EVEREST TRAIL RACE 2025 – STAGE 2

Posted on November 15, 2025 by talkultra

BRUTAL BEAUTY AND RELENTLESS CLIMBING

Stage 2 of the Everest Trail Race doesn’t waste time. The gun goes off, and it hits hard, right into a beast of a climb that defines the day. The route is 26.6 kilometers with 1,483 meters of vertical gain, but ask anyone who ran it: it feels like double that.

The stage opens with arguably the most iconic stretch of the entire race, a 4km climb straight out of the start gate, topping out at the summit of Pike Peak at 4,046 meters. There’s no easing into it. You’re immediately lunging skyward, legs burning, lungs gasping, every step on loose rock and narrow trail.

But what a reward. The views from Pike Peak are the kind you earn. Everest, Thamserku, and the distant giants of the Himalayas tower on the horizon.

There’s a strange serenity up there—above the tree line, above the chaos, if only your quads weren’t screaming so loudly.

From the summit, runners are thrown into a tricky descent, technical, steep, and demanding full attention. This is no cruise; it’s controlled aggression. The terrain underfoot is a mix of loose stone and rutted trail, constantly shifting. Jase Bhanjyang appears below like a mirage, a short-lived reprieve at 3,510m before the next test.

After a quick breath, it’s back uphill, another climb, this time to 3,800m. It’s less brutal than the first, but by now the fatigue is setting in. The altitude, the sun, the effort, they add up. This section wears on you slowly, sapping strength before delivering a massive release:

This is the stage’s exhale. A long, fast descent winds down to Jumbesi, where Checkpoint 2 awaits. The descent is runnable FOR SOME but relentless. It’s a test of patience, footwork, and knowing how much to push without blowing up. At CP2, some collapse into chairs, others refuel and move quickly, no time to waste.

From Jumbesi, the route shifts gears. A more gradual climb takes runners to Phurteng at 3,000m, a steady push that gnaws at tired legs. Then, a rolling descent gives a hint of relief, but it’s a trap.

Because this stage has a final sting: the kick to Ringmo. Just when you think you’ve made it, the trail juts upward again before finally dropping into the finish at 2,740m. It’s psychological warfare. You can see Ringmo before you reach it – but the trail makes you fight for it.

Stage 2 is a monster. On paper, it doesn’t look like the toughest, less gain than Stage 1, more downhill, but the terrain, altitude, and sequence of climbs make it punishing. The raw elevation loss (2,203m) sounds helpful, but it hammers your legs in a different way. Many finish looking shell-shocked. Others, oddly exhilarated.

This is the Everest Trail Race offers up some of the most staggering views you’ll ever see on a race course, and today, in the shadow of Pike Peak, the price of admission was steep but worth it.

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EVEREST TRAIL RACE 2025 – STAGE 1

Posted on November 14, 2025 by talkultra

Brutal and Beautiful: Stage 1 of the 2025 Everest Trail Race Sets the Tone

The 2025 Everest Trail Race exploded out of the gates with a punishing Stage 1—23.10 kilometres of raw Himalayan grit, climbing 1,551 meters and descending 1,012 meters across technical trails and high-altitude terrain. From the start line in Dhap (2,950m) to the finish at Chyangsyngma (3,490m), runners were thrown straight into the deep end of this six-stage ETR test of endurance, mindset, and mountain resilience.

There’s no easing into the ETR. Stage 1 wastes no time in reminding runners exactly where they are, high in Nepal, breathing thin air, legs already burning. Early highlights at Sigane and Chyangba delivered sweeping views and traditional village life, but the serenity masked the effort required to get there.

The route dipped and climbed through Khamding, home of the first checkpoint and a welcome chance to refuel with fluids and snacks. But nothing about this stage was easy. The technical nature of the terrain demanded constant focus, one misstep could spell disaster. Warm daytime sun gave runners a psychological lift, but cold nights and the ever-present altitude ensured no one felt too comfortable.

The trail pressed on to Juke, the second checkpoint, offering another chance to grab supplies before the day’s most brutal truth set in, the final 5 kilometres were going to hurt. With around 800 meters of elevation gain packed into that last stretch, the finish at Chyangsyngma felt like a slow-motion battle uphill, but the views help with compensation.

There was no room for rhythm here, just grind, grit, and survival. Poles an essential accessory. Every switchback stung. Every false summit tested patience. But that’s the Everest Trail Race. It’s not just a run; it’s a confrontation with the terrain, and Stage 1 made that clear from the outset what lies ahead.

With five stages still to come, the 2025 ETR has already thrown down the gauntlet. Those who made it through Stage 1 know what’s coming: long days, steep ascents, dizzying descents, and no shortage of mental warfare. But for now, reaching Chyangsyngma was a victory in itself and proof that this race is not for the faint-hearted.

The race start time was a leisurely 0830 after an 0600 wake-up, hot tea delivered to each tent. Remarkably, Nepalee runner, Dal B Kunwar completed the stage in rapid, 2h 40min – there is a great deal to be said for being on ‘home’ turf. The first woman, Nepalee Chhoki Sherpa placed 3rd on the stage in a time of *h *m – full results can be viewed post-race at the ETR website HERE.

The Everest Trail Race is on. And it’s already living up to its legend.

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MDS 120 JORDAN 2025 – Stage 2

Posted on November 5, 2025 by talkultra

A Brutal, Beautiful Battle Across Wadi Rum

The second stage of the MDS 120 Jordan began today under a sky that could stop you in your tracks. As the sun climbed over the horizon, it lit up Wadi Rum in gold and fire. Towers of sandstone blazed in the morning light, and the vast silence of the desert seemed to breathe. It was a moment of calm before the suffering.

At 0700, the main field set off, hundreds of runners stretching out across the sand in a single wave.

An hour later, at 0800, the top-50 elites launched from the start line, eyes locked on the far horizon and the distances ahead. Three choices lay before all runners: 20 km, 40 km, or 60 km. No matter the distance, no one got an easy day.

By mid-morning, the heat was already rising fast. There’s no mercy in the Wadi Rum sun. The sand, soft and shifting, sucked at every step. It was a grind from the first kilometer. For many, fatigue from Stage 1 was already in their legs. Now, it became a question of how much pain they could manage, and for how long.

But the landscape kept pulling people forward.

Runners wound through canyons where shadows clung to the rock walls, through open plains that shimmered in the heat, and over dunes that seemed to have no top. The colours changed constantly, red, orange, ochre, bone-white. Every climb gave a new view, and every descent brought another challenge.

Support points were lifelines. Blue and orange jackets worked hard to keep everyone hydrated, motivated, and upright. Every shaded tent was a brief oasis. Words of encouragement were exchanged in multiple languages, often between competitors who had just met but already felt like teammates. That’s how it goes out here: shared struggle, instant connection.

For those tackling the 60 km, it was a full day and night affair. As the sun dropped, temperatures fell fast, and headlamps started flickering on across the desert. The sound of footsteps on sand and the occasional burst of laughter carried in the darkness. Some ran together in quiet partnership; others moved solo, locked in their own internal battles.

By midnight, many had reached the bivouac, collapsing into sleeping bags or cheering others in. But the course was still alive. The final competitors came in just after 0100, nearly 18 hours after the first wave set off. There were hugs, tears, and a level of exhaustion that only the desert can deliver.

It was a brutal day. But it was also unforgettable.

Wadi Rum tested everyone, their legs, their lungs, their minds. But it gave something back too: the raw beauty of this land, the solidarity of the competitors, the deep satisfaction of pushing past limits. Stage 2 didn’t just challenge people. It changed them.

A rest day brings and opportunity to re-charge, and stage 3 brings more kms, more heat, more unknowns. The reward, a medal and memories for a lifetime.

Wadi Rum sleeps under a silent sky, and every runner who crosses the finish line , whether first or last, has earned the reward.

Interested in a MARATHON DES SABLES EVENT?

More Info HERE

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MDS TREK MOROCCO 2025 – Stage 4 – A Victory Loop Through the Sahara

Posted on October 27, 2025 by talkultra

The fourth and final stage of MDS Trek Morocco is complete. What began as a journey into the vast, unforgiving desert has ended in a loop of triumph, every step earned, every moment remembered.

Today’s stage started in darkness. Head torches cut thin beams through the pre-dawn silence, the soft crunch of footsteps the only sound as the group moved out into the unknown once more. The air was cool, but everyone knew what was coming. The early warmth was already hinting at another scorcher in the making.

There were two distances again today, different paths, same glory. Whether you chose the longer route or a shorter challenge, the destination was the same: the finish line, and the medal that waited beyond it.

The route offered a final taste of everything the Sahara had thrown at participants over the past days, rolling ridges of sand, winding gorges, and a long, flat, rocky push to the finish. Hard, hot, and humbling. But also deeply rewarding.

Trek has been a shared adventure.

A test of resilience, not speed. MDS Trek Morocco made space for everyone, young and old, first-timers and seasoned explorers, fast hikers and slow-but-steady souls. There were no clocks to beat, only limits to expand.

It was also safe. Every step of the way, the organisation was tight, the logistics seamless, the support unwavering. Even in this remote, elemental landscape, the structure and security allowed people to push themselves without fear.

More than anything, MDS Trek was about togetherness. There were moments of solitude, yes, but also laughter, encouragement, teamwork. Bonds were built under starlit skies and blistering suns.

This trek wasn’t just through the Sahara, it was into a deeper understanding of what we’re capable of when we move with purpose, and when we move together.

The Sahara gave everything. So did the people who crossed it.

This was MDS Trek Morocco: a final stage, a victory loop, and an unforgettable finish.

Interested in a MARATHON DES SABLES EVENT?

More Info HERE

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MDS TREK MOROCCO 2025 – Stage 3 – A Journey Through Sand, Stars, and Spirit

Posted on October 25, 2025 by talkultra

There are stages that challenge you, stages that move you, and then there are stages like Stage 3 of MDS TREK Morocco, the kind that embeds itself deep in your memory and never lets go.

This wasn’t just another section of the trek. It was the spiritual centre of the entire experience. A 48-hour symphony of sweat, sand, starlight and self-discovery, this was the Sahara in its rawest, most breathtaking form.

Part One – Into the Desert Before Dawn

It began in the dark, well before sunrise. Head torches flickered to life across the bivouac like constellations on the move. The air was still, cool with the promise of what was to come. This was no ordinary start. There was a choice, two routes: the shorter 17.3km or the longer 30.6km. Two paths leading into the vast unknown, with each step breaking the silence of the Moroccan morning.

And then came the sand, golden even in the first light. There’s nothing quite like descending those soft sandy giants as the world slowly glows around you.

Laughter echoed, legs burned, hearts raced. The sand gave way to rocky outcrops, and then again to long stretches of sunlit solitude.

It was terrain that demanded focus: shifting sands, jagged stones, climbs that tested lungs, and descents that punished quads. And moments of pure magic, a Camel with a calf just days old.

As the sun climbed, so did the temperature, creeping past 40°C, pushing toward the high 40s by midday. Every kilometre was earned. The trek moved through narrow mountain passes, broad empty plains, and wind-rippled dunes that swallowed sound and offered only the rhythm of your own breath in return.

This wasn’t just physical endurance. It was mental stamina. This was the Sahara asking, “How much do you want this?” And the answer was in every footstep forward.

Star Night – A Sahara Festival Beneath the Milky Way

Then came the magic.

As the heat softened and the sky turned amber, the group reached the remote desert bivouac, a temporary outpost far from civilisation, wrapped in silence, surrounded by dunes like a protective embrace.

Tents were set up quickly, offering some shelter from the still-warm evening, but it was clear that tonight, few would sleep indoors.

Dinner was served under open skies, a catered desert banquet with the kind of flavour that only comes after a day like that.

Music played. Conversations sparked. Laughter carried on the breeze. And as the sun finally slipped away, the desert lit up in a way that defied belief.

This was no ordinary night.

This was Star Night.

The sky ignited with stars, sharp, bright, infinite. The Milky Way stretched across the sky like a brushstroke of light. It was cinematic. Surreal. And yet, utterly real. Most didn’t even bother with sleeping bags; the night air was warm, comfortable, and inviting. Mats were laid out in the sand, and people lay back, letting the stillness of the Sahara soak in.

This wasn’t just a rest stop. It was a memory being etched in real time. A Saharan festival of connection, nature, and awe. And despite the fatigue, few slept early. Why would you? Nights like that are rare, even in dreams.

Day Two – Sunrise, Sand, and the Final Push

As dawn crept in, the desert glowed again. Another split route awaited, this time 17.5km or 22.5km. But legs were lighter. Spirits were high. The starlit night had done its work. The air still held a bit of cool, and the sun rose gently, casting long shadows over the rippling sands.

The trail wound through more epic Saharan landscapes, twisting through low valleys, across ancient dry riverbeds, and up onto ridges with views that stole the breath before the heat could.

By late morning the thermometer climbed past 48°C. Brutal, yes. But somehow also beautiful. Because every drop of sweat, every pause in the shade, every step forward became part of something larger.

There was camaraderie. People encouraging one another. Sharing sips of water. Pointing out landmarks. Moving as individuals, yes, but always part of a bigger whole.

And then, after hours of pushing through shimmering heat and relentless terrain, the finish line of Stage 3 appeared, home bivouac, familiar now, yet somehow different. Changed. Just like every person who crossed into it.

Why Stage 3 Can’t Be Missed

Stage 3 isn’t just a segment of MDS TREK Morocco. It’s a story within the story. It captures everything the trek stands for: resilience, beauty, challenge, community, and wonder.

This was the essence of the MDS spirit : raw, bold, unforgettable. It tested bodies, ignited minds, and opened hearts. Trekkers will not just remember Stage 3, it will forever be that stage.

Interested in a MARATHON DES SABLES EVENT?

More Info HERE

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MDS TREK MOROCCO 2025 – Stage 2

Posted on October 22, 2025 by talkultra

Stage 2 of MDS TREK Morocco was short on distance, 11.7km or 15km, but packed with everything that makes this trek unforgettable: surreal landscapes, emotional highs, and the raw beauty of the desert revealed under first light.

The day began with the kind of sunrise that stops you in your tracks. As the first rays hit the dunes, the Sahara shifted from cool blue shadows to warm, golden brilliance.

The route kicked off along a dramatic ridge, a high line with sweeping views in every direction, one of the most stunning stretches in MDS history. Sand seas rolled endlessly below, broken only by the occasional rocky outcrop or camel track winding off into nowhere.

This was not a stage to rush. With no time pressure, participants could move at their own pace, soaking in the magic of the moment.

The terrain was varied, soft dune underfoot in some places, firmer ground in others, but the challenge was consistent: the heat. Even early in the day, the sun hit hard. It was a reminder that, out here, progress is earned.

At Checkpoint 2, the route split. Those craving a longer push could opt for the 15km course, while others stuck with the shorter 11.7km track. It didn’t matter which option they chose, both offered the same sense of accomplishment and wonder.

Whether climbing another dune or resting in the shade at the finish, there were smiles all around.

Stage 2 wasn’t about distance or pace. It was about presence, being fully alive in one of the most remote, beautiful places on Earth.

It was about the silence, the sweat, the sunrise. And for many, it was the moment they truly felt the spirit of MDS: the freedom, the challenge, and the deep, personal joy of moving through the Sahara under their own power.

A very special day and one that will stay etched in memory long after the sand is shaken from their shoes.

Interested in a MARATHON DES SABLES EVENT?

More Info HERE

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MDS TREK MOROCCO 2025 – Intro and Stage 1

Posted on October 22, 2025 by talkultra

There’s a certain image that comes to mind when you hear “MDS” – blistered feet, rationed calories, endless dunes, and the punishing solitude of the Sahara. But the second edition of MDS TREK Morocco flips that narrative. It’s still tough, still raw, still proudly Saharan, but this isn’t the Marathon des Sables you’ve heard whispered about in ultra circles. This is MDS with a difference.

This is adventure, elevated.

A New Kind of Desert Challenge

Set across seven nights deep in the Moroccan desert, MDS TREK isn’t about suffering. It’s about connection – to the land, to others, and to yourself. Designed for trekkers who crave the thrill of the Sahara without the demands of full self-sufficiency, this edition delivers a rich, physically challenging, and surprisingly comfortable desert experience.

Forget dehydrated meals eaten crouched in the sand. Here, you’re fed three real meals a day. Forget sleeping shoulder-to-shoulder under a makeshift tarp, you’ll rest in spacious, tents, roomy enough to stretch and breathe. Need a shower? There are actual showers. Want a drink? There’s a desert bar. And after a long day on your feet, you can stretch out with sunset yoga or sink into a post-stage massage.

A Race for Every Level

What sets MDS TREK apart isn’t just the comfort – it’s the accessibility. You don’t need to be an ultra-runner or a desert-hardened veteran to take part. This is a multi-stage trek, not a race to the death.

Each of the four stages is offered with two distance options, allowing participants to challenge themselves at their own pace. Want a longer push? Go for the full route. Need a bit less? Opt for the shorter version. The emphasis isn’t on beating the clock; it’s about the experience.

But make no mistake, this is still the Sahara. The terrain is rugged, the climbs are real, and the heat is relentless. The environment demands respect. But it also rewards you with something almost spiritual in return.

Stage 1: Into the Furnace

The adventure began under a blazing sun. Temperatures soared as 350 trekkers laced up for the first leg of the journey. The day’s route offered a choice: 15.6 km or 22.7 km, with both options weaving through a landscape as brutal as it was breathtaking.

Soft, shifting sands made even the flat sections a test of will. Then came the tough climbs, sandy ascents that drained the legs and quickened the pulse.

There were sections of technical rock and loose scree, keeping everyone alert. But in between the hardship came moments of wonder: endless panoramas, wind-sculpted dunes, towering jebels casting long shadows across the desert floor.

It wasn’t easy. But that wasn’t the point. This was beauty wrapped in brutality – a reminder of how the desert strips you down, and in doing so, shows you something pure.

And perhaps the most defining feature of the field? More than 60% of participants were women. This wasn’t just an event—it was a movement.

Evenings of Contrast

Post-stage life in MDS TREK is where the magic deepens. After pushing their limits under the sun, participants returned to a camp that was more oasis than outpost.

There’s shade. There’s cool water. There’s time to kick off the boots, breathe, and reset.

Then, as the desert begins to exhale and the day gives way to dusk, trekkers gather for sunset yoga – a quiet, grounding practice led against the backdrop of endless sky. Others opt for a massage under canvas, loosening the knots earned over each step.

And later, with dinner shared and bellies full, the real depth of the event reveals itself: evening talks and lectures that inspire, educate, and connect. Whether it’s stories from desert veterans, lessons on resilience, or reflections on personal growth, these sessions remind everyone that MDS TREK isn’t just about distance. It’s about transformation.

A Community Like No Other

The mix of people is part of what makes MDS TREK so powerful. Solo adventurers. Groups of friends. Veterans of the classic MDS alongside first-time desert explorers. Young and old. Every background. Every story. This is a space where no one is left behind, and every victory, every climb, every kilometre is cheered like a medal.

MDS TREK Morocco isn’t about breaking records. It’s about breaking through.

To comfort.

To challenge.

To something unforgettable.

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or simply someone looking for your next big reset, this is the one.

Interested in a MARATHON DES SABLES EVENT?

More Info HERE

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

Posted on September 21, 2025 by talkultra

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

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.

Posted on September 9, 2025 by talkultra

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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Web – www.iancorlessphotography.com

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

Posted on August 14, 2025 by talkultra

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.

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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