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.
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.
Photo by Ian Corless
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.
Photo by Ian Corless
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.
Photo by Ian Corless
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.
Photo by Ian Corless
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.
Photo by Ian Corless
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.
Photo by Ian Corless
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.
Photo by Ian Corless
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.
Photo by Ian Corless
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.
Photo by Ian Corless
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.
Photo by Ian Corless
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.
Photo by Ian Corless
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.
Photo by Ian Corless
Become a legend. Sign up now. The desert is waiting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
• 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.
The first edition of MDS Raid Namibia has come to a close, leaving behind exhausted bodies, and memories that will last a lifetime. This was more than just a race across the sands—it was a shared journey in one of the world’s most extreme environments. Over four days participants moved through heat, wind, and shifting dunes with only one constant: each other.
This inaugural and pioneering edition introduced a unique format – teams of two. Every participant was matched, not just in distance and pace, but in mindset. They ran, rested, and overcame together. And in those long hours on foot, under relentless skies, something powerful happened. Partnerships turned into friendships. Teams became a family.
Self-sufficiency is the foundation of MDS Raid Namibia. Runners carry all their food and essential gear for four days on their backs. It’s a constant of the MDS format: a journey on foot through an incredible environment that returns participants to a more primitive time, one of survival. Support comes from each other and the MDS crew.
The Blue Coats and the Orange Coats: Backbone of the Race
Behind every successful kilometer run or walked were the volunteers – the unsung heroes of MDS Raid Namibia. Dressed in blue jackets, the logistics team ran the show from behind the scenes. They handled transportation, managed camp setup, checkpoint supplies, vehicle recovery, and every little thing that kept the race moving forward. Without them, the race wouldn’t have happened.
Equally essential were the orange-coated medical teams. These men and women brought experience, calm, and skill to a setting where even small injuries can become dangerous fast. From treating blisters and hydration to monitoring serious fatigue and heat issues, they kept a constant watch over the runners. Their presence allowed participants to push harder, knowing someone had their backs.
Crucial to the survival and success of every runner were the course checkpoints, spaced strategically each day. These oases offered one vital thing: water. The weight of self-sufficiency was lifted slightly at each stop, where volunteers filled bottles, tracked progress, and cheered with smiles that mattered more than they knew. These checkpoints weren’t just pit stops – they were lifelines.
Volunteers often worked longer hours than the racers. They were the first up, the last to sleep, and the steady hands that made this entire event possible. Their professionalism and compassion were matched only by their quiet strength. They didn’t ask for recognition – but they deserve it all.
Running Together, Surviving Together
On the course, teammates and other teams took turns setting pace, checking the route, monitoring hydration, and offering quiet encouragement when the kilometres got heavy.
When one teammate faltered, the other picked up the emotional slack. When both were down, they leaned on each other and climbed back out together.
What surprised many was how close they grew to not just their partner, but to everyone else out there. Between finish line and camp life, barriers fell.
Every evening, the camp came alive with laughter, shared meals, stories, and exhausted, genuine connection. Strangers at the start became a family by the end. No one knew how hard it would get. No one knew how deep the friendships would run.
The Desert Gave Everything
The course itself was as raw and real as it gets. Each day offered a new section of Namibia’s coastal desert, where runners encountered moonscape vistas of sand that disappered into endless horizons.,
Soft, energy-sapping dunes that define this region were the relentless playground that made MDS Raid Namibia unique.
The Atlantic Ocean sat just out of reach, visible but untouchable, as if guarding the coastline. A highlight? For the first time in history, participants were granted access to the restricted Sandwich Harbour.
From the start, the desert tested resolve. Heat during the day, cold at night, and relentless sand underfoot made every kilometer earned. The course cut through some of the most stunning and unforgiving landscapes in Africa: ancient dunes, wind-carved valleys, and the stark openness of Namibia’s coastal desert. It was physically punishing, but visually surreal.
Unique for RAID was star night: a night without shelter, raw, exposed to the sky and elements. Teams bonded as they revelled in the unique privilege to share an African sky as a communal blanket.
Gratitude to the Namibian People
No event of this scale happens without the trust and cooperation of local communities. The MDS team expresses deep thanks to the people of Namibia – the landowners, the local guides, the regional authorities, and the communities near the course. A special thanks to Namibian Tourist Board and the Governor. The race would not have been possible without Kenneth and the team at Sandwich Dune Tours and Safari.
The generosity, the hospitality, and the pride in sharing this land made it possible for us to experience something few ever will. Namibia’s desert is wild, beautiful, and humbling – and it’s also a place of heritage and strength. We were guests in this landscape, and we honor those who welcomed us into it.
More Than a Finish Line
When the final teams crossed the finish line – worn out, arms raised, sometimes in tears – there was no grand ceremony, no confetti. Just the wind, the sand, and the quiet satisfaction of doing something very few people ever will.
Yet, in that exhaustion, something else was clear: no one was truly the same person who had arrived days earlier. This race changed people. It stripped them down, exposed their limits, and revealed what was underneath. Some discovered endurance. Others rediscovered purpose. Everyone left with more than they brought.
Looking Forward
The success of this first edition has set a powerful tone. MDS Raid Namibia may not be for the faint-hearted – but it is for the curious, the determined, the seekers. Those who want more than medals. Those who want something real.
What began as a desert race ended as a shared story of grit, resilience, and human connection. And the desert – harsh and indifferent – gave something beautiful in return.
To the runners, the volunteers, the partners, and the people of Namibia: thank you.
It is two weeks to go, finally the big target is in your grasp, MDS The Legendary 2025 is waiting! To all intents and purposes, your training is now done. You will not get fitter in these last 14-days, only more tired, more stressed and potentially injured. Accept that the work is done, other than some easy runs or walks to keep moving and some planned heat acclimation, use the extra time that would have been used for training as planning time.
DON’T PANIC!
If you have got this far, you are in a great place.
When you break the race down, here are my TOP 20 TIPS of what to focus on for Marathon des Sable – The Legendary.
Photo by Ian Corless
MEDICAL
Make sure you have all the medical requirements fulfilled and an up to date ECG as specified in MDS rules and regulations. There can be no compromise here. The MDS medical time, quite correctly, are adamant that all protocols must be adhered to. This is for your safety.
The organization provide a medical certificate which you must download and you must have a resting electrocardiogram (ECG) report plus graph, dated less than 30 days before the start of the race.
The original documents are to be presented during the administrative, technical and medical checks on the admin day in bivouac. Failure to present these documents will incur penalties (see ART.27 et 28).
Note:
The signature and the stamp of the doctor must be applied on them.
Only the original documents, dated and signed, will be accepted (photocopy is not valid).
TRAINING
Well, we are all individuals, we all have different abilities, we all have different goals, we all have different free time and the list could go on. Importantly, keep the balance of training days the same. If you typically run 5-days a week, maintain those 5-days and reduce the volume/ intensity.
The Taper:
Week 2: 40km or 4.8 hours
Week 1: 20km or 2.4 hours (race week)
Your body needs to keep alert and active. So make sure you add some stimulus in this taper period, short periods of faster running and/ or hill work are ideal. However, do all this with the priority not to get injured. Now is not the time to get a niggle, a sprain or a problem.
ACCLIMATE
In the final two weeks of taper you need to hone in on acclimation to heat and prepare the body.
Don’t leave this to the last minute, plan ahead, especially if using a heat chamber. Heat chambers are limited and obviously, time slots are limited.
If you do not have access to a heat chamber think of other options: sauna, hot baths, bikram yoga, adding layers when running, or if you are lucky with time, arrive in Morocco early and taper in a real situation.
EQUIPMENT
You will have been mulling over equipment for months and you may well have tweaked and changed your choices. Now, with 2-weeks to go, this is the time to make sure you have everything you need and also understand what it all weighs.
Clothes must be comfortable and not rub.
Shoes fit perfectly, give no hot spots and are suitable for the desert environment and have gaiters.
You need a minimum of 2000 calories per day. Lay food out for each day and have a spreadsheet that itemises everything and shows the weight and calories.
Where possible, re-package food in smaller and lighter packaging. Particularly important with dehydrated meals. Read HERE
TRAVEL
Runner’s are required to be at Ouarzazate Airport on the morning of Friday April 4th. Travel is for you to plan, flights are no longer provided by the MDS organisation, however, they do offer a free transfer service from Marrakech.
To get to Morocco and Ouarzazate, you can arrive at various airports:
Ouarzazate airport – Fly to Ouarzazate before the race and spend one or more nights in a hotel (at your own expense), then come to one of the meeting points on the morning of April 4. You must arrive no later than April 3.
Marrakech airport – Shuttles will be organized on the morning of April 2 and 3, 2025, between Marrakech and Ouarzazate (5-hour journey).
Travel in your run clothing including your run shoes with the gaiters. Yes, you are going to look somewhat ‘special’ at the airport but trust me, luggage goes missing and you do not want to be the person standing in the Sahara watching your dream slip away because of lost luggage.
Take your run pack with all contents for the race as carry-on. You can take pretty much take everything: food, sleeping bag, essentials etc. The only items you cannot take are run poles and knife-
Take spare items in your hold/ ckeckin luggage. MDS varies considerably in temperature, we get hot and cold years. Never assume it will be hot. You have the opportunity in bivouac to fine tune equipment before admin.
Purchase food and drinks at the airport to take on the plane. Also consider when you land in Morocco, you will have an approximate 6-hour bus journey to bivouac 1, take food and drink with you for this trip. However, MDS do ptovide you with a packed lunch.
Have cash with you, depending on which airline you use, card payments are not always possible, also, in Morocco, cash is king.
ARRIVAL
Runner’s are required to be at Ouarzazate Airport on the morning of Friday April 4th see above.
Runners will then fill buses, road books will be given and then you transfer to the desert. Expect 6-hours.
At bivouac you will find your tent and settle in.
REMEMBER food is now NOT provided and you therefore need to feed yourself on arrival day and admin day. There are no restrictions on weight or calories here, so, take as much as you want and plenty of variety, this includes drinks. Only water will be in camp.
As mentioned above, until admin, you have your luggage with you, so, you can have more layers, a more comfortable inflatable bed and some luxuries – consider what will make these days more pleasurable and comfortable. Importantly, you can fine tune your race pack with more or less layers based on the weather forecast and conditions.
ADMIN DAY
On admin day, prepare all your kit and make sure you have everything prepared and ready. Also make sure you have all mandatory and essential kit. Once you have passed through admin, your luggage is taken away and you will not see it again until after the race when you return to Ouarzazate.
Race self-sufficiency actually only starts the following day with stage 1.
Admin used to be a long and lengthy process, however, the system changed in 2024 and it was fast and seamless. Make sure you have a drink and snacks while waiting. A top tip is carry an umbrella to protect you in case of a very hot day.
RACE
The race will be 6-stages over 7-days. The distance will be 250km’s and the long day will be stage 4. There will be no Djebel El Otfal and Merzouga Dunes are back. Cyril Gauthier described the route as very beautiful and very tough. There will be a great deal of soft sand. Listen to a podcast where this is all discussed Countdown to MDS The Legendary 2025 – Two
“…and for sure it will be tough, I am not going to tell you that it will be easy! The distance will be 250km’s, I am little unhappy because I cannot put the long stage in the third position, I loved this last year, but according to our plan, we need to move it to the fourth stage. It will be tough, very tough and really beautiful. We have some amazing places planned, 80% is new tracks. You will see places never seen before in any MDS. There will be no El Otfal, there will be lots of sand and yes, Merzouga will return.” – Cyril Gauthier
Ease in to the race. Respect the challenge ahead. A slower and calmer pace on stage 1 and 2 will be rewarded on stage 3 and especially on stage 4, the long day. Remember after the long day you have a rest day. Stage 5 will almost certainly be a marathon, stage 6 a half marathon, plan for this physically, mentally and make sure you eat well to have the energy.
AFTER THE RACE
You will cross the finish line and be given a medal.
You will then be requested to board coaches that will be waiting for you. As each bus fills, it will depart for Ouarzazate, expect a 6-7 hour journey. A packed lunch will be provided.
On arrival in Ouarzazate, you will go to your hotel, your luggage will be waiting and then you have free time, dinner will be at your hotel.
The following day is a free day. In the evening it will be the awards ceremony.
Departure day, please make sure you check details for transfers to Marrakech if that is applicable for you.
Interested in another MDS event in 2025?
A full calendar of dates and destinations are available HERE
There is always something special about a first edition race. Despite all the planning, despite tight schedules, despite ticking all the boxes, there is always an element of the unknown, a curve ball nobody expected or predicted flying in and causing a problem. Gladly, no curve ball arrived on the Atlantic Coast, on the contrary, the first edition of MDS Morocco Atlantic Coast was a huge success and without hiccup.
Morocco is obviously not a new destination for MDS, Legendary is in its 39th year and MDS Morocco, MDS Morocco Trek and Handi MDS have all happened previously, so, a new event in Morocco feels comfortable.
Close to Agadir, the MDS Morocco Atlantic Coast brings something new to MDS events in Morocco and obviously brings something special to the MDS line up.
Photo by Ian Corless
Like Fuerteventura and Peru, the ocean provides a backdrop to the race and this alone is unique. The juxtaposition of desert, dunes, beach and the roar of waves and the blue ocean make for a special environment for a race to take place.
LOGISTICS
As with all MDS events, the race is 3-stages taking place over 4-days with 3 distance options, 70km, 100km and 120km. Stage 1 and Stage 3 is the same for all participants and stage 2 is the one where a choice must be made, typically 20km, 40km or 60km. It’s a great format that makes MDS appealing for all ages and all abilities.
With 170 participants and 27 nationalities, the MDS Morocco Atlantic Coast was a great first edition. Notably, once again, female participation was around 50%. MDS are without doubt pioneering the way for female participation in their races and this must be applauded and encouraged.
Photo by Ian Corless
Travel to Morocco is easy and transfers were provided by MDS from Marrakech (appx 6-hours) or from Agadir, with just a 40-minute transfer to the race hotel, needless to say, most people flew to Agadir.
Photo by Ian Corless
A Saturday arrival and a Saturday departure, the race format had 2 nights in the hotel, 4-days and 3-nights in the desert and then a return to the hotel for 2-nights before onward travel.
The format provides an excellent opportunity to mix holiday and relaxation with sport.
THE EVENT
Saturday arrival was relaxed and with no commitments for the participants.
Photo by Ian Corless
Sunday mornning and the MDS admin protocols were in place between 0900 and 1200, this is a requirement for eah participant – equipment is checked, medical certificates are checked, GPX trackers are added to packs and race numbers are provided. The whole thing is efficient, seamless and fast.
The afternoon provided an opportunity for relaxation or sight seeing and then an early dinner and bed.
Departure time for day 1 was 0300 for a 5-hour journey to the desert. On arrival, the plan, as always, was to get the runner’s underway as soon as possible.
Highway to Hell finished and the participants departed under cloudy skies at approximately 0930.
Photo by Ian Corless
Day 1, stage 1 at 24km’s headed from an inland location and basically headed directly to the coast. The terrain was mixed, with some easy running to start the day, of course, sand featured heavily with a dune section coming just after CP1 and a final dune section concluding the race just before the finish. Temperatures reached a high of 25-degrees and it was a great first day. Bivouac awaited the runner’s and a first night in sleeping bags with self-sufficiency started. The wind blew and the temperatures dropped, a chilly night was expected. Stage summary HERE
Photo by Ian Corless
Day 2, stage 2, intermittent rain and wind blew in off the ocean and there was a sense of dread at what this day would bring, especially for those participants who would take on the 40 or 60km distances. A challenging start and just a few hours later the weather started to clear and finally, skies cleared and the sun came to make for a beautiful day, highs reached 28-degrees. The course offered an obvious challenge mixing the best of Moroccan terrain with tsome stunning dune sections. The latter km’s running parallel to the ocean to give an epic backdrop. The race wnt into the night with the final finisher arriving just after midnight. Stage summary HERE
Photo by Ian Corless
Day 3 was a welcome rest day. The skies were blue, the wind gentle and the warmth of the sun relaxing. It was a leisurely and relaxed start to the day. At 1130, blue and orange coats with participants walked to the beach and on the way cleared away rubbish and notably huge amounts of plastic. We race in these magical places and sadly, littering and pollution is high. The ocean obviously washing in debris daily. It was a huge campaign and yes, we may have only provided a small dent in what is a very big problem, however, it felt good and the difference afterwards was noticeable. The remainder of the day was releaxed, as per usual, mid-afternoon, a cold and refreshing drink was provided and as darkness came, most were already in sleeping bags gaining valuable rest before the final day.
Photo by Ian Corless
Day 4, stage 3 and what a start to the day, the wind was howling from the north bringing with it, at times, torrential rain. Runner’s were ready for the challenge though, with 2 starts, 0800 and 0930 for the top-25, the day got underway and gladly, by 0830 the rain stopped. However, the wind did not. The wind blew and blew, providing a constant headwind and relentless sand storms for the whole 27km’s. It was an epic and special day. Yes, it was hard but boy was it memorable. The joy, the emotion and the tears at the finish made the medal only more special. From the finish line, buses were waiting and as each was filled, they then departed back to Agadir for hotel comforts – shower, buffet dinner and a night in a bed with sheets and comfort. Stage summary HERE
Photo by Ian Corless
The following day was one of relaxation. Dinner was served at 1900 and then followed at 2000 hrs with a closing ceremony, awards and the showing of the MDS Morocco Atlantic Coast movie. The atmosphere was electric, the feedback incredible, the emotion high, it was a very memorable ceremony that only confirmed the success of the event. An outdoor DJ and dancing concluded the night and brought to a close this first edition.
Saturday and onward journies home.
NOTES AND CONSIDERATIONS
Photo by Ian Corless
MDS events are meant to challenge you both physically and mentally, some challenge more than others. MDS Morocco Atlantic Coast certainly falls in the latter category with challenging weather and varying temperatures. Having experienced 20 MDS events all over the world, my top-tip is ‘be prepared!’ Deserts are not always hot, they are not always dry and they are not always calm. Have with you a waterproof/ windproof layer, have with you a warm layer (lightweight down or primaloft jacket) and make sure you have eye protection. Trust me, those who did not have sunglasses or goggles for stage 3 suffered badly trying to move forward in a headwind for 27km’s.
Photo by Ian Corless
Be prepared with a variety of food choices and undesrtstand that what tastes good at home, may not taste good the desert. A balance of sweet and savoury s good and take note, as days pass, the demand for sweet becomes less.
Photo by Ian Corless
Prepare the mind for the challenge. Understand the WHY you are doing the event and be prepared for anything. The body is an amazing thing that could do incredible things, however, it needs to work in harmony and synergy with the mind to achieve your goals.
CONCLUSION
Photo by Ian Corless
MDS Morocco Atlantic Coast was a huge success. We were all tested by the weather but this only made the event more special and memorable. The MDS event team have called it the Viavaldi race as we had all four seasons. The Atlantic Coast brings something special to Morocco and in contrast to Legendary, MDS Morocco and MDS Trek, the terrain is different, unique and of course, the ocean as a backdrop is special. No doubt, this event will grow to become an MDS favourite. January is great timing, what a great way to start a year and globally, few races take place so early in the year making this an easy option for those looking for something special post Christmas.
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.’
The 2025 Marathon des Sables calendar kicks-off the a new event, MDS Morocco Atlantic Coast, a great addition to the MDS line-up and now the fourth event in the country, the others, Legendary, MDS Morocco and MDS Morocco Trek.
Photo by Ian Corless
Located close to Agadir, the MDS Morocco Atlantic Coast explores a new area of this magical country.
Photo by Ian Corless
For stage 1 it was a very early start of 0300 for the drive from Agadir and the start line.
Photo by Ian Corless
Kicking-off at 0930, 170 runners from 27 nationalities started the 23km journey with 344m+ heading north to the coastline of the Atlantic Coast. Of the 170 participants, 50% of the field are women, MDS once again pioneering the way for female participation in ultra races.
Photo by Ian Corless
The day started with hard pack runnable terrain making for easy km’s before a dune passage, followed by a gorge and finally high dunes with the glimmer of the ocean in the distance. Cloud and a chill in the air soon moved away to leave blue skies and daily high temperatures of 27-degrees.
Photo by Ian Corless
Yoann Stuck and Listy Mazille dominated the day. Yoann finishing the day in a super-fast 01:49:52 ahead of Göran Schrey and Stephan Bawey, 02:01:30 and 02:01:52 respectively.
For the women, Listy crossed the line in 02:16:58, a huge gap opened up with Janina Beck 2nd in 02:39:43. Anne-Caroline Kusinierz was 3rd in 02:43:08.
A new year and a new race for Marathon des Sables. MDS returns to Morocco, this time, the Atlantic Coast!
First editions are always special, and anticipation is high to explore the white dunes of this magical part of Morocco.
As with all MDS events, Trek excluded, participants will choose either 70, 100 or 120km’s over 3 stages in 4 days.
Located close to Agadir, on arrival in Morocco, participants will spend two nights in a hotel for relaxation and admin protocols. After the race, everyone will return to the same hotel for post-race relaxation and of course, on the final night, a gala dinner, awards and party.
2026 participants will be pioneers of this new Moroccan adventure.
RACE FORMAT
Participants choose 3 different distances: 70, 100 or 120km,divided into 3 stages.
Typical distances are as follows:
Stage 1: 25km
Stage 2: around 20, 40 or 60km
Stage 3: 25km
Stages can be completed at your own pace: walking or running.
PROGRAM
Jan 25th arrival in Morocco and night at hotel.
Jan 26th technical and medical checks, night in the hotel.
Jan 27th transfer to the desert and stage 1, night in bivouac.
Jan 28th stage 2 and night in bivouac.
Jan 29th rest day and night in bivouac.
Jan 30th stage 3 and finish followed by transfer to hotel.
Jan 31st relaxation day with awards and dinner in the eve, night at the hotel.
Feb 1st onward travel.
THE EVENT
Vast streteches of brilliant whiteness, the white dunes of the Atlantic Coast are special and an epic backdrop for this new MDS event. Away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, an epic adventure awaits everyone. Agadir and the surrounding coastline also offers an opportunity for additional exploration; epic coastline, beaches, tradition, culture and an immersive Moroccan experience.
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 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.
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.
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.
FUERTEVENTURA – September 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.
You can read daily summaries of the 2024 edition and explore the route via images:
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.
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.
TREK – October 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.
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.
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.
IAN CORLESS 