Stage 3 of the Oman Desert Marathon has a delayed start to ensure that participants experience the desert at night. With three waves: 10am, midday and 2pm (slower to faster runners respectively) the participants would cover the 47km stage in daylight and then transition to darkness.
Consider by race director, Said, stage 3 would include one of the most spectacular dune sections on the race, timed to coincide with the sun getting lower in the sky and for the lucky ones, maybe sunset would take place as the dune section came to an end.
Coming after the 55km long day, the later starts were welcomed and allowed for additional rest and recovery, however, the fatigue was starting to show on faces and bodies.
As the race got underway, it was clear that the men’s race would have a different approach, with Ghaith Al said pushing hard at the front, while behind, Saleh Al said and Rachid El Morabity ran together. Ultimately, it was an attempt to break Rachid. It didn’t work, but it was a valiant effort and one that rewarded Ghaith with the stage win in 5:03:39.
Behind, Saleh and Rachid ran together and crossed the line 5:10:29 and 5:10:39 respectively.
The women’s race had little drama with Aziza Raji and Aziza El Amrany running together and crossing the line in 6:56:35. The duo looked strong and relaxed. They will be a force to be reckoned with at Marathon des Sables this year.
Behind, once again, Veronique Messina ran a strong 3rd place in 7:49:56.
Albert Jorquera and Pol Makuri had a long day completing in 11:17. They are both very focussed mentally and strong physically. It has been a joy to watch the two of them work together and quite simply. Pol is an inspiration.
Day 2 of the Oman Desert Marathon and after day 1, there was some anxiety. At 55km’s long, the stage was set to be tough. A planned 0630 start with sunrise, would provide participants with extra time in daylight. However, the weather had different plans. An inversion came in during the night and early morning reducing visibility in the valley to zero, the start was delayed 1-hour.
At approximately 0730, the runners were on the way despite some lingering mist. However, the mist was guaranteed to disappear quickly and it did. While it lasted, it gave an eerie feeling to the desert.
Sadly, Mohammed El Morabity was a DNS today. He was tired and feeling under the weather after long delayed travel and a tough first day. Although sad to see a competitor leave, I am sure Salah Al Saidi and Evgenii Glyva were somewhat happy to have one less El Morabity brother to deal with.
Having run a very strong stage 1, Salah Al Saidi took the race to Rachid pushing the pace. As always, Rachid started easy and looked relaxed while following and Evgenii was pushing to hold the pace.
For the women, Aziza Raji must have felt very confident after her stage 1 performance and huge gap. By contrast, Aziza El Amrany was probably wondering how she could pull back any time? Kathleen Leguin who was a pre-race favourite had suffered with sickness on stage 1 but started the day feeling better and the trio ran together with Veronique Messina behind.
Despite 55km’s, stage 2 was billed as a more runnable and easier day, it wasn’t. There was a great deal of soft-sand, several dune section and lots of heat. It was all too much for Kathleen and sadly she withdrew from the race at cp3.
It is never easy to tell if Rachid is suffering, but today there seemed some signs of fatigue and tiredness at cp3. He left with Saleh but looked happy to hold back and let the pace be dictated.
However, in a typical Rachid move, he finally applied pressure and opened a gap crossing the line in 5:47:24 to Saleh in 6:07:43. Evgenii finished 3rd in 6:23:13.
The two Aziza’s were playing truce today and duo ran together all day, Raji happy not to loose anytime to El Amrany and at the same time share the desert with a friend.
With Kathleen out of the race, Veronique finished 3rd, the times of the top 3 8:31:06 and 8:31:07 for El Amrany and Raji, 9:04:37 for Veronique.
Results HERE and GC ranking HERE.
Albert Jorquera and Pol Makuri were battling the day and due for an early evening finish, in darkness.
A long stop at cp3 allowed Pol to get some treatment for his feet and recharge ready for the push to the line; he’s one tough guy!
Tomorrow is stage 3, the night stage. The runner’s will start in two waves. The first around midday, the second early afternoon and they will go in to the night over roughly a marathon distance.
Navigating a different route to the 2023 Oman Desert Marathon, stage 1 of the 2024 edition proved to be a tough challenge and one that saw the lead change in the latter stages to provide victory for Aziza Raji and Rachid El Morabity.
Starting in Bidiyah with a gala presentation of local dignitaries and local music, the event had a mass start for the 4-stage race, marathon, 21km, 10km and 5km.
The main event, the 4-stage 165km race navigating an almost circular route back to Bidiyah was initially lead with a charge from last year’s champion, Mohamed El Morabity with Khalid Al Jabri and Evgenii Glyva.
For the women, an in-form Aziza El Amrany forged away at the front looking very strong and focused.
As per usual, Rachid El Morabity paced himself with a relatively slow start keeping the other three protagonists in sight.
Behind Aziza, Aziza Raji and the French lady, Kathleen Leguin were both looking strong and relaxed.
The opening 25km, post-race, was considered to be ‘easy’ in comparison to the tough and challenging terrain that followed; relentless soft-sand, dunes and rollercoaster terrain that sapped the body of strength, especially as the heat of the day came.
It was here that Aziza El Amrany relinquished the lead to Aziza Raji who looked much more relaxed in the challenging terrain.
Kathleen was also suffering, climbing a steep dune she had continuous moments of sickness and at the summit, she sighed, just 9km to go.
Rachid had now made his move and behind Mohamed El Morabity was fighting hard to hold a very strong Salah El Saidi, no doubt hampered by long travel and a very late arrival before race day.
The 2023 champion could not match the pace and finished 3rd, 3:39:20, 3:39:54 and 3:41:29 separated the men, making for an exciting stage 2.
Aziza Raji was super strong in the latter stages of the day and crossed the line in 5:22:36. Aziza El Amrany arrived in a surprising 5:49:18 and Kathleen was overtaken by Veronique Messina to finish 3rd in 6:18:55.
While the fast raced at the front, as in every race, stories begin to form behind. A notable one, Albert Jorquera who raced here in Oman in 2023, who this year runs with Pol Makuri who has Cerebral Palsy in the right side of his body. An inspiration to watch!
The duo finished the day in a brilliant time of 7:41.49, 19th and 20th.
As darkness arrives, the battle for the line continues. It’s been a tough first day here in Oman.
Runners from all over the world are looking ahead to April and the next edition of Marathon des Sables. It’s daunting and it can be intimidating. Planning is key. All runner’s need to periodise training so that you get the most from it.
This ‘planning’ often comes in the form of a PYRAMID. The ‘classic’ pyramid training method is well established. In this article I want us to look at this pyramid in two ways by looking at two different runners.
Runner 1– Runs regularly but MDS is a new target and pushes the boundaries of what they thought possible.
Runner 2– Has completed MDS or similar stage race and wants to go back and improve.
First of all, both runners need to count back. From the race date, for some, that may well be a 12-month plan, but more often than not, depending on experience and history, a 6-month block is ideal and for the well trained, a 4 to 3-month very specific block is not unrealistic.
April – MDS race.
March
February
January
December
November
Counting back, it’s easy to look at the objective in real terms and understand what one needs to achieve.
ReadTHE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MARATHON DES SABLES HERE
Depending on experience, how this plan is put together is very much dependent on the individual. However, certain key elements should be present in any training plan and this article is intended to provide the basics from which you can develop a strategy that works for you. I must stress, for you!
RUNNER 1
As stated, runner 1 “Runs regularly but MDS is a new target and pushes the boundaries of what they thought possible.”Therefore, a classic pyramid will be ideal.
See below:
Decide on objectives for the year, decide on C, B and A targets, obviously, the ultimate is MDS. Put them in a diary and ideally have a wall planner so that you have an overview of the training block, be that 12, 6 or 4-months. It’s easy to see how training looks on a planner. C should be something that one trains through, B can be more challenging and have a small taper for, A is very specific such as a training camp.
For example:
April – MDS race – A RACE
March
February
January – A a training camp or a mini stage race in training or official
December – B a marathon on trail
November – C could be a half marathon
MDS is a long way, typically 250km, so, base training and getting the miles in is key. I would hope that before starting any specific training plan, a base has already been established with some consistent running; say, 3 times a week. I have allocated 8 weeks for this in the plan below. Hours of easy miles progressively building to C and B targets.
The A objective can be a training camp, maybe a race such as a 3-day race or a specific training long weekend to simulate race conditions.
You can’t perform well at every event and this is why C,B and A targets are important. Ultimately, MDS is the one in which you must perform.
As in any plan, flexibility is needed. Nothing is fixed and one must be flexible and listen to one’s body. I recommend building for 3 weeks, recovering on week 4, take things easy with reduced mileage and more rest and recovery.
Rest is really important as is consistency. Training is never about ‘one’ run but all the runs added together.
November and December 8 weeks – Base
January 3 weeks – Specific phase
February 3 weeks – Preparation phase
March 3 weeks – Peak
April Taper and RACE
BE SPECIFIC
Marathon des Sables will need you to be specific.
For example:
You will be carrying a pack that on day-1 of the race will weight at minimum, 8kg.
You will be racing in hot conditions.
You will be self-sufficient.
You will be compromised on calories.
You will almost certainly walk more than you anticipate.
The above list goes on and on and as training progresses, you should refer to the list and asses importance. For now, I would place the above list in the following priority.
LEARN TO WALK for most participants and good walking strategy and being familiar with how to use polesare a key to MDS success.
As training progresses asses, one’s strengths and weaknesses and then adjust the plan.
Do you need to work on strength and core?
If you have poles, do you know how to use them?
Are you recovering?
How is your diet?
What is my resting heart rate, is it fluctuating?
Am I being specific and thinking of the race terrain and simulating it?
And so, on and so on. The above questions are a starting point. Read through the list and add your own questions to appraise what type of runner you are.
As the time progresses, not only will you feel more confident, you will be able to understand what needs to be done to achieve your goal.
RUNNER 2
As stated, runner 2 “Has completed MDS or a similar stage race and wants to improve.”
I want to throw a curve ball in here and suggest reversing the pyramid.
For runner 1, the emphasis is building a base and then slowly but surely progressing up the pyramid to the pinnacle, MDS. Speed work and faster sessions are less important as building the endurance for the event is a priority, speed will form a very small element of training.
But assuming that runner 2 already has a good base of fitness. An emphasis can be placed on
How to improve,
How to be more efficient and
How to be faster.
So, before planning training, the following should be asked:
Do I lack endurance?
Do I lack speed?
Do I lack strength and core weak?
Was I mentally strong?
With answers to the following, one can look at the pyramid in a new way, turn it upside down and instead of putting a priority on long steady sessions early on, they can place a priority on:
Strength and core
Speedwork
The mental approach
Speed training is usually used to add the finishing touches to a solid block of training. But as stated, as an MDS finisher, they already have endurance, so, working on speed now is a great use of time.
November and Decembert can be used to get faster and stronger.
January can see more endurance added with a reduction in speed work.
February now combines endurance and speed with additional focus on strength with hill sessions.
March would be the peak phase, fine tuning speed in combination with endurance.
April would be a final peak and then taper to the RACE.
If you are someone looking to perform and improve, you need to be more self-critical. Plan your training and periodise your training so that you are able to (hopefully) predict good form for when you want it.
As an example, your A race which could take place in January or February may be something more specific where you are also looking for a result in addition to being in prime shape for MDS.
Remember you can only hold form for a limited length of time and if you want to peak, you need to make sure that this planning stage is done early so that you understand what you are trying to achieve. It’s all about stepping stones. And make sure you consider the terrain that the race will take place on.
Finally…
This article is not a hard and fast plan, it’s a guide for you to go away, look at your targets having assessed past targets and hopefully it makes you think about future objectives so that you can plan for a successful, injury free period of running and racing.
Consistency is key and just running and walking 3 to 6 times per week already drastically increases your chance of success at MDS. Remember, other than the ‘long-day,’ most days are the 28km to 42km bracket, so, no need to go crazy on distance.
The race is 5-stages over 6-days with a maximum distance of 250km’s and the longest day being 75 to 85km. Remember though, the ‘long-day’ has almost two days to complete, so, if required, you can take a substantial break or sleep to make the distance doable.
There are many more questions to ask and points to consider when planning but these should come after getting the training plan and schedule prepared.
Prepare for the heat in the taper phase.
Planning equipment looking for the best options for you based on weight and budget.
Work on food for the race and fine out what you need.
Fancy an early season multi-day TRAINING CAMP? Join us in Lanzarote January HERE
My recent podcast interview with Cyril Gauthier (available HERE) discussing the new development and progression for Marathon des Sables has now been transcribed and translated in to French. Superb job by Emmanuel Lamarle.
It is available on the marathondessables.com website by following the link HERE.
Make sure you you click on the flag (top right) as the copy will be inFrench or English.
Episode 235 of Talk Ultra and we speak with Katie (Catherine) Young who placed 6th lady and 1st Brit at the 2023 Marathon des Sables in 34h 21m 18s.
The 2023 Marathon des Sables will go down in the 37-year history of the race as a tough one. With second longest stage in the race history (90km), a tough course and excessive heat, 30% did not make it to the finish.
Katie Young from the UK, running her first stage race had an incredible run placing 6th woman and 1st Brit.
Are you planning on running Marathon des Sables or a similar race in 2024 or beyond? Why not join us in January for our LANZAROTE TRAINING CAMP which runs from the 11th to 18th. More information HERE.
Marathon des Sables 2024 #MDS – The New Features Discussed
2024 Marathon des Sables entries are due to open on June 30th. Moving forward, some changes will be made to the race. Read a summary of points HERE.
NEED A NEW PACK?
Are you looking for a new pack that is suitable for fastpacking and stage racing? We are currently testing the Camelbak Octane 25 and it is proving a real favourite. It’s full of features, has great storage and is extremely comfortable. Check out our first impressions HERE.
The 37th edition of the iconic Marathon des Sables concluded at Merzouga Dunes (Erg Chebbi) after what is considered, one of the hardest and most challenging editions of the race, 2021 an exception.
Coming later in April due to Ramadan, the predictions were always for hotter temperatures and an increased chance of sandstorms – we got them both!
Gladly, the intense sandstorms subsided after stage 2, but the heat grew in intensity as the week progressed with 42 degree temperatures in the shade and low 50 degree temperatures recorded in the direct sun.
This of course impacted on every participant and every member of staff.
October 2021 and the 35th edition was plagued by a Norovirus that debilitated many of the staff and runner’s, also, some of the most sustained and intensive heat that the race has experienced. It was a perfect storm that resulted in nearly 50% not completing the race. An in-depth article is HERE.
The 36th edition by contrast was the opposite, only confirming that extreme endurance challenges can bring anything and being prepared and adapting is key and integral for successful completion. However, significant sandstorms did increase the DNF rate to around 10%.
Here in 2023 there was no Norovirus, just intense heat that resulted in heat stroke, exhaustion and the second highest dropout rate in the 37-year history of the race – 30%.
What can be learnt from the 2023 edition and why such a high DNF rate?
Preparation – The 2021 edition of the race and huge dropout rate was a wakeup call for any racer, I would say that the 2023 edition of the race had participants who were well aware and understood the nature of the challenge. If the 35th and 36th editions can teach us anything, the key take away is you MUST be prepared for anything; intense heat, cold, sandstorms and the unexpected.
Sandstorms – They plagued the early stages of the 2023 edition, however, lessons had definitely been learnt from the 2022 edition when sandstorms increased the DNF rate. Far more runners in the 37th edition were prepared with specific eyewear that functions in harsh conditions. It’s a key item that to all intents and purposes should be mandatory on an MDS kit list. Gladly, sandstorms did not really impact when runners were on the course, the latter part of stage 2 an exception. The sandstorms impacted on camp life and comfort. Had they hit during racing, DNF rates may well have been higher.
Heat – It’s the Sahara, it gets hot! May sound silly to say, but, this is the nature of the event. Now of course, we can get extremes, 2021 and 2022 a perfect example, arguably the hottest and the coldest. 2023 sits most definitely in the hotter end of the 37-year history of the race and the DNF rate shows this. Quite simply heat adaptation and preparation is key coming in to the MDS in the 14-days before the race. If you do not do this, the adaptation will take place during the race and quite simply, the body cannot handle it and boom, you overheat, dehydrate, get sickness and withdraw. Stage 2 shows the impact with 106 abandons. I would normally say here, that by the time the ‘long day’ comes, DNF rates reduce due to adaptation taking place, BUT for the 37th edition they increased, why? Quite simply, temperatures continued to rise, the long day was arguably the hottest day of the race, it placed tired bodies in more intense heat and the knock on effects are easy to see. Also, let’s not forget the race distances.
Race Distances – The DNF rate in 2023 is without doubt a result of the intense heat, however, I do feel the race stages also contributed. To be clear here, I am not asking for easier stages, just providing an overview. Stage 1 at 36km was a long stage. When one considers that day 1 is ‘typically’ 29-32km, the additional distance adds to an immediate stress and strain. It’s easy to look on and say, but it is only 4km to 6km! True, but 4 to 6km for some can be 2 to 3-hours in the heat. It takes a toll. Stage 2 was a beautiful stage and a classic distance, however, this stage had more technicality and additional vertical gain, this in itself added a stress and strain, add intense heat and sandstorms towards the end of the day, plus carry over fatigue from stage 1 and we can see how 106 did not finish. Stage 3 is always a cautious stage as many want to preserve energy for stage 4, the long day. Starting with km after km of flat running, the stage was in comparison to other stages, an easier day, however, 72 abandoned. Stage 4 at 90km was the second longest ever stage of the MDS, coming in a brutality hot year, it was always going to be a tough challenge. A beautiful route that included climbing Jebel Otfal, the route had relentless soft sand and intense heat. Darkness and cooler temperatures were the saviour of many runners and despite this, 119 did not make the line. Stage 5 and the medal is in sight, no matter how tough the day is, the hug and kiss from Patrick makes one more day of pain manageable, despite this, sadly, 3 did not make the line.
Heat Stroke – D&V did happen during the race and while some questioned if a virus was present, it was clear to see that any resemblance to 2021 was not there. Heat stroke has very similar symptoms to a bug: tiredness · dizziness · headache · feeling sick or being sick · diarrhea. I saw countless runners with heat rash on their legs and bodies.
Pack Weight – Again and again, one of the key easy gains for MDS completion is getting pack weight as close to 6.5kg as possible. Additional weight is additional strain. In intense heat this is only magnified.
Walking – If I had a euro for every time I have preached, ‘learn to walk’ I would be a rich man. MDS always makes people walk far more than they want or anticipate. Add intense heat, walking becomes normal for everyone, the elite excluded. Rising core temperatures require you to reduce stress on you and the body, even if you do not want to walk you will be forced too. Continue raising internal temperature and eventually you’ll need to stop, hopefully seek shade and reset and carry on. The DNF’s in 2023 show that heat just wiped people out. So, effective walking is a key MDS strategy.
Poles – Quite simply, poles and knowing how to use them are a key weapon in helping achieve an MDS finish for those typically outside the top-50. However, Norwegian runner Gaute Løset was the personification of great pole technique and placing 11th overall. Poles provide 4-wheel drive, stability and help reduce some fatigue by helping to distribute load stresses. Trust me, poles are a key weapon for most at MDS.
Mind – Broken and tired bodies were willed to the end through thick and thin due to incredible mental strength and fortitude. Training is not only physical, but mental.
Be Prepared – Hot or cold, dry or humid, windy or not, the Sahara can throw anything at you. Racing MDS is not complicated, understand the challenge and prepare accordingly. The greater the preparation, the greater chance of completion!
Rachid El Morabity was going for a 10th MDS victory and all eyes were on him. Ragna Debats was returning to MDS after winning the race in 2019, she was the odds-on favourite for victory. It was not to be for either of them.
Rachid was running a typically smart race using his brother, Mohamed as a decoy to counter any threat from Aziz Yachou and Mathieu Blanchard. Fireworks were expected come stage 4 but the race felt nuetralized with Rachid, Mohamed and Aziz all finishing within 1-minute. This placed Mohamed the leader of the race. During the ‘rest day’ thoughts for the race strategy come the marathon stage were simple, Rachid would mark Aziz, Mohamed would police the race and then conveniently lose enough time to place Rachid winner of the race and gain his 10th victory. However, at 2pm on the rest day, Rachid and Aziz El Akad were both issued with 3-hour time penalties after failing a bag check just before the start of stage 4. The reason being ‘outside assistance!’
They both had items that could only have been provided by another person therefore giving them an advantage. To be clear here, many other runners were also tested before stage 4. Rachid’s chances of victory were over, he and Aziz withdrew from the race. Finally after many years being domestique to his elder brother, Mohamed clinched his first victory with Aziz Yachou placing second and Mathieu Blanchard third.
Ragna Debats dominated the early stages of the race building a huge time gap, we all thought the race was over. Signs of some fatigue and distress were visible on stage 3. However, come stage 4, the race unfolded for Ragna and she fought a long and hard day to finish many hours outside the top 3 women and therefore there was no longer a chance of victory or podium.
Maryline Nakache took over the reigns and despite Aziza El Amrany winning the long stage, she held on to victory with Aziza second and Tomomi Bitoh once again placed 3rd as she did in 2021.
The 2023 was classic, stage 2 and the long day providing the best of this region of the Sahara. Combined with the intense heat, it was a tough race. The long day, while not the longest (92km in 2009) was a significant challenge with an abundance of soft sand. Stunning views, ridges, climbs, soft sand, two crossings of Jebel Otfal, salt flats and oasis, the 2023 route was special.
MDS is a magical Saharan experience that really is one of the greatest experiences in running. A small city moves seamlessly and like clockwork day-by-day, a wonderful, magical, moving road show that is difficult to understand and appreciate until you are living it.
Stripped back from connection and technology, MDS is one of the ultimate raw experiences in this crazy modern and connected world; one tent, 8-people, one bag per person; rationed food, clothing, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, mandatory equipment and rationed water, it gets no simpler or basic. For those who have experienced it, they know the life changing process that the experience brings. They dared to place themselves in the arena knowing that if at least they fail, they do so while daring greatly.
Day 2 was tough. It was a challenging route, incredibly beautiful but the added technicality, vertical gain and intense heat took its toll with many DNF’s.
The organisation made a decision to bring the stage 3 start forward by 1-hour, 0700 instead of 0800. It maybe caused some logistical, admin and timing issues for all but it was a good call.
At 34km, stage 3 had less challenges than stage 2, but still a tough day.
With flat km’s to Cp1, the pace was high and Mathieu Blanchard was a main protagonist. He often pushed the pace, closely followed by Aziz, Mohammed and Rachid.
After Cp2 a resplendent area of green vegetation brought a different life to the Sahara. Camels, birds and reptiles, rare to see so much wildlife in one area.
As I expected, Mohammed attacked and not only took the stage but the overall lead. It’s what I expected. The ‘brothers’ have a plan for the long day, but, at 90km’s, anything can happen.
For the women, it was business as usual with Rgna leading. But, after Cp1 she went through a bad patch and Aziza El Amrany took over the front of the race with Ragna complaining of, ‘…feeling fine and lacking power.’
Maryline Nakache once again ran a strong and consistent stage to not only catch Aziza, pass her and put time into her, the duo finishing in 3:4104 and 3:42:36.
Tomorrow is the big day! It’s beautiful route with some MDS classics in the terrain. At 90km, it will be extremely tough for all. The race will start 1-hour earlier than planned, 0700. The top-50 will start at 1000.
Arrival in to the Sahara for many was harsh, with strong and relentless sand storm lasting several hours, gladly they subsided for Patrick Bauer’s welcome to the desert.
Saturday, is admin day. Each runner passes through protocols of equipment checks, health checks, bib collection and once dinner has been completed, self-sufficiency begins.
It has been a good first day with a great deal of apprehension, positivity, excitement and of course, an urge to ‘get underway!’
Stage 1 covering 36km with 2 aid stations is split in to 3 distinct sections. The early section is flat with a passing through Jebel Mech Irdane followed by soft-sand and Oued Rheris. Cp1 is followed by harde, faster terrain and small rolling hills that leads to dunettes and the arrival of Cp2. From here in, the running is good and fast to complete a potentially challenging first day of the 2023 MDS.
The 2023 MARATHON DES SABLES draws near and as usual, here is a preview of the coming edition. We will look at the top contenders for the male and female podiums, provide an overview of MDS history and look at some crazy statistics.
Since 1986, well over 22,000 participants have raced at the Marathon des Sables and we have record (or close to record) for 2023, with1200+/- toeing the line. As per usual, the race is multi-national with over 50 represented. The French and British providing the largest contingent.
THE TOP MEN AND WOMEN
Rachid El Morabity returns looking for his 10th victory, all eyes will be on him, but he is in for a fight! 2019 female champion, Ragna Debats returns and is without doubt the hot favourite for the top of the women’s podium.
THE WOMEN RACE
Ragna Debats
Ragna Debats dominated the race in 2019 and in recent years has become one of the top trail, ultra and skyrunner’s in the world. When in form, she is incredibly difficult to beat. In 2022 she had an incredible season with four top victories, Transgrancanaria 129km, Istria by UTMB, Montreux Trail Festival and the 100m Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB. Ragna has had a relatively quiet start to 2023 and recently she has changed her coach of 13-years. She will be meticulously prepared for MDS 2023.
Gemma Game
Gemma Game from the UK has been on the podium of MDS twice, 2018 and 2019, on both occasions placing 3. Gemma most definitely can win MDS but, as she will tell you, she runs for fun and MDS is an escape from a very busy and hectic life with a high-powered job and family. Is she wants to, she will be on the podium again in 2023.
Manuela Socco from Belgium is not a runner I am very aware of; however, two results stand out, victory at Cappadocia Medium Trail in 2019 and Tarawera 100km in 2020. She has also represented Belgium at the Olympic Games in the marathon distance. With a 35min 10km, a 1:16 half marathon and a 2:37 marathon, she has all the running fire power to create a stir in the Sahara.
Maryline Nakache from France has a string of top results, she often wins! However, stand-out markers come from Templiers (3rd) 90km du Mont-Blanc (3rd), CCC (5th) Transgrancanaira Advanced (1st), Tenerife Blue Trail (1st), UTMB (6th) and in 2022 alone she was never out of the top-5.
Tomomi Bitoh
Tomomi Bitoh from Japan was 3 in the 2021 MDS and has recently participated in The Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica. She is an incredible personality, a fierce competitor and although the podium is a possibility in 2023, I feel that she will just be outside the top ranking.
Elise DELANNOY (France) was 18th in the 2016 MDS in 38-hours. This is a long way off the pace required to podium in 2023… But a great deal has happened since then, notably a 7th place at UTMB in 2019, so, Elise cannot be ruled out of shaking up the front of the race.
Corina Sommer from Zurich recently won the Oman Desert Marathon against Aziz Raji (past MDS champ) and Aziza El Amrany who had led the race only to have Corina run two incredibly strong days and take the victory. New to trail, she placed 18th at Templiers and 3rd at Istria by UTMB for the 68km. She will need a great week to make the podium, but it’s a distinct possibility.
Jodie Moss from the UK was 8th at MDS in 2019 and has been preparing meticulously for the 2023 edition. However, recent injury issues placed the race in question, but it looks like she will be in the Sahara, hopefully in great shape.
Ester Alves won The Coastal Challenge in 2016 and placed 3rd in 2017. She also raced MDS in 2017 but the race did not go to plan… In recent years, she has had time away from the sport, but last year, Ester raced Everest Trail Race which will have no doubt provided some great momentum for the Sahara.
Maria Semerjian has results going back to 2009 and without doubt, she enjoys the tough mountain courses, UTMB, Raid de la Reunion, Grand Raid Pyrenees, UTMF, and more… The distance won’t be a problem, however, the speed to make the top-5 may well be the problem.
Brunhilde Girardet recently won Trail de Cité de Pierres as a warmup for MDS. It’s her first edition, so, let’s see…
Wild card – Katie Young from the UK.
Laurence Klein returns, she has won MDS three times, with no disrespect to the Queen of the desert, there is no chance of victory in 2023, but she will no doubt bring colour to the race.
Currently, Aziz Raji and Aziza El Amrany are NOT on the start list, but I hope they do make it to the 2023 edition. It’s important that Morocco has female representation and of course, both of them have great potential for the top 5. Raji has won the race and El Amrany was 3rd in 2022.
THE MEN RACE
The men’s race is extremely notable in 2023 as Rachid El Morabity will look for a 10th victory. This will without doubt add an extra dynamic to the race, particularly after the superb tactics which played out in the 2022 edition.
Rachid El Morabity
Rachid El Morabity is the boss of the Sahara and the hot favourite. BUT, I believe this year will be his toughest challenge. There are multiple reasons for this… Rachid has expectation on him, this is not really an issue, he can handle that. He has raced a great deal in the past 12-months, he may be tired? The Moroccan team is probably at its weakest, especially when compared to the past ten editions, so, the support network will be less. The competition, namely Mathieu Blanchard and Aziz Yachou are a serious threat. Will Rachid win? It is very hard to bet against him, but 2023 has the potential to be the upset year.
Mohamed El Morabity
Mohamed El Morabity is the eternal 2nd at MDS and his possibilities of victory in 2023 are zero if Rachid is in good form. The only opportunity for Mohamed is if Rachid falters and he gets the green light from his elder brother to attack. In Oman Desert Marathon earlier in the year, Mohamed took victory ahead of Rachid, don’t be fooled in to thinking Mohamed was stronger, he was gifted the win as credit for April and the 2023 MDS. Mohamed can win the race, but just as we saw in 2022, he will be the super domestique for Rachid.
Aziz Yachou
Aziz Yachou is the fly in the Moroccan ointment and 1-year on, has the potential to create fireworks and upset Rachid’s dream. He was 4th in 2021 and 3rd in 2022. Last year he was worked over by the tactics of Rachid and Mohamed, he will be prepared for that this year. Little is known about his training in the early part of 2023.
Mathieu Blanchard
Mathieu Blanchard raced MDS in 2021 and finished 5th – he was hit by the bug that swept through camp just in time for the long day. One thing is for sure, after placing 2nd at UTMB in 2022, we are looking at a different Mathieu. He raced The Coastal Challenge in February and placed 2nd, he recently summited Kilimanjaro and most recently ran a 2:22 marathon in Paris. Mathieu can win MDS and the French have put a team together to potentially make that happen. Beating the Moroccans on home soil (sand) is tough, but THIS may be the year.
David KILGORE from the USA has been top-10 at Leadville 100, and recently 7th at Tarawera 50km. On paper, he is not an MDS podium contender, but he will be in the mix for the top-5.
Erik Clavery adds more fire power to the French line-up. He was 5th at MDS in 2016 and a fierce competitor. He has raced UTMB, WSER, Eiger Ultra and even 24H championships, so, he brings something special to the MDS.
Vasily Kortytkin (Russia) comes to MDS with a history in 6H and 24H races, he has PB’s of 86.493 and 260.570 respectively. He has won some trail races in Russia in 2021 and 2022, how he performs in the Sahara is a big question.
Pierre Meslet (France) placed 9th at MDS in 2021 and returns in 2023 not only to perform to the best of his ability (top-10) but to also help the French maybe win the race and also get the team prize.
Anton Samokhvalov also from Russia has been racing trail since 2014. He has a list of solid results but nothing spectacular, in 2021 he made 10th at Transgrancanaria Advanced.
Notable mentions:
Duncan Slater from the UK lost both legs during a mission in Afghanistan, he’s back this year for another medal!
Christian Ginter, dinosaur of the desert, returns for the 35th time!
Finally…
1150 runners will toe the line (1263 were registered) and the youngest runner is 16-year-old Girard Fialon (she will run with her father, Grégory) and the eldest, Henry Botha, 81!
Crazy Statistics of the MDS
“The logistics are a big headache, and we organize every detail in advance! We’re a village of 2,000 people that must be set up and dismantled every day. We need to be self-sufficient in energy, food, water, and fuel. As one of my friends says, ‘Let’s expect the worst because the best will never surprise us!’ We also benefit from the infallible support of the Royal Moroccan Army, which makes available about 25 6WD military trucks to transport all our equipment.” – Patrick Bauer
You must see Marathon des Sables to appreciate the size and scale of the event. It’s like the largest moving circus you will ever see and it’s impressive to witness.
Following statistics provided by the Marathon des Sables office:
▪ 150 volunteers to supervise the race,
▪ 450 general support staff,
▪ 120,000 liters of bottled mineral water,
▪ 300 Berber and Saharan tents,
▪ 120 all-terrain vehicles and trucks,
▪ 2 Squirrel helicopters and 1 Cessna plane,
▪ 8 Transavia ‘MDS special’ commercial planes,
▪ 30 buses,
▪ 4 dromedaries,
▪ 1 incinerator lorry for burning waste,
▪ 5 quad bikes to monitor race environment and safety,
▪ 14 km/hr.: average maximum speed, 3 km/hr.: average minimum speed,
▪ 15 years of age for the youngest competitor and the oldest, 83!
Patrick Bauer
A brief history of the MDS
1984: At 28 years of age, Patrick Bauer decided to make for the Sahara to try to traverse a 350km expanse of uninhabited desert, on foot, alone, where he wouldn’t come into contact with a single village, oasis or watering place. Totally self-sufficient, with a rucksack weighing 35kg and containing water and food, he set off on a journey that was to last 12 days. It was the starting point of what was to become the MARATHON DES SABLES.
1986: The creation of the first MDS in the Moroccan Sahara. The 23 pioneers who took the start never imagined that their footprints would mark the start of a legendary event, which has today become a must among the major adventure sport meets. The creation of a non-mechanical competition in the Moroccan sands offers adventure runners a wealth of new prospects.
1987: Creation of the MDS logo: the face of a runner covered by a keffiyeh, the eyes protected by a pair of sunglasses and the pipette from the runner’s water container clenched between the teeth.
1989: 170 competitors take the start of the race.
1991: The gulf drama puts the MDS at a disadvantage and the financial partners withdraw. Fortunately, some runners answer the call. For these competitors, the true victory lies in meeting athletes from different backgrounds and their communion in the desert around the same goal. Sport proves once again that it can bring people together and create bonds.
1992: One and the same regulation for everyone. This year sees the establishing of unexpected draconian tests, to ensure that each participant properly transports all his or her gear from one end of the course to the other. A 30-point charter is drawn up.
First participation by the Moroccan Lahcen Ahansal
1994: Arrival of the Doc Trotters at the event.
1995: 10th anniversary. Since the start, over 1,500 men and women have left their footprint and their passion in the desert. Installation of water-pump for the inhabitants of the village of Ighef n’rifi (South of Er-Rachidia) – an idea by competitor Gilles Flamant and backed by Rolland Barthes and Patrick Bauer. Its success is to be repeated.
1996: First participation by Mohamed, a younger sibling of Ahansal. The two Moroccan brothers set off together and rank 4th and 5th respectively.
1997: This year heralds the start of the Ahansal saga. Morocco is honored with Lahcen’s first victory. He beats his two pursuers by nearly 30 minutes, despite them being international long-distance running champions.
1999: A mobile hospital on the MDS comes into being. There are around thirty practitioners on the ground, with doctors and nurses joining the caravan. A dedicated helicopter and ten all-terrain vehicles track the competitors each day. On- board these vehicles there are doctors of course, as well as high-tech equipment. The village boasts a genuine field hospital.
2000: Internet appears in the large MDS village. The organization decides to broadcast the texts and photos of the race live, day after day. The competitors can communicate with their nearest and dearest and receive messages of encouragement.
2001: For the first time the long leg, traditionally called “The 70”, exceeds the 80km barrier to reach 82km. The threshold of 240km is also surpassed since the 16th MARATHON DES SABLES spans 243km. Another first relates to the fact that there are no Moroccans on the podium this year.
2002: This edition is punctuated by a sandstorm, involving headwinds, which lasts the entire week. The doctors invent a machine for ‘low pressure cleansing’ to rinse out the runners’ eyes. Despite the difficult conditions, there are few retirements to report as the wind considerably reduces the temperature.
2005: The Luxembourg runner Simone Kayser is the first woman to win 3 MARATHON DES SABLES. For this 20th edition, the total number of runners exceeds 700 for the first time, with no fewer than 777 runners taking the start.
2006: A drying wind and very high humidity levels cause damage to the runners’ bodies. Despite additional allocations of water, a whole series of retirements ensues. There are a total of 146 retirements ultimately, which equates to double that of the previous record… Race management decides to shorten the long leg by over 10km given how tired the runners seem.
2008: The Solidarité MDS association is created. The aim: to develop projects to assist children and disadvantaged populations in the domains of health, education, and sustainable development in Morocco.
2009: MDS is disrupted by flooding and the 1st and 6th stages are not able to take place. To avoid the flood zones, the organization is obliged to improvise new legs on a day-to-day basis. In this way, the edition goes down in legend for its 3rd leg, which is the longest ever contested: 92km of sand, loose stones, and rocks… The leg even sees the retirement of Lahcen Ahansal… At the prize giving the 2 winners admit to having competed in their hardest MDS. However, it was also the shortest: 202km.
2010: For its 25th edition, the number of participations reaches a record high of 1,013 participants. It is to be the longest MARATHON DES SABLES. It spans 250 kilometers with a course considered by former entrants to be the most difficult ever organized.
2012: A dramatic turn of events on the longest leg as the then leader in the overall standing, Rachid El Morabity (MAR) injures himself one kilometer from the finish. Medical examinations reveal a serious muscular lesion in the quadriceps. After over five years on the 2nd or 3rd step of the podium, Jordanian Salameh Al Aqra secures the title.
2013: 1,027 competitors on the start line make this a new participation record. New feature: a final “Charity” stage sponsored by UNICEF and traversing the Merzouga dunes round off the race. Sportswise, Mohamad Ahansal and Megan Hicks are the champions of the 231.5km event. On a human level, all of the finishers pull off their crazy bet.
2014: 2011 winner, Moroccan Rachid El Morabity (MAR) wins the overall ranking and takes Mohamad Ahansal’s crown. In the women’s category, another American stamps her mark, Nikki Kimball. The French revelation is one Michaël Gras, 22 years of age, 8th overall and top Frenchman. A major athletics star, Moroccan Hicham El Guerrouj lines up to take the start of Saturday’s Unicef Charity leg.
2020: The Corona virus takes over the world.
2021: The Marathon des Sables returns but with an October edition due to the global pandemic. Celebrating 35-years, it is remembered as on one of the hottest editions and almost 50% not completing the race due to a possible Norovirus that swept through bivouac.
2022: Rapid El Morabity wins his 9th edition setting himself up for 10 in 2023. Sandstorms made for some difficult and challenging days.
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IAN CORLESS 