast.

Here’s what draws people back year after year:

  • The Challenge: 120 kilometers may sound daunting, but it’s achievable for anyone willing to train. Past participants range from elite athletes to everyday adventurers.
  • The Camaraderie: Camps become villages of shared struggle and shared joy. By the end, strangers become family.
  • The Scenery: Whether it’s sunrise over Moroccan dunes or starlight over Jordan’s cliffs, the landscapes will etch themselves into memory.
  • The Transformation: You leave with more than a medal. You leave knowing you can do hard things—and that realization follows you into every part of life.
Photo by Ian Corless

Preparing for MDS

MDS is not something you show up to on a whim. But it’s also not as unreachable as it may seem. With six to twelve months of structured training – mixing endurance, strength, and practice carrying a pack – most people can get ready.

What both demand is an open mindset: ready for sand in your shoes, dust on your face, and joy in small things like shade, water, and shared laughter.

The post-pandemic years have sparked a surge of people craving real experiences – not just vacations, but adventures with meaning. MDS embodies that perfectly. It’s travel, sport, culture, and self-discovery all wrapped into one.

If you’ve ever dreamed of running across the Sahara or walking through Wadi Rum, 2026 is your chance. Spots are limited, and once they’re gone, you’ll be waiting another year.

Photo by Ian Corless

Think about it: ten days where your only job is to put one foot in front of the other. No emails, no deadlines, no noise – just the sound of your breath, the crunch of sand, the laughter of fellow adventurers, and the vast silence of the desert.

That’s what awaits you at MDS 120 Morocco, MDS Trek Morocco and MDS 120 Jordan 2026.

On September 10, 2025 at noon (UTC+2), the door opens.

The only question is: will you step through?

Marathon des Sables website HERE

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MDS RAID NAMIBIA 2026 – Double The Fun in the Namib Desert

Second Edition Confirmed for April 25 to May 2, 2026

The adventure is back. From April 25 to May 2, 2026, the second edition of MDS Raid Namibia will return to one of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth, and this time, it’s bigger, bolder, and ready to test your limits.

A Race Like No Other

MDS Raid Namibia isn’t your typical ultra. It’s a Raid format: multi-day racing where each stage takes you deeper into wild, untouched terrain. You and your partner navigate the course together, carrying your essentials, relying on one another’s grit and skill. The rhythm is different from a single-stage event, it’s about strategy, recovery, and building momentum over days in the desert.

Namibia: More Than a Backdrop

The desert here is alive with colour and contrast, towering red dunes, sun-bleached plains, and skies so vast they feel infinite. But the real magic? The people. From the warmth of local communities to the camaraderie among competitors, every smile, handshake, and shared moment turns the race into something unforgettable.

Two Distances, One Challenge

Whether you choose 90km or 107km, you’ll face a course that demands strength, patience, and partnership. The shorter option is still a serious test; the longer route adds extra sting to already challenging days.

Teams of Two

This is not a solo fight. Every team is two runners — sharing the highs, lows, decisions, and celebrations. It’s about knowing when to push, when to pace, and how to keep each other moving forward. You’ll finish this race with more than just a medal — you’ll leave with a bond forged in heat, dust, and determination.

Under the Star Night

And then there’s Star Night — a moment that transcends competition. Out in the desert, far from city lights, the sky becomes a canvas of constellations. It’s an evening to pause, breathe, and feel the scale of where you are. Stories are shared, laughter carries through the darkness, and the adventure takes on a whole new light.

MDS Raid Namibia 2026 is more than a race. It’s an odyssey. Whether you come for the challenge, the scenery, or the connection, you’ll leave with a story only this desert can write.

The desert is calling.

Read and in-depth summary of the first edition in 2025 HERE and be inspired to join this magical adventure, ‘Testing Limits on the Edge of the Atlantic.’

MDS RAID NAMIBIA WEBSITE HERE

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ANSWER THE CALL OF THE HIMALAYAS – EVEREST TRAIL RACE 2025

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

©iancorless

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.

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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.

©iancorless
  • 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

Official Everest Trail Race website here

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Chasing Horizons – The Second Edition of MDS Cappadocia Redefines Adventure

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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MDS Atlantic Coast and MDS Raid Namibia 2026 Announcement

Photo by Ian Corless

MDS has never been just a race. It’s a full-body, full-heart experience. In 2026, following on from first editions in 2025, MDS Atlantic Coast and MDS Raid Namibia return for 2026. If you’re looking for adventure with meaning, either one could be the race of your life, registration opens June 18 2025.

MDS Atlantic Coast 2026 – Morocco’s Untamed Shoreline

This isn’t your typical desert run. MDS Atlantic Coast cuts through a rugged, wind-carved stretch of Morocco, where the Atlantic and dunes meet with force. Raw and exposed, this region of Morocco is a place where the elements are alive and always in motion.

Photo by Ian Corless

The route spans beaches, a rollercoaster of sand, and coastal dunes. Sweeping ocean views and the pulse of open nature. The terrain shifts fast: soft sand, hard-packed trail, technical descents. You’ll run through untouched coastline where the horizon feels infinite.

Photo by Ian Corless

What makes it special? The contrast. The wild energy of the Atlantic meeting the quiet resolve of the desert. It’s Morocco, but different, fresher, rougher, windswept. A race built for runners who crave variety and the edge of the map.

Photo by Ian Corless

The event will take place January 24th to 30th 2026. The format will offer 70km, 100km or 120km’s over 4-days and 3-stages.

Photo by Ian Corless

MDS Raid Namibia 2026 – Stillness. Vastness. Silence.

Then there’s the magic of Namibia, a race that doesn’t just test your endurance, it rewires your sense of scale. You run through the Namib Desert, the oldest on Earth, where everything feels ancient, vast, and impossibly quiet.

Read about the 2025 MDS Atlantic Coast HERE

Here, the dunes don’t just rise, they tower. Temperatures swing fast. The sand swallows every sound. You’ll face long stretches with no sign of human life, just you, your breath, and the endless desert.

Raid Namibia is all about extremes: isolation, heat, and beauty so intense it’s almost surreal. You’re not just running across a landscape, you’re running inside a moment that feels untouched by time.

Unique for the MDS format, Raid Namibia is undertaken in teams of two with two distance options, 100km or 120km. Taking place April 25th to May 2nd 2026, this race is a very special event in the MDS line-up and as such, participants will ideally have prior experience of an MDS event or similar.

Read about the 2025 MDS Raid Namibia HERE

Atlantic Coast vs. Raid Namibia

Two Frontiers. One Mindset.

Photo by Ian Corless

• MDS Atlantic Coast brings wind, waves, and a constantly changing terrain under the open Moroccan sky.

• MDS Raid Namibia delivers pure stillness and a surreal immersion in the world’s most ancient desert as teams of two with a special star night.

One ocean, the Atlantic, two unique events. Experience the silence of the desert, experience different landscapes and share the same unshakable spirit that brings all MDS events together.

If you’ve ever dreamed of pushing your limits somewhere unforgettable, entries open:

June 18, 2025 1200 CET.

MDS Atlantic Coast and MDS Raid Namibia are more than races — they’re experiences that shape you.

MDS website HERE

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Transvulcania Ultramarathon 2025 Summary – Savaged by the Storm

Transvulcania Ultra has always been a brutal race. Spanning 73.06 kilometers across the volcanic backbone of La Palma, with 4,350 meters of ascent and 4,057 meters of descent, it’s a journey from ocean to sky and back to ocean again. But in 2025, nature raised the stakes. This year, Transvulcania wasn’t just hard – it was survival.

From the moment runners left the Fuencaliente lighthouse at sea level, the signs were there. Dark skies. Driving rain. And as the climb up the GR131 trail began, the weather only worsened. Wet volcanic gravel shifted underfoot. Winds battered the open and exposed sections. Every gain in elevation brought colder air, heavier rain, and stronger gusts.

The early sections of the race, usually warmed by morning sun, were instead cold, and treacherous. Visibility dropped. Temperatures plummeted. Waterproofs were soaked through. The race had barely begun, but it was already a war of attrition.

The route climbed steadily through pine forests and barren lava, snaking up toward the spine of the island. Normally breathtaking, the high sections offered little view, just fog, wind, and rain slapping sideways across the many exposed ridges. The climb, always demanding, turned into a freezing march, the only protection coming from the trees.

The temperature near Roque de los Muchachos, the island’s high point at 2,421 meters, hovered close to freezing. But it was the wind chill that changed everything. Gusts tore across the exposed ridge line, turning already cold air into biting, sub-zero blasts. Some runners were forced to stop and layer up; others pushed through shivering, teeth clenched. Many decided to call it quits.

Hypothermia wasn’t just possible, it was real. For many, this section became less about racing and more about making it through.

The long drop from the summit to Tazacorte Puerto – a descent of over 2,000 vertical meters is never easy. But in this weather, it became treacherous. Slick rocks and pine needles, water-logged switchbacks punished tired quads. Fatigue met fear. But a glimmer of better weather below the cloud gave runners hope.

Warmth arrived, the exhaustion of fighting the cold up high lingered with every step though, the reward of the finish line now spurred each and every runner to fight hard. From Tazacorte Puerto, the final climb, known as ‘The Wall,’ is short on paper but long for the legs and mind. Roughly 300 meters of vertical gain on steep switchbacks of rocky path. Normally a test of willpower, this year it became an act of survival. However, the removal of the rocky gorge at sea level – for safety reasons – did mean it was possible to cover more ground much quicker.

The streets of Los Llanos were lined with cheering locals offering the first real warmth of the day. Music cut through the chill and finally the best finish line in the world arrived, the medal this year feeling a little heavier but hard earned after the rain, wind, and freezing exposure of a mountain that showed no mercy.

What makes Transvulcania unique has always been its terrain and profile. Lava fields, pine forests, ridge lines, sun, and sea. But in 2025, the weather became the story. Torrential rain washed away comfort. The cold stripped away energy. And the wind exposed every weakness, both mental and physical.

The fastest still raced though. The elite still chased podiums. But deeper in the field, it was about finishing, about not quitting. About moving forward despite frozen hands, soaked shoes, and the urge to stop.

Transvulcania is about battling whatever the mountain throws at you, and this year, it threw everything.


Peter Frano and Anne-Lise Rousset were crowned as the winners of the ultra marathon. Frano made his move on the descent to Tazacorte Puerto passing Andreas Reiterer who would eventually finish 2nd ahead of Manu Anguita. The times were 6:55:36, 6:58:27 and 7:19:18 respectively.

After three previous attempts, 2016, 2017 and 2019, Anne-Lise Rousset finally took the top honours in 8:18:17, a long way off the CR of 8:02:49 set by Ruth Croft in 2024. Ekaterina Mityaeva and Martina Valmassoi battled for 2nd and 3rd and were separated by just 27-seconds at the line, 8:36:58 and 8:37:25.

In the men’s race, hot favourites Dakota Jones and Dmitry Mityaev did not make the start, notably, Andreu Simon Aymerich, Matt Daniels, David Sinclair and Jordi Gamito (amongst many others) DNF’d.

For the women, Ruth Croft who lead the race for almost half of the distance finally succumbed to the weather and withdrew, along with Azara Garcia and Elisa Desco.

Even through fogged lenses and stormy skies, La Palma’s raw beauty still showed through. Runners moved through wild volcanic terrain, past black rock and misty forests. They crossed an island shaped by fire and storm, and this year, they did it while the island roared. And those who crossed the line in Los Llanos? They didn’t just finish a race, they survived an ultra through one of the wildest tests the island has ever delivered.

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MDS Morocco Atlantic Coast 2025 – Stage 3

Photo by Ian Corless

The wind blew strong during the night causing a restless night for many. To add to the fatigue, rain arrived as the runner’s started to pack and get ready for the third and final stage.

It was an ominous start and it was clear that there was high anxiety for each participant, with 27km’s to go, this was not going to be an easy last day.

Photo by Ian Corless

The first wave left at 0800 and the top-25 departed at 0930. Gladly, the rain disappeared, however, the wind did not…

It was a northerly headwind for the entire 27km’s creating some of the most memorable moments and images of any MDS event.

Photo by Ian Corless

Runner’s battled, heads down, hands shielding faces and they fought what would seem like a never ending battle against nature to the finish line.

Photo by Ian Corless

But the finish line came for all and with it, great emotion.

Photo by Ian Corless

Stage 3 of the first edition of MDS Morocco Atlantic Coast was brutally beautiful. Relentless impressive dunes, the Atlantic Ocean to the left and the final 10km’s along the beach made for a completely memorable MDS.

Photo by Ian Corless

Tears, joy, emotion, relief and the bling of a medal all made the journey worthwhile.

Photo by Ian Corless

The journey for each participant unique. The experience unique. But there was one common thread…

‘We survived and experienced a truly memorable journey along the Atlantic Coast of Morocco.’

Photo by Ian Corless

Full race results HERE

Interested in an MDS event in 2025? A full calendar of dates and destinations are available HERE

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MDS Fuerteventura, MDS Morocco and MDS Morocco Trek 2025 – Booking Starts January 15th.

January 15th 2025 12:00pm (cet) three MDS events go on sale for the 2025 calendar.

MDS Fuerteventura – September 20the to September 27th.

MDS Morocco – October 10th to October 18th.

MDS Trek Morocco – October 19th to October 28th.

FUERTEVENTURASeptember 20th to September 27th.

2024 was a significant year for the MDS, it saw the return of MDS Fuerteventura exploring a new part of the island and with a capped entrant list it was not only a sell out but a huge success.

With an isolated bivouac close to the ocean, Fuerteventura brings something very special to the MDS portfolio. In many respects it can draw comparisons to MDS Peru, however, it does not have the epic dunes that the Ica desert provides. With stunning cliffs, runnable terrain and epic views, this is one race that must be experienced.

More MDS Fuerteventura details HERE

MOROCCOOctober 10th to October 18th.

MDS Morocco follows in the footsteps and the history of The Legendary. Taking place in the same area of the Sahara, this race is ultimately a mini Legendary and as such holds a special place for all participants. The 2024 edition was notable for two reasons… Freak weather – believe it or not, rain and flooding in the Sahara! It made for a unique and special edition with some unforgettable visual stories. Secondly, the Handi category which saw wheelchair athletes take on the Sahara with the help of a team.

The 2025 edition of the race will once again pave the way for the MDS brand and the history of the race.

TREKOctober 19th to October 28th.

MDS Trek was new for 2024. Combining much of what we see and experience in a normal MDS event, the TREK format added more comfort (2-person tents with mats,) no self-sufficiency (in regard to food,) showers, and after the stages, you will have the opportunity to relax with a daily massage* for better recovery, enjoy cold drinks* from the available bar, and share convivial moments in the social areas

*extra charge locally

Combining mental enrichment with workshop conferences, the TREK still offers the classic MDS distances of 70-120km but at a more relaxed pace and a slightly different format due to the very special ‘star night!’

Here’s the approximate breakdown of distances:

  • Stage 1: 14 or 24km
  • Stage 2: 12 or 15km
  • Stage 3 – day 1: 19 or 31km
  • Stage 3 – day 2: 19 or 26km
  • Stage 4: 13 or 24km

A perfect event for those looking for an introduction to stage racing, an active holiday or just an escape with a loved one or friend. An opportunity to experience the DNA of the MDS, the 2024 edition was a huge success and returns for 2025, bigger and better! Accessible to everyone, this format is perfect for those who want to explore the desert, make new connections, push their physical limits, and all while maintaining a level of comfort.

More TREK details HERE

What is the MDS?

The MARATHON DES SABLES is a unique adventure, shared by thousands of enthusiasts since 1986.

MDS MAIN WEBSITE HERE

To differentiate the full distance race of 250km’s, Marathon des Sables will now be known as MDS The Legendary, reflecting the legendary status of this iconic event and its long history as a pioneer of the stage racing and multi-day format.

The ‘HMDS’ format will still follow the same protocols as before but has now dropped the ‘half’ title and moving forward, events will be called MDS Jordan, MDS Morocco, MDS Cappadocia and so on.

The MDS events are a one-week sporting adventure that combines discovery, travel, meeting new people and physically challenging yourself in a self-sufficient manner.

MDS TREK was introduced in 2024 and is a 10-day adventure at a more relaxed pace with extra comfort, perfect for an active holiday, training or as an introduction to desert stage racing.

Read MDS THE ULTIMATE GUIDE HERE

Since 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has crossed the world’s most stunning deserts with several unique concepts: the MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY (252 km in the Sahara Desert in Morocco), the MARATHON DES SABLES (70, 100, or 120 km spread over 3 stages), and the new 2024 concept, the MDS TREK (4 stages with a total distance of up to 120 km), offering an accessible adventure with optimal comfort. These international events have seen over 50 editions in various countries such as Morocco, Fuerteventura Island, Peru, Jordan, Turkey, and offer adventures that combine running/hiking in the desert with tourism.

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

facebook.com/iancorlessphotography

Web – www.iancorless.com

Web – www.iancorlessphotography.com

MDS Peru 2025 – Return to the magic of the ICA Desert

MDS Peru returns in 2025. I was at the original full-distance event in 2017, it was clear then that Peru and the Ica desert was a very special place.

The race returned in the ‘HMDS’ format in 2028, 2019 and 2022. Now, all HMDS events rebranded as MDS, we eagerly anticipate the 2025 MDS Peru that will take place from November 29th to December 6th, what better way to kick-off early Christmas celebrations and end a year!

Participants will arrive in Lima on November 29th (or before) and then stay in Lima for 2 nights at an official race hotel.

November 30th will have technical and medical checks, the protocol identical to other MDS events.

On the morning of Dec 1st, an early morning transfer to the start of stage 1.

As with all MDS events, the race will take place over 3 stages will last 4 days.

  • Day 1/ Stage 1 will be 25 to 30km.
  • Day 2/ Stage 2 offer three distance options, 20, 40 or 60km.
  • Day 3 is a rest day.
  • Day 4 will see the commencement of the race with Stage 3, again, 25 to 30km and then two overnight stays at Hotel Paracas.

The following day is a day of leisure and then the awards ceremony and gala dinner.

Dec 6th will see participants return to Lima and onward travel.

A key consideration for participants, if Peru is on your wish list, due to the complexities of travel and logistics, Peru will not be a yearly MDS destination, so, now is the time to sign up and experience the magic this destination offers.

The Ica desert is unique, isolated from any civilization, this is a week of total disconnection. As bivouacs go, the one at MDS Peru is arguably the most impressive and unique, located on the edge of the Pacific Ocean.

Should you require to arrive before or extend your Peru adventure, there will be the option to explore Machu Picchu, the historic city of Cusco and the Mountain of 7 Colours with MDS partner Coltur.

MDS Peru will open for entry on Dec 11th at midday CET. Importantly, MDS have stipulated that a minimum sign-up of 200 participants will be required for the 2025 event to proceed, so, don’t hesitate to join this unique adventure of a lifetime. For the first 100 to sign-up, a discount is available, 2350 euro instead of 2650 euro.

MDS Peru returns in 2025, November 29th to December 6th. There really is no place quite like Peru and the ICA Desert. Sign up for the adventure of a lifetime, entries open December 11 2024 at midday CET.

Enter HERE

What is the MDS?

The MARATHON DES SABLES is a unique adventure, shared by thousands of enthusiasts since 1986.

To differentiate the full distance race of 250km’s, Marathon des Sables will now be known at MDS The Legendary, reflecting the legendary status of this iconic event and its long history as a pioneer of the stage racing and multi-day format.

The ‘HMDS’ format whill still follow the same protocols as before but has now dropped the ‘half’ title and moving forward, events will be called MDS Jordan, MDS Morocco, MDS Cappadocia and so on.

The MDS events are a one-week sporting adventure that combines the discovery, travel, meeting new people and physically challenging yourself in a self-sufficient manner.

Read MDS THE ULTIMATE GUIDE HERE

Since 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has crossed the world’s most stunning deserts with several unique concepts: the MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY (252 km in the Sahara Desert in Morocco), the MARATHON DES SABLES (70, 100, or 120 km spread over 3 stages), and the new 2024 concept, the MDS TREK (4 stages with a total distance of up to 120 km), offering an accessible adventure with optimal comfort. These international events have seen over 50 editions in various countries such as Morocco, Fuerteventura Island, Peru, Jordan, Turkey, and offer adventures that combine running/hiking in the desert with tourism.

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

facebook.com/iancorlessphotography

Web – www.iancorless.com

Web – www.iancorlessphotography.com