atlanticcoast | IAN CORLESS

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.

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.

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Following on from the huge success of MDS Cappadocia, MDS add a new event to the 2025 line-up, the MDS Morocco – Atlantic Coast.

This makes three events now in Morocco, MDS The Legendary, MDS Morocco and the new MDS Atlantic Coast which only confirms that Morocco, really is a perfect destination for a desert adventure.

The Atlantic Coast brings something very new, white dunes, endless beaches and of course, the juxtaposition of the ocean as a backdrop bringing something very new and different to a Moroccan adventure.

The event will take place from January 25th to February 1st 2025 and as with all other MDS events, it will follow the same format, a three day race over 4-days with the option to run/ walk 70, 100 or 120km’s.

Here is a breakdown of how each stage may look:

– Stage 1: 25km – 30km
– Stage 2: 20, 40 or 60km
– Stage 3: 25km – 30km

Read MDS The Ultimate Guide HERE

MDS events bring a very unique challenge and with the distance options that are available, you can make these events as hard or as easy as you wish. With a considerable line-up of events and destinations, MDS are now offering a great opportunity to visit new places as a run tourist.

The Atlantic Coast for sure will be a highly anticipated destination.

The Schedule:

Participants will need to arrive in Morocco (Marrakech or Agadir) on Saturday January 25th (or before) to meet the MDS team at a designated point for onward travel to the race hotel.
Day 2 will have technical and medical checks with a day at the hotel.
Day 3 participants will transfer from the hotel and the start of stage 1 which will be 25 to 30km. Night in bivouac.
Day 4 stage 2, the ‘long day’ of 20, 40 or 60km. Night in bivouac.
Day 5 rest day. Night in bivouac.
Day 6 stage 3 25 to 30km and then transfer to hotel. Night in bivouac.
Day 7 day at the hotel, awards in the evening and gala dinner.
Day 8 onward travel home.