Countdown to MDS The Legendary 2025 – Four

Posted on March 20, 2025 by talkultra

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.

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.

Read HERE on the best protocols.

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.
Socks work for you.
Sleeping bag is light and warm.
Sleeping mat
Food
Mandatory kit

READ THE ESSENTIAL MDS EQUIPMENT LIST 2025 and Countdown to MDS The Legendary 2025 – Three

Use LIGHTERPACK to keep a track of everything.

FOOD

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

Follow Ian Corless

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

facebook.com/iancorlessphotography

Web – www.iancorless.com

Web – www.iancorlessphotography.com

MDS Morocco Atlantic Coast 2025 – Race Summary

Posted on February 3, 2025 by talkultra

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Full race results HERE

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

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

facebook.com/iancorlessphotography

Web – www.iancorless.com

Web – www.iancorlessphotography.com

MDS Morocco Atlantic Coast 2025 – Stage 2

Posted on January 28, 2025 by talkultra

Stage 2 of MDS Morocco Atlantic Coast and the option to choose the stage distance: 20km, 40km or 60km?

One of the appealing factors of the MDS format is the stage 2 distance option, with stage 1 and 3 the same for all, the stage 2 option allows for an overall distance of 70km, 100km or 120km.

The day started under heavy cloud and winds coming from the north . At 0845 as participants arrived for the start, rain started to fall. It was an ominous beginning for the day and the weather remained challenging with rain increasing in strength during the morning.

Gladly, by midday, blue skies and sun started to appear, however, the wind increased in strength and continued to do so into the night.

With epic landscape, stunning dunes, there was much to appreciate in this stage and despite the weather, runner’s were constantly smiling.

With three distances, rankings change after stage 2, often considerably, for example, Listy Mazille, a clear winner on stage 1 is now the leader of the 1ookm and we have a new leader in the 120km category now.

In the 120km, ranking is as follows:

RACE LEADERS 1 – Yoann STUCK 2 – Göran SCHREY 3 – Stephan BAWEY

WOMEN RACE LEADERS 1 – Anne-Caroline KUSNIERZ 2 – Janina BECK 3 – Adele THOMAS

In the 100km, ranking is as follows:

RACE LEADERS 1 – Listy MAZILLE 2 – Benoit BERCHEBRU 3 – Adrien LHERMITTE

WOMEN RACE LEADERS 1 – Listy MAZILLE 2 – Tiphaine SANQUER 3 – Joana TEIXEIRA

In the 70km, ranking is as follows:

RACE LEADERS 1 – Christian HARTEL 2 – Justine DEBOTÉ 3 – Cyril MALEJAC

WOMEN RACE LEADERS 1 – Justine DEBOTÉ 2 – Vanessa CUADRADO 3 – Audrey SCOTTO

The stage, for many, goes into the night. The last runner will arrive late, maybe early the next day.

Tomorrow, a rest day of relaxation and recovery before the third and final stage.

Full race results HERE

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

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

facebook.com/iancorlessphotography

Web – www.iancorless.com

Web – www.iancorlessphotography.com

MDS Morocco Atlantic Coast 2025 – Stage 1

Posted on January 27, 2025 by talkultra

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.

Located close to Agadir, the MDS Morocco Atlantic Coast explores a new area of this magical country.

For stage 1 it was a very early start of 0300 for the drive from Agadir and the start line.

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.

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.

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.

Full race results HERE

Tomorrow, stage 2, is ‘the long day’ when participants can choose one of three distances, 19.7km, 41.2km or 54.5km.

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

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

facebook.com/iancorlessphotography

Web – www.iancorless.com

Web – www.iancorlessphotography.com

Oman Desert Marathon 165km 2025 – Stage 4

Posted on January 21, 2025 by talkultra

It was a morning of relaxation in bivouac, today, stage 4, has the participants starting at staggered times based on ranking. The first departure 1400, the second 1500 and lastly, the fast group at 1700.

The start times are designed to allow all participants to experience the Oman Desert under darkness.

The 30km stage starts with 6.8km’s of dunes and then after a left turn, the route takes a direct line to the finish line and final bivouac night before the final stage tomorrow.

In the 1500 departure, the top women raced head-to-head and unsurprisingly, Aziza Raji once again dominated in 03:59:21 followed by Lydia Oldham, 04:20:23 and today Tanja Schoenenborn, 04:46:13, had a very strong day finishing 30-minutes ahead of Sally Ford.

In the men’s race, it was all guns blazing from the off with Rachid El Morabity setting a super fast pace. It came as a surprise as he has taken the first three stages very relaxed.

He pushed ahead and at cp1 had an 8-minute lead. He continued the charge and crossed the line in 02:37:43.

Behind, Saleh Alsaidi and Mohamed El Morabity chased both pushing each other hard. The elastic eventuall snapped and Mohamed pulled away to cross in 02:44:22, 6-minutes 39-seconds behind his brother. Saleh secured third in 02:50:06.

The final and fifth stage tomorrow will have the participants run a 21km stage. It’s a flat and fast stage with just a short section of dunes to start the day.

Stage 4 results HERE

Full results HERE

Oman Desert Marathon website HERE

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

facebook.com/iancorlessphotography

Web – www.iancorless.com

Web – www.iancorlessphotography.com

Oman Desert Marathon 165km 2025 – Stage 3

Posted on January 20, 2025 by talkultra

These Omani nights are cold. Dare I say that last night was colder than the night before? It’s tough for the runner’s, especially those that are minimum with kit, particularly lightweight sleeping bag and no down jacket.

Stage 3 at 40km is the second longest of the week and arguably the toughest, compensated for with incredible beauty.

The Oman Desert Marathon is very much a sand race. Every step is on varying decrees of soft-sand and stage 3 adds the spice of a rollercoaster of dunes. There is even a dune section to the finish line.

Starting just after sunrise, the early morning light and views in the first and second dune sections were spectacular. Up high, you really get to see the enormity and expanse of the sand here in Oman, it is relentless.

Early km’s of the day saw many wearing a windbreaker, trying to get warm after a cold night and chilly start. The heat soon came though and it would keep rising to a high of 27-degrees.

Rachid feeling the chill – Photo by Ian Corless

The top male contenders ran much of the day together, nobody seemed particularly eager to push the pace. Rachid took it very easy wearing a windbreaker and gloves for the whole day, he was a long way back early on and then little by little he moved up the field as the race progressed.

Mohamed playing a waiting game – Photo by Ian Corless

Mohamed and Saleh are inform and the duo finished first and second on the stage just 11-seconds apart, 4:14:39 and 4:14:50 respectively. Rachid moved up to third by the finish line crossing nearly 10-minutes behind his brother.

For the women, Aziza finished 11th overall in 5:52:44 and a long way ahead of Lydia Oldham in second, 6:30:49. Sally ford was third nearly 50-minutes behind second.

Stage 3 results HERE

Full results HERE

Tomorrow is the penultimate stage of 30km. With three starts, 1500hrs, 1600hrs and 1700hrs, the participants will go into the night and finish in darkness.

Oman Desert Marathon website HERE

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

facebook.com/iancorlessphotography

Web – www.iancorless.com

Web – www.iancorlessphotography.com

MDS Jordan 2024 – Stage 2

Posted on November 5, 2024 by talkultra

It was a cold night, the temperature plummeted when the sun disappeared and bivouac became a place of camp fires and groups of runner’s huddled together trying to keep warm.

As always, MDS events are about planning and being prepared, the need for a jacket, and ideally a down jacket, was never more important. Those with sleeping bags that were too minimal, had a cold and shivering night.

A new day was welcomed and today two starts, 0700 for the masses and 0800 for the top-50.

Stage 2 of MDS is special due to the three route option, 20km, 40km and 60km. The decision can actually be made on the course, the first option obviously 20km and then 40km. Pass the 40km turn and you are doing the 60km.

The three route option is as much a mind game as a physical game. Given the option, do you choose to go easier or harder, it’s a tough question to answer for some, especially after a challenging stage 1 that gladly saw everyone finish.

Due to the nature of the three distances, the true story of who leads each distance will come at the closing of the stage, so, check LiveTrail HERE for 120km, HERE for 100km and HERE for the 70km.

Notably, Salameh Alaqra chose the 40km option today after picking up a slight injury on stage 1.

The true star of stage 2 is the magical and unique landscape of Wadi Rum. It’s a very special place.

Tomorrow, a rest day. An opportunity to relax and recover before the final stage 3.

Marathon des Sables website HERE

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

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

facebook.com/iancorlessphotography

Web – www.iancorless.com

Web – www.iancorlessphotography.com

MDS Jordan 2024 – Stage 1

Posted on November 4, 2024 by talkultra

Is Jordan the jewel in the MDS line-up of races? It is hard to pick any one location with so many stunning options, but, Jordan offers something very unique.

The runner’s are surrounded by ampitheatres of rock, canyons, gorges and the glow of intense light making Wadi Rum a very special place.

Stage 1 started with an early wake up and a 4am depart from the race hotel, ahead, a 4-hour journey to the desert.

Starting a little after 0930, 550 runner’s were released for the adventure of a lifetime, ahead 27.4km and 980m+.

The passage of a narrow gorge and climb came early and then the track weaved through mountains, much of the time, the terrain soft sand. It’s a tough day 1.

After cp2, the track is more open and flat allowing for an ‘easier’ run to the finish line of the day and bivouac, home for the next three nights.

As with all MDS races, the journey is unique and challenging for each person, run or walk. However, at the front a race takes place and today, Rachid El Morabity was the victor ahead of Theo Detienne and Dorian Louvet, 2:07:52, 2:12:47 and 2:14:58 respectively. Salameh El Alaqra, the Jordanian was 4th in 2:30:44.

MDS The Legendary champion in 2022, Sylvaine Cussot was the clear winner for the women, crossing the line in 3:18:24. Pauline Thinus was 2nd and Maine Canas was 3rd, 3:40:10 and 3:43:14.

Tomorrow, stage 2, is the long day where participants can choose 20km, 40km or 60km.

Marathon des Sables website HERE

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

facebook.com/iancorlessphotography

Web – www.iancorless.com

Web – www.iancorlessphotography.com

MDS Morocco 2024 Summary

Posted on October 20, 2024 by talkultra

The 3rd edition (2024) of MDS Morocco came to a conclusion on Thursday October 17th.

What is a MDS event?

For clarity, MDS (previously HMDS) races take place over 4-days with 3-stages of running, the 3rd day is a rest day before the 4th day and stage 3. stages 1 and 3 are the same distance for all participants, typically between 20 and 30km. Stage 2 has three distance options: 20, 40 or 60km’s therefore making the MDS format adaptable to your personal ambitions, fitness and ability.

MDS The Legendary.

Legendary uses traditional Berber/ Amazigh tents

By contrast, MDS Legendary, to be known as The Legendary, is the classic full-distance race taking place over a full week. The format is 250km’s over 6-stages/ 7-days.

The race format:

MDS or MDS Legendary, you carry all you need for the race

Both formats of race are self-sufficient. Therefore, the competitor must carry all they need for the duration of the event. This includes clothes, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, food and snacks for the whole race and mandatory equipment as specified by the the organization. The only items provided are a place to sleep, for MDS events this is a single-occupancy tent and for The Legendary, a Bereber tent that holds 8 participants. In addition, rationed water is provided as specified in the race rules.

In simple terms, both races function on a very similar format. The Legendary obviously considerably harder due to the distance and duration.

MDS events provide an incredible challenge that opens the self-sufficient, stage race format to participants who would not normally take on such a challenge. For this, MDS events must be applauded and appreciated. There is a little too much ‘ultra’ snobbery that downgrades these events and I for one am glad that the ‘half’ tag (HMDS – Half Marathon des Sables) has been removed. Half had negative connotations, these events are a challenge in there own right and they should be appreciated as such.

Planning:

When planning a self-sufficient race, particularly in Morocco, you will be inundated with advice from past participants. Use caution.

I love the quote from the Baz Luhrmann song, ‘Wear Sunscreen.’

“Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia: dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts, and recycling it for more than it’s worth.”

MDS events and The Legendary have hot editions, cold editions, windy editions, sand storm editions and as with the 2024 MDS Morocco, a combination of all these elements with the addition of thunderstorms, torrential rain and yes, flooding!

Gore-Tex jacket while running in the Sahara

So, when someone tells you you don’t need a sleeping bag, you don’t need a jacket, you don’t need goggles or you don’t need x, x, or x, take this advice and then ignore it.

The best advice I can give, be prepared! Be prepared for all eventualities and then fine-tune equipment very close to the event, even at the event location on admin day so that you can make sure you have the appropriate equipment based on the current weather forecast.

The 2024 MDS Morocco:

The 2024 MDS Morocco provided a unique, memorable and stunning experience, it is one that will go down in the history for the Marathon des Sables. Gladly, the rain was anticipated and in general, most participants were prepared with a jacket. Usually a jacket is worn in camp to avoid early morning chill or late night temperature drops… Imagine wearing a jacket mid-stage, in the Sahara, while rain poured down and the desert floods.

Rain cover on the WAA pack proved to be a luxury item

It’s rare that participants take additional clothes, t-shirt/ shorts for example, however, those that did were laughing on stage 1 when they could remove wet clothes, dry off and wear dry clothes.

However, there is an important caveat here, participants who did not use dry bags or pack covers (the WAA Ultra Bag has a rain cover) had wet clothes and wet sleeping bags. Important lesson, make sure you have a dry bag or rain cover to protect important items: sleeping bag, clothes, socks etc

MDS laundry as participants tried to dry equipment

Luckily, after stage 1, the weather did clear and the sun appeared making bivouac look like a laundry with clothes and sleeping bags laid out everywhere. But, had the rain persisted into the night, there would have been many miserable runners.

Stage 2, the weather cleared and the new route was excellent

The impact of the rain could not be underestimated and for stage 2 the planned routes needed to be re-worked. The original routes had sustained considerable flooding making it impossible to use the 20/40 or 60km options. This is where the MDS organization steps in. Contingency plans were activated, emergency routes were used and the MDS staff worked tirelessly to re flag the routes and put the infrastructure in place to make sure the user experience was not impacted. Bravo!

Whilst the weather did its best to make things difficult, this 3rd edition of the race also had two other unique aspects.

Handi category getting help on stage 3 in the gorge

Firstly, the inclusion of the HANDI category, 10 teams of 3 people, 2 runners/ one wheelchair athlete. Something very special this and we can only hope to see and experience more of it. Cyril Gauthier is passionate about making this work!

Secondly, a film crew were using the MDS event as a backdrop for a feature film. This actually did no impact on the race or runner experience at all, however, it did provide an extra dynamic for the MDS team to handle.

Iced water at aid stations to help cool down the runners

Stage 2 experienced some light rain early on but the weather cleared and finally the heat returned. This time though, considerably more humidity than the traditional dry heat of the Sahara. An extra challenge. For many, stage 2 is the long day with 40km or 60km. Whilst most of the 40km runners finished in daylight, the 60km went on till beyond midnight.

However, the finish line atmosphere was electric with DJ Robin and participants and staff dancing.

The rest day coming on day 3 was welcome. The weather was once again unpredictable and variable; sometimes windy, occasionally raining but the Berber tents provided a welcome haven to protect from the elements.

Those who had problematic feet had time to have them looked after and cared for by the Dokever team.

Even the afternoon yoga session had rain, but nobody seemed to mind!

Stage 3 was scheduled to start at 0430, this was put back to 0530 to make sure the first finisher would be in daylight. In addition, the early stages of stage 3 were completely flooded, so, another re-route was required.

And finally, for the HANDI category, for stage 3 they would do the full 25km route. Only one section, a narrow gorge coming at 11.5km would cause a problem for them, but MDS orange and blue coats were there to support and facilitate safe passage. It was a special day to experience the HANDI teams achieve these incredible goals – it was emotional.

The HANDI category was awe-inspiring to watch

Weather wise, it felt like a typical Saharan day; an awesome sunrise, temperatures rising close to 30-deg and little wind. The last competitors arrived just before 1400 hrs and everyone, including staff were back in Ouarzazate by 2000hrs.

The following day, a trip to Ait Ben Haddou, afternoon relaxation, dinner and then the awards ceremony and party.

Despite incredible challenges, the 2024 MDS Morocco was a huge success, and it is for sure, one to be remembered.

Finally, while many things are transferable between any MDS event, clothing, pack, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, food etc, one thing is important and it cannot be emphasised enough, be prepared. Plan for the best and worst case scenarios, plan for intense heat, plan for the cold, and yes, you may not think it is going to rain, but this edition proved that not only can it rain, it can rain pretty much everyday and cause many problems.

Next up, MDS Jordan in November.

Read summary articles for the 2024 MDS Morocco

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Marathon des Sables website 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 (MDS Legendary or The Legendary) – 252 km in the Sahara Desert in Morocco, the MARATHON DES SABLES (MDS) – 70, 100, or 120 km spread over 3 stages, and the new 2024 concept, the MDS TREK (4 stages with a total distance of up to 120 km), offering an accessible adventure with optimal comfort. These international events have seen over 50 editions in various countries such as Morocco, Fuerteventura Island, Peru, Jordan, Turkey, and offer adventures that combine running/hiking in the desert with tourism.

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

facebook.com/iancorlessphotography

Web – www.iancorless.com

Web – www.iancorlessphotography.com

MDS Morocco 2024 – Stage 3

Posted on October 19, 2024 by talkultra

The final stage of the 2024 MDS Morocco started with an early wake up ahead of the 0530 start. There was a chill in the air as participants prepared their last meals.

The stage 3 route had been modified due to flooding, but the course would take place in the same region of the Sahara as planned, just a slight detour avoiding the requirement to swim…

The stage of 25km’s was notable as the HANDI category would complete the entire stage, just one section at around 11km, a narrow gorge, requiring outside assistance from the MDS blue coats to help ensure safe passage.

For the top runner’s, the stage would be completed in almost darkness, with sunrise coming at 0720 and the expected first finisher at 0730.

It was a magical day, the glow and lines of headlamps creating a visual spectacle. The Handi teams inspiring and showing that there are no limits and of course, the sunrise was really exceptional.

The 2024 MDS Morocco will be remembered in the history of the Marathon des Sables legacy; strong winds, sand storms, thunderstorm, torrential rain, flooding and the Handi teams.

The flooding created unique visual moments.

The experience has been all the greater for these moments of test. And for future editions of MDS lessons can be learnt, participants must be prepared for all eventualities. History has shown, the Sahara is not always hot, it is not always dry and it is not always calm and relaxing. This is what makes the adventure and challenge so great and rewarding.

The Handi category, amazing and emotional.

As with all MDS events. there are three distance categories, 70km, 100km and 120km. For the 2024 MDS Morocco, a fourth category, the Handi. A category that we all hope that can grow and develop to more races in the MDS portfolio.

The MDS Morocco 2024 came to an end. Winners were crowned at the awards ceremony, but the top-3 in each distance are only the tip of the iceberg in a race of 630 participants. The MDS format truly appreciates and applauds all who take part, be them fast runner or walker. These races exist to allow all abilities an opportunity to seek an adventure at a pace and a distance that is a challenge to themselves, it’s a wonderful concept.