Stage 3 of the MDS 120 Cappadocia delivered a brutal, beautiful reckoning. Spanning 26 kms under a punishing sun, the course cut through some of Turkey’s most iconic landscapes, from the pastel walls of Red Valley to the towering spires of Love Valley. But make no mistake: this stage wasn’t just about scenery. It was a furnace.
Love Valley – amazing
With temperatures soaring past 36°C and a heat index that felt closer to 48°C the early start with hot air balloons was welcome.
Not all bivouacs are the same
Even so, runners were fighting the heat within minutes. Shade was rare, and the terrain offered no favours: narrow single tracks, slot canyons, technical descents, and long exposed stretches tested every step.
By mid-morning, the route through Love Valley felt less like a romantic postcard and more like a slow-motion survival drill.
Despite the conditions, runners dug deep. The lead pack charged forward with astonishing control, weaving through the heat haze with purpose, but it was the back of the pack that showed the rawest version of the struggle. Blistered feet, overheated cores, and sheer exhaustion painted a stark picture of just how hard-earned every kilometer was.
Crossing the finish line at the edge of Love Valley brought a wave of emotion. Some wept, others collapsed. The medal placed around each finisher’s neck wasn’t just symbolic, it was earned in full, mile by scorching mile. For many, it marked the toughest test they’d ever faced in a race.
From first to last, the results were staggering. All athletes held their nerve in the heat, but it was the collective will of the entire field that defined the day. This was more than a stage, it was a battle. And everyone who crossed that line came out the other side changed.
Blue and Orange jackets make it all happen
Stage 3 didn’t give anyone an easy finis. It demanded everything. The landscape may have been romantic, but the race was ruthless. The medal, deserved!
Stage 2 of the 2025 MDS 120 Cappadocia tested every ounce of determination runners had left in the tank.
Breakfast bivouac style
The day began with a 4:00 AM wake-up call under a pitch-black sky.
Just WOW!
By the time the starting line buzzed to life, the first glow of sunrise was filled with dozens of hot air balloons over the otherworldly landscape, a surreal and unforgettable sendoff into a brutal, beautiful day. This is what makes MDS 120 Cappadocia so special.
Blue coats, a key and important element of MDS 120.
Participants had a choice: 20km, 40.9km, or 58.6km. Three distances, one shared battle. No matter which course they committed to, the terrain made sure no one got an easy ride.
Stunning varied landscape
From the start, runners faced a punishing mix of steep canyons, tight tunnels, dusty switchbacks, and rocky plateaus.
Dense vegetation
The famed Cappadocia chimneys, towering rock formations sculpted by time and wind rose like sentinels along the route, offering brief moments of awe in between relentless stretches of heat and effort.
Unique landscape
At times, dense vegetation clawed at legs and arms. Elsewhere, there was nothing but the sun, dry air, and the crunch of feet against rock and dust.
The longer the distance, the deeper the challenge. The sun bore down with intent, turning even the breezes into blasts from a hair dryer. Hydration and mindset became as critical as foot placement. There were stumbles, cramps, and moments of silence where only the sound of breath and grit kept runners going. This is where the MDS 120 orange (medical) and blue (logistics) help keep the runner’s going, importantly, they bring a key safety element to the race.
Maëva, our last finisher receiving treatment just 4km’s from the finish.
But they did go. Every last one of them.
The final competitors crossed the line after an incredible 16 hours and 25 minutes on the move. A huge shoutout to Maëva and Clémment, who showed unreal resilience and heart, pushing through to the very end.
To all who took on Stage 2, no matter the distance, no matter the time, today you didn’t just run through Cappadocia. You conquered it.
Tomorrow brings the third and final stage, concluding in the Love Valley.
Since 1986, the Marathon des Sables – The Legendary (MDS) has carved its name into endurance racing history as one of the most gruelling, soul-stripping tests of human resilience. For 39 editions, it has pushed thousands to their physical and psychological limits under the crushing sun of the Moroccan Sahara.
In 2026, this legendary race will celebrate its 40th edition and it promises to be the most unforgettable one yet.
MDS The Legendary is six stages over roughly 250 km (155 miles), on blistering sand, across jagged jebels, and through soul-sapping salt plains. Runners carry everything they need for the week: food, sleeping equipment and clothes. The only luxury provided? A rationed daily water supply and a communal bivouac tent to crawl into at night which is shared with 7 other competitors.
Photo by Ian Corless
Every ounce carried matters. Bring too little and you starve. Bring too much and the weight drags you down. Success depends on ruthless efficiency and mental grit.
For four decades, the The Legendary has become a rite of passage for ultra runners, adventurers, and those seeking to rewrite their limits. It has seen amputees cross the line, cancer survivors, soldiers, CEOs and importantly, ordinary people doing extraordinary things. The terrain has remained the same: raw, relentless, and unforgiving.
Photo by Ian Corless
Despite the challenges, runner’s keep coming back, some for redemption, some for addiction, and all for the transformation.
The 40th Edition: What’s Coming in 2026
Photo by Ian Corless
The 40th MdS won’t just be another race, it will be a celebration of the madness. A tribute to every blistered foot, every tear shed under Saharan stars, every finisher’s medal earned in blood, sand, and sweat.
Photo by Ian Corless
The 40th will honour the legacy with style and fury.
Think You’ve Got What It Takes?
Entries for the 2026 edition open on June 11, 2025. Veteran or rookie, this is the year to go. Not just to run, but to become part of history.Become a Legend!
It has been a little like Christmas lately with the arrival of new shoes for testing and the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro was highly anticipated. I got my hands on a pair at UTMB in 2024, sadly though, they remained in my hands and not on my feet.
So, the arrival of the Prodigio Pro was welcome.
In all honesty, it’s a stand out shoe for La Sportiva. For perspective, I have been using La Sportiva for years, they offer bullet proof mountain running shoes and models such as the Mutant, Jackal and the Cyklon have been in my rotation for years. They are durable and trustworthy BUT not the lightest or even the fastest options available.
Not sure how, but I missed the original Prodigio and when it finally came around to getting a pair for test, the Prodigio Pro was available. So, I jumped straight to the Prodigio Pro, so, any comments here cannot be related to the Prodigio, which I think is maybe a good thing!
First point – this feels like La Sportiva have released a fast, lightweight and arguably a super shoe for trails. Hence my comment ‘a stand out shoe for La Sportiva.’
The Prodigio Pro, for a mountain centric company, is a new approach.
The addition of PRO name signifies that this shoe is for faster workouts, racing or if you are like me, you just love a bloody good run shoe.
With 28mm cushioning at the front, 34mm at the rear and a 6mm drop, the Prodigio Pro sits in this wonderful middle ground of cushioning and drop.
Female colourway
The upper is unique, Power Wire. This upper looks like it was created via computer and then woven in a lab by some marvellous magic.
The outsole if La Sportiva’s own Friction White. I have to say, I love it hen brands make their own outsole. I am tired of Vibram being added to run shoes and frankly (hold your breath) it is not a good outsole when you are on wet rock or similar. I am amazed that NNormal could not come up with something better! And let’s face it, nobody can compete with VJ outsoles. But, La Sportiva do a good job.
The cushioning is nitro-infused which in all honesty I have no idea what it means BUT yes, it really works. The thing with cushioning is, and some shoe brands don’t seem to understand this, if you are going high with cushioning, you need to go wide with outsole/ footprint, otherwise you are running on an unstable double decker bus that is ready to roll at any moment – step in the horrendous adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra which proves that you don’t take a road shoe, make some tweaks and then call it a trail shoe.
What this shoe does not have is a plate – yipee!!!! Don’t get me wrong here, some ‘plates’ work, the Hoka Tecton X3 a great example. But mostly, a plate in a trail running shoe has been less than a positive experience for me and many others.
THE SHOE
They look fantastic, simple!
I have the red colour with LA SPORTIVA in yellow. I have to say, when I opened the box I was really sad they were not the classic black/yellow with a hint of red colours that kinda signify La Sportiva, but the red is cool.
My eye immediately went to the tongue, the sock like fit and then the cushioning.
The upper is pretty darn special, especially when you zoom in close. It’s like thousands of fine threads woven together in varying thickness to add structure. It’s like Matryx which we are seeing on many shoes BUT it is completely different. As the name says, it is POWER WIRE which provides great fit, great comfort and excellent breathability – the shoe was a little cold running in winter! Toe protection is adeqaute, maybe a little minimal, but, for a trail shoe, perfectly fine.
Slipping the foot inside, the sock like fit and padded tongue are amazing. I got exactly the same feel from the Hoka Tecton X3, this put a big smile on my face. When tightening the laces, the padded tongue provides superior comfort on the navicular bone, a typical point of irritation.
As with all La Sportiva, you need to be careful with sizing, this shoe in particular will require you to have the correct size because of the way they fit. I would start by going a size larger as a start point. If you take a UK10, try a UK11.
Female colourway
First run and I had a big smile, the cushioning is bouncy and fast with a great propulsive phase. If you have the fitness, cadence and run form, this shoe will fly along. It’s without doubt an awesome trail racing shoe. If like me you move a little slower, there is considerable comfort and life here.
The footprint is good which provides stability. However, with the sock like fit and the cushioning, when moving on technical terrain, foot hold and security is compromised. I therefore see the Prodigio Pro as much more a trail running shoe and not a mountain running shoe. There is no rock plate, not a deal breaker, but I do wonder if this would benefit the shoe and help on more mountainous terrain?
The outsole is in line with the usage of the shoe, 4mm lugs certainly sit well with the intentions of trail running and faster running. It’s grippy, durable and gladly covers most of the outsole to provide grip in most scenarios. But, on wet rock, grip is not where I want it to be. Once I slip, my confidence goes and when I can no longer rely on an outsole to do it’s job, my speed drops.
CONCLUSION
I absolutely love the Prodigio Pro. You may think from my review that I am not sold on this new incarnation from La Sportiva, I am. It is an absolutely fantastic trail running shoe for single-track, dry conditions and trail. The Prodigio Pro really excels on rocks and boulders too. But, if the trail is very technical and particularly, if it is wet, then the Prodigio Pro is compromised. Quite simply, if I use this shoe is the right conditions, they are superb. They have a very similar feeling to the Hoka Tecton X3 which I also love. These shoes feel like they were made for racing in the USA, I know Anton Krupricka helped the development, and I would imagine at Leadville or Western States, these shoes would fly along.
The release of the Prodigio Pro coincided with the VJ Ultra 3, in testing I was actually alternating days, VJ one day, La Sportiva the next and this was ideal to asses both shoes. In a way, they are very similar but equally, they are very different. The VJ has more cushioning, 30/38 in comparison to 28/34, a higher drop, 8mm instead of 6mm, the outsoles, 4.5mm to 4mm for the La Sportiva.
I got many questions, ‘Which would I choose?’ I refused to answer initially as both put a huge smile on my face and my initial thought was, you know what, I would be happy with either.
But, I am in a lucky position to test and compare and with that in mind, if I was going out to buy a pair of shoes tomorrow I would choose the VJ Ultra 3. Why? Ultimately, the VJ has the grip for all conditions and that is really important for me. The foot hold is superior in the VJ particularly in mountain and technical terrain. I think in the long term, the VJ will be more bullet proof in the terrain and conditions I run in. Finally, I feel that I can use the VJ on ‘all’ terrain, whwereas, I feel the Prodigio Pro is compromised on more technical and mountain terrain.
BUT and wonderful final but, if I was going out for a faster trail run on groomed trail, the Prodigio Pro is hard to beat.
So finally, is the Prodigio Pro for you? I would think about where you are running, what conditions you are running in and what you need from a shoe. I am extremely happy with mine and I would have no issue slipping these on for ‘any’ run despite the reservations for some conditions – the Prodigio Pro is great looking, has incredible comfort, a lovely lively ride and on the right feet, they are fast.
In a world of the big shoe brands, think adidas, Brooks, Asics, Nike and of course, the list goes on. I love the fact that, without doubt, the best trail and mountain running shoes come from a small Finnish brand, VJ SPORT.
It’s a bold statement huh? But, if you have been reading shoe reviews on this website for many years, you will know, that I have a love for VJ shoes.
I am not going to write an article here about the brand, its history and do a PR job for them, I honestly don’t feel I need to. I feel safe in the knowledge that if anyone purchases a pair of VJ’s based on one of my reviews, they very quickly agree with me. Over the years I have received countless messages in the vein of, ‘I had no idea about this brand until I read your review and now I have theses shoes, it’s a game changer, the fit and in particular, the outsole are amazing!’
Photo by Ian Corless
With a strong history and foundation in Orienteering, VJ made a name for itself in Scandinavia as the ‘go-to’ shoe. Jon Albon (yes, the TNF athlete) helped shift the awareness to a worldwide platform with his success in OCR using the iRock shoes and then in the world of trail, ultra and skyrunning with the XTRM, MAXx and the ULTRA.
In all honesty, despite huge growth, huge success and repeated accolades around the world for having ‘the best grip on the planet,’ VJ are still a niche brand and a secret weapon. I honestly believe, that in technical, mountain, rocky, and slippery terrain, a runner with VJ shoes has a distinct advantage that may well make a difference between gaining a podium place or not. This is especially rings true, here, in my home of Norway, where the mountain terrain is harsh, slippery and very demanding.
Photo by Ian Corless
With all the above in mind, VJ keep their shoe line up simple for trail/ mountain and Ultra:
iRock4 – Mega grip, precision feel, for intense mud when grip is a priority. The 8mm lugs are like claws.
Spark – Minimal race shoe with 5mm lugs, 11mm/16mm cushioning.
Lightspeed – Fast and light, a racing trail shoe with the ‘new’ SuperFOAMance cushioning at 23/29mm and 3.5mm lugs.
XTRM2 – A fast mountain shoe for short to middle distance with 6mm lugs and 10/14mm cushioning.
MAXx2 – Cushioning and grip with a lower profile, ideal for the mountains. With the ‘new’ SuperFOAMance cushioning at 25/31mm and 4mm lugs.
Ultra 3 – As the name suggests, a long distance shoe with cushioning. With the ‘new’ SuperFOAMance cushioning at 30/38mm and 4.5mm lugs.
Flow – A new shoe for all terrain which I have yet to test. 25/35mm and 4.5mm lugs.
In addition to the above there is a winter shoe, the XTER that is also available with spikes, called the ACE, for ice and snow. There are countless spike/ winter models HERE.
VJ ULTRA 3
Photo by Ian Corless
This is not the first ultra shoe for VJ, on the contrary, they released the ULTRA and the ULTRA2. Both of these shoes I have run in and tested over the past few years. They both had all the perfect VJ characteristics, namely, amazing grip and incredible foothold with Fitlock. However, for me, the cushioning never felt ‘bouncy,’ and this always shifted me to use the MAXx.
In 2023, VJ released a winter shoe called the ACE, this shoe was a spiked shoe for snow/ ice etc. It was a complete game changer! The shape of the shoe was completely different, the toe box was wide and expansive (just like ALTRA) to allow the toes to move and keep warm during winter conditions. In addition, the ACE had new cushioning called SuperFOAMance. I said in my 2023 review, and I quote, ‘I want this shoe without studs for dry trail running.’
Well, I gave that feedback to VJ and they listened, the VJ ULTRA 3 comes from the ACE development.
However, I need to mess up this and segway to the LIGHTSPEED and MAXx2. Between the ACE and the release of the ULTRA 3, we had the Lightspeed and MAXx2 launches. Again, two amazing game changers for VJ. The LIGHTSPEED is a super fast and responsive trail racing shoe, think the Golden Trail Series. The MAXx2(think skyrunning) builds on everything that was great in the original MAXx but takes it one step further. Both these new shoes had the SuperFOAMance cushioning, which, for me, it is incredible. I have done big mountain days in Spain, Italy and Norway in the MAXx2, always great comfort, great foot hold and of course, amazing grip. The MAXx2 is for me, without doubt, the best mountain running shoe out there. I just can’t wait for VJ to bring the cushioning to the XTRM too so when I need a more aggressive outsole, I have the option and the same cushioning.
Photo by Ian Corless
So, here we are with the VJ ULTRA 3.
The ULTRA 3 has what I loved in the ACE and the MAXx2 and has given me a shoe that merges these two shoes into a product designed for long, big, ultra days in the mountains and on trails.
The ULTRA 3 is the most cushioned shoe VJ have made, 30mm at the front, 38mm at the rear and an 8mm drop puts this shoe in an area that all the other big brands are dominating – think Hoka.
So, why would VJ try to penetrate this market?
Quite simply, they are offering a shoe that the other brands do not offer… They are bringing their unique USP’s of foot hold and grip, adding cushioning and providing a very specific mountain/ ultra shoe.
The ULTRA 3 was tested at the 2024 UTMB on the feet of Juuso Simpanen, he placed 19th.
Photo by Ian Corless
The 4.5mm lugs make the shoe ideal for trail and mountains, especially when encountering wet and slippery rock. The Superior Contact outsole featured on every VJ shoe is the best on the market – no other shoe or brand has the grip of VJ.
Photo by Ian Corless
The toe box is wider, a ‘4’ on the VJ fit scale, 5 being the widest.
Photo by Ian Corless
The SuperFOAMance cushioning is a game changer, it has elevated the VJ shoes to a different feel and responsiveness that was not there previously. That is not to say that there was anyting wrong with the MAXx or Ultra 2, that is reflected in that these shoes are still available to purchase. However, the new cushioning, for me, has given the MAXx2 and the ULTRA 3 the ability to ‘always’ use these shoes. Previously, I would think about my run and the terrain and decide what was the best shoe, the SuperFOAMance has eradicated that problem.
So, when would I use the ULTRA 3 and when would I use the MAXx2?
It’s a good question and one I find easy to answer. If I am heading out for a trail run be that in the mountains or say, in the forest, the ULTRA 3 would be my choice. The cushioning help smooths out the trails, provides comfort and despite the extra stack height, I have no worries over stability. Should I go to the mountains, with far more challenging and technical terrain, the MAXx2 is my choice. The caveat with both the ULTRA 3 and MAXx2 is neither of them will offer super grip in mud, this when the XTRM is the option and why (please VJ) I hope they release an XTRM with MAXx2 cushioning and XTRM outsole.
THE SHOE
Next level cushioning without losing the core basics that make VJ shoes special, basically, great foot hold and an awesome outsole.
On first appearance, the ULTRA 3 looks rather bulky and heavy. They are not heavy at all, my UK10 weigh under 290g.
Drop is 8mm, perfect for a long distance ultra shoe and the cushioning is 30mm at the front, 38mm at the rear and the fit is slightly small, so, if you are usually a UK9, I would recommend a UK9.5 etc. As is always the case, you need to try on and make sure of the fit for yourself.
I have found with VJ shoes I always lock lace. I did my first run in the ULTRA 3 without lock lacing and the second with lock lacing, I prefer to lock lace. Just a heads-up as I feel you should try both options to see what works for you!
Photo by Ian Corless
One of the key selling points of any VJ is how the shoe holds the foot, this comes from Fitlock which, when the laces are tightened and adjusted correctly, holds the foot perfectly, especially noticeable when on technical and demanding trail.
Photo by Ian Corless
The upper is in one piece made of multi zone woven mesh with varying density. They are breathable but equally, in colder weather, they are not too cold. There is excellent protection at the front with a great toe bumper.
The rear collar is where a noticeable change has been made from the ACE winter shoe. The ACE was well padded and very comfortable. Here, the rear collar is lightly padded with a slight raised section inside to stop heel slippage. On the MAXx2 I initially had an issue with the right side of the heel cup being a little high which irritated my ankle bone, that is present here in the ULTRA 3. I have found that after a few runs this softens and becomes no problem. On my first run in the ULTRA 3 I got a hot spot at the rear – I never get blisters! So, this rang an immediate alarm bell. However, I changed socks for my 2nd run and then had no issues, so, sock choice may well be an important consideration.
The tongue is thin. But I have had no issues with any tension, hot spots or pain.
The toe box is, for VJ, wide and this will be a game changer for many people who have found VJ too narrow in the past. It allows great toe splay and comfort without losing a precision feel when required.
Cushioning is a breakthrough for VJ. As I found on the ACE, the SuperFOAMance was something very special, here in the ULTRA 3, it takes the shoe to another level of comfort without being squidgy or losing ground feel.
There is a rock plate which in many ways has three purposes: It protects the foot. It helps protect the cushioning. It also provides some torsional rigidity (a little like a plated shoe) without having the downsides of a carbon plate or similar.
Photo by Ian Corless
Outsole, it is easy, best grip on the planet. Nothing grips like the VJ butyl outsole. The 4.5mm lugs are maybe a surprise? Would I prefer 5mm or even 6mm? Yes! but maybe the 4.5mm is the best choice for a shoe to manage ‘all’ surfaces. Ultimately, the foot print is wide, front, middle and rear making contact with the ground superb. VJ also realise that if you increase stack height, you need to increase footprint size for stability. A lesson that adidas Terrex need to learn with there woefully unstable Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra which is on technical terrain dangerous IMO.
IN USE
Photo by Ian Corless
After three runs, I had to tweak certain elements to make the ULTRA 3 perfect for me. Firstly, I lock laced. I changed socks to Injinji. I tweaked the lace tension for the comfort/ feel I prefer.
One I had the three items above dialled, the ULTRA 3 became perfect.
The cushioning is a game changer for VJ but it sits in its own place. Two current outstanding shoes I love, the Hoka Tecton X3 and the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro both have lively, bouncy cushioning. The ULTRA 3 is not like this. It’s more controlled and therefore, I prefer the ULTRA 3 in more mountainous and technical terrain. I find there is more precision and reassurance. Any roll from the additional stack height is balanced and controlled, this also comes from the amazing Fitlock.
Photo by Ian Corless
Grip is the best, and I say that with complete confidence. I would compromise cushioning and comfort for VJ grip. I have done this in the past, for example, using the MAXx for really big mountain days when I knew I needed grip due to wet rock or similar. Now, the ULTRA 3 gives me the cushioning and comfort with grip.
CONCLUSION
Photo by Ian Corless
The ULTRA 3 is a game changer for VJ. This shoe will now make VJ grip available for longer races such as those in the UTMB calendar or similar. I do feel the ULTRA 3 slots in the more mountain ultra terrain than just ultra trail. There is a durability, a strength, a build quality to the ULTRA 3 that says, ‘I am here to take a battering and protect you!’ One thing is for sure, if you are looking for a shoe with cushioning, grip and comfort, the ULTRA 3 should be at the top of your list.
The sand is settling, the 2025 and 39th edition of Marathon des Sables The Legendary is over.
Quite simply, a hugely successful edition with 95% completion rate and good time vibes felt throughout the Sahara and beyond.
OVERVIEW
Cyril and Olivier with Michael from the USA – Photo by Ian Corless
The transition from 2023 to 2024 was not an easy one. The take over of MDS from Patrick Bauer and into the hands of Cyril and Olivier had created some concern and anxiety. Most certainly, the build up to the 2024 (38th) MDS had many concerns for participants that were vocalised on social media. However, after the 2024 event, all these worries and concerns were extinguished with an incredibly successful event and high finish rate. You Can read Marathon des Sables – The Legendary : 2024 Summary HEREshould you wish.
Nothing like a MDS start – Photo by Ian Corless
From May 2024 to April 2025 the build up to the 39th Legendary edition was seamless. The successful running and completion of MDS (3-stages over 4-days at 70/100 or 120km) events in Cappadocia, Fuerteventura, Jordan, Morocco, Atlantic Coast and the introduction of Trek and Handi only confirmed the growth, development, upward learning curve and the MDS team bonding and progression.
All of the concerns and worries for the 38th edition of Legendary played out on social media were not present for the 39th edition. There is a couple of reasons for this I believe:
The 38th edition had been a huge success and therefore worries and concerns were answered.
The pro-active communication from the MDS team improved considerably.
Runner testimonies from the 2024 event confirmed that the ‘new’ MDS team and the changes made were all positive.
Evolution, not revolution was the quote that Cyril Gauthier had used in 2023 this was played out in 2024 and then consolidated upon in 2025.
Arrival in the desert – Photo by Ian Corless
THE 2025 EVENT
Welcome to the Sahra – Photo by Ian Corless
Post-race questionnaires are extremely important for the MDS team. Cyril and Olivier very much take all the comments, absorb them, digest them and then move forward with new plans. If a new plan does not work and the participants confirm this, then it is changed. If a new plan works, it is retained. There are no one-stop easy solutions, MDS is an ever-growing and ever-changing event that must constantly be a chameleon to the ever-changing demands and needs of participants.
TRAVEL
Photo by Ian Corless
A key change for 2025 was in transportation. Two key points:
The core MDS team, based mostly in Paris, travelled to Morocco via train, boat and coach, taking 3-days and not using airplane travel. For 2025, this was a one way journey, a test, to see how feasible and practical this form of travel is. The general consensus from those who did it is/ was extremely positive. General comments were around this being an adventure in its own right, a brilliant opportunity to share more time with colleagues, a great opportunity to work while travelling and so on… I think we may well see this grow into something bigger for 2026!
In 2024, plane travel arranged by the MDS organisation was reduced to a minimum. For 2025 it was eradicated all together. Therefore, participants could no longer take the option of a MDS charter plane but had to arrange flights themselves. This is no big deal with so many flight options available, especially with MDS offering a free transfer coach service from Marrakech to Ouarzazate and post-race, a free transfer service back to Marrakech.
SELF-SUFFICIENCY
Photo by Ian Corless
Catering by the MDS organisation once in the Sahara was removed in 2024, this was reasoned for 2025. To clarify, when the buses leave Ouarzazate for the desert, self-sufficiency begins for the travel day, the fist night in bivouac, the following day (admin day), the evening and then, the following day, the race starts and ‘race’ self-sufficiency begins. There is a difference between the two forms of self-sufficiency as the travel day and admin day you can bring as much or as little as you like. Quite simply, it’s not part of the mandatory race minimum requirement of 2000 cal minimum per day. You can bring tinned food, drinks, wine, beer, caviar…. Whatever you wish! It’s a no brainer to be able to look after your own food requirements and quite simply it greatly reduces the possibility of food related health issues that could potentially ruin a race.
ADMIN DAY
Photo by Ian Corless
The procedures for admin day were changed for the 2024 edition and they were a huge success. This system was retained for 2025 making the process seamless, fast and considerably less painful than the procedures that had gone before.
Photo by Ian Corless
BIVOUAC
Photo by Ian Corless
In principle, it may well look the same, however, there are changes for the very observant. Firstly, the circles that make bivouac are smaller and tighter making the camp much more of a community. In 2025 there were new ‘women only’ tents for those who would prefer this option. On some days, in the middle of bivouac, yoga/ stretching was possible, circle of legend talks and yes, even a big fire.
WATER
Photo by Ian Corless
The provision of water was drastically changed in 2024 and this was retained for 2025. During the race there is no rationing of water. As you arrive at a CP, water is decanted into your bottles via MDS blue jackets who pour the water from jugs. This water comes from large 5ltr bottles. Quite simply, you can have 2x 750ml bottles filled, you can then drink one and it will be refilled if required – a game changer.
Photo by Ian Corless
Post-race you are provided with 1 large 5ltr bottle, the is rationed. So, this water must provide hydration post-race, be used for dinner/ breakfast and it must be used to fill your bottles to take you to CP1 the following day.
ICED WATER
Photo by Ian Corless
CP’s have MDS orange or blue jackets who will pour iced water over your head to enable cooling. It’s a small simple step that makes a huge change that ultimately helps facilitate completion of the Legendary.
ORANGE AND BLUE JACKETS
Photo by Ian Corless
The MDS would not happen without this amazing team of people. The energy, the enthusiasm, the constant good vibes make the runner the number one priority and YES, these people make the difference between finishing and not finishing. They are 100% switched on with the sole purpose to get every runner across the line. You can get a feeling of how important the blue and oranges are by taking a look HERE on Facebook.
Photo by Ian Corless
Orange jackets are the medical team who make sure that participants are looked after 100%. They are there for you, no matter what the issue. You will see them on the course at CP’s, in fast response vehicles, in 4×4’s and of course in the medical tents in bivouac.
SAFETY
Photo by Ian Corless
Any MDS event has risks associated with it. We are often in harsh environments, in challenging conditions, we have varying climate conditions and of course, we have runner’s and staff pushing the limit of what is humanly possible. Safety is taken very seriously and how safety is managed is an ever-changing and developing process.
Countless 4×4’s – Photo by Ian Corless
Legendary had more fast response vehicles, more medical professionals on course, there were 10 medical professional runner’s who did the course and there was a new mobile medical unit for 2025 which is state of the art. There was also the inclusion of the ‘Orange Squad’ – a medical team who do the course the opposite way so that they are able to see runner’s coming toward them and should there be a problem, they can help immediately.
Fast response – Photo by Ian Corless
Each runner is issued with a Spot Tracker and this allows the MDS team to monitor each runner on the course and importantly, they have an SOS button which if pressed, will receive a medical response vehicle in minutes.
Fitting SPOT – Photo by Ian Corless
Feet are always an issue and of course, the medical tent is there to facilitate foot repair in bivouac. It’s important to be self-sufficient and look after your feet yourself, however, as and when necessary, a medical professional is always there to help.
RACE BRIEFINGS
Race start times are very important and pre 2024, the race start time was somewhat unpredictable. This changed in 2024 and was upped to another level in 2025 with every stage starting exactly on time! It may sound like a small thing, but knowing you will be underway as scheduled makes planning so much easier. If it says 0600 start, you know it starts at 0600.
Another change was the addition of an English speaking announcer – yes, it was me! This was the idea of Cyril and we instigated and tested this at Atlantic Coast in January, it worked. So, for Legendary and moving forward, an English briefing will take place and then be translated into French and not the other way around. Stage 6 race briefing may well go down in history as the best. Mood was already high with the final stage ahead, nut hen we had participant, Reujen Lista join us on stage for a ‘live’ version of Highway to Hell – it was epic!
Highway to Hell ‘live’ – Photo by Florian
WEATHER
The weather took its toll – Photo by Ian Corless
As always, weather plays a key part in any MDS event. However, we are most definitely feeling the impacts of ever changing climatic conditions. It was always assumed that MDS will be hot and unbearable, history is showing that is not the case. Recently, particularly in Morocco, we have experienced difficult weather: MDS Morocco in October had torrential rain and flooding, the recent MDS Atlantic Coast in January had cooler temperatures, some rain and the last day had full-on sand storms. The 2025 Legendary started calmly and tranquil, it was looking to be a classic race, it was sunny, hot, but not too hot and the winds were relatively calm. That all changed come stage 4 (the long day) with cloudy skies and cooler temperatures in the day. During the night the winds increased, rain came and without doubt, from 2100 hrs the conditions were difficult and challenging. Especially for those who were moving through the night looking to get the long day done. CP’s had cold participants taking shelter looking to get warm and continue the journey. This weather continued through the rest day. Stage 5 had a mix of everything but the heat never came and stage 6 was cloudy, cool and with intermittent rain. There is a very big lesson that needs to be learned, I did say this before Legendary, but now, post-race, I can only say it more, you need to be prepared for bad weather! A good jacket is now essential, so much so, I do think that it should be added to mandatory kit. I also think it wise to make sure that you are able to keep key items, such as sleeping bag, dry during bad weather. Many had wet sleeping bags during the long day which can effectively make them useless, depending on what filling is inside.
THE ROUTE
Photo by Ian Corless
Legendary is now 6-stages over 7-days and this is a huge difference. Pre 2024, the race was 5-stages and stage 6 was a non-times ‘solidarity’ stage for charity. It’s hard to argue against the charity side of this, however, a non-timed 6th stage was pointless.
Photo by Ian Corless
The race is now 6-stages timed and raced.
Photo by Ian Corless
For 2024, the ‘long day’ was moved to stage 3. For 2025, it was moved back to stage 4. The main reason for this was due to the course and the start/ finish point.
Photo by Ian Corless
2024 participants, as always, tried to stress that the 2024 edition was/ would be harder than 2025. Of course it’s nonsense. Comments like, ‘Argh, but here was more vertical gain in 2024!’ were unfounded as the people who made these comments had obviously not done due diligence, the reality is the 2024 Legendary was 252.9km’s and the 2025 event was 250km. Vertical gain was almost identical, 2024 was 2788m+ and 2025 was 2710m+
Photo by Ian Corless
In many respects, the 2025 edition was more ‘classic MDS’ with a marathon after the rest day.
Photo by Ian Corless
The route was notably different for some key reasons. The Sahara is vast and of course, needs to be explored more. Due to runner demand and logistical reasons, certain features have become almost ‘essential’ when running Legendary. However, Cyril and the team wanted to change that and therefore, there was no Jebel El Otfal in 2025, there was a return to Merzouga Dunes and while the route travelled in similar areas of the Sahara, the track was approximately 80% new. There were some great ‘new’ additions such as the huge dune on stage 4 and the stage 5 route was very special.
Photo by Ian Corless
THE RACE
Rachid – Photo by Ian Corless
Rachid El Morabity once again took victory securing his 11th and in the process he set a record for the most victories. It’s an incredible achievement to have this level of consistency over so many years. It’s fair to say, the level of competition at the front end of the race was less in 2025. The only real person who could upset Rachid was Hamid Yachou, he unfortunately withdrew mid-race with injury. We could argue all day if Mohamed El Morabity could beat Rachid, the simple fact is, it would not happen. However, as we look ahead to 2026, will Mohamed take over the Rl Morabity reigns? Mohamed is 10-years younger than Rachid and therefore, he has great potential ahead. Also, the inclusion of the 3rd and younger El Morabity, Mbark, should not be looked over.
Maryline – Photo by Ian Corless
For the women, 2023 Legendary champion, Maryline Nakache returned and she was on fire. No, she was untouchable. For perspective, Maryline finished 3rd on GC for the long day and at the end of the race, was 4th on GC with the closest time to Rachid, by a woman, in the history of the race. Quite incredible. Aziza El Amrany won the race in 2024 and for 2025 she was 2nd, she looked great throughout, despite an arm injury, however, she was no match for Maryline. Tomomi Bitoh placed 3rd, she has placed 3rd before. However, Annelies Brak would have placed 3rd had she not received a 2-hour time penalty for non-compliance of mandatory kit.
Rachid completed the race in 20:55:47 and Maryline in 23:57:20. A total of 847 participants crossed the finish line, the last male Tomohito Hirai in 75:49:27 and the last woman, Nemoto Yuzuki in 74:31:01.
Reujen Lista rocking the awards – Photo by Ian Corless
Transfer back to Ouarzazate was easy and seamless with coaches filling with participants and leaving asap. Of course, a hotel, many showers, buffet food and a nice clean bed always feels amazing after the Sahara. The awards dinner turned into an impromptu rock concert with a participant, Reujen Lista, singing 3 songs on stage, the last, of course, was Highway to Hell. It was a fantastic way to end what was a legendary LEGENDARY.
After a tough and challenging stage 2, participants were happy for a shorter day of 32.5km’s for stage 3 ahead of the feared long day of 82.2km’s on stage 4.
With less soft-sand, the running would be easier, however, there was still 468m+ to test the mind and body.
On the stroke 0f 0730 the runner’s were released under cloudy skies and cooler temperatures. However, the sun and heat soon appeared making for another challenging day.
For the men, the El Morabity brothers today once again played with tactics.
Hamid Yachou started fast and opened a gap, he was pursued by Mohamed and behind, Rachid ran easy.
Mohamed – Photo by Ian Corless
By CP1 Hamid had a strong lead, Mohamed was closing on him but Rachid was some 6-minutes back. Would Rachid close the difference?
Photo by Ian Corless
After CP3, Hamid and Mohamed were side-by-side, the younger El Morabity policing the breakaway and ensuring that all times he would control the race.
Rachid – Photo by Ian Corless
By the time Rachid arrived, the gap had not closed and it became obvious that today Rachid would relinquish the overall lead playing a tactical game with stage 4 tomorrow.
At the close of the day, the male top-3 ranking is as follows:
Mohamed El Morabity 08:33:54
Hamid Yachou 08:38:46
Rachid El Morabity 08:40:16
Maryline – Photo by Ian Corless
For the women, Maryline Nakache ran a more relaxed stage keeping Aziza El Amrany close throughout the day. A sensible move with the long day tomorrow, any energy saved can be called upon for the 82.2km’s.
Annelies – Photo by Ian Corless
Ragna Debats once again ran in 3rd place and Annelies Brak and Tomomi Bitoh were 4th and 5th.
Tomomi – Photo by Ian Corless
Gemma Game took it easier, again, looking to save energy for stage 4.
With 3 stages complete, the women’s top-3 is as follows:
Tomorrow, stage 4 is 82.2km’s and will have 2 starts, 0600 for the masses and 0730 for the top-50 and top-5 women. With a cut-off time of 34-hours, the conclusion of the stage will come the following day, Thursday Apr 9th.
It is race week, the 39th MDS The Legendary is just days away. Today, Tuesday April1st, for many, will be the last full day of preparation before travel starts. Use the time wisely and use this post Countdown to MDS The Legendary 2025 – Three as a place to start to make sure you have everything.
You may be wondering what the race will look like in regards to distance in 2025? If you know where to look, distances are online and as below:
Stage 132km with 312m+ and 0730am start
Stage 240km 614m+ and 0700am start
Stage 332.5km 468m+ and 0730am start
Stage 4 82.2km 690m+ and 0600am start
Rest Day
Stage 542.2km 424m+ and 0630am start
Stage 621.1km 202m+ and 0630am start
Total 250km and 2710m+
You may be wondering how the 2025 distance and vertical compares to 2024, well, it’s almost identical – 2024 was 252.8km and 2788m+ – The long day was on day 3, so, the order was different, however, daily distances are +/- the same.
The only thing you need to do now is go through the following:
Get your checklist and go through everything and make sure you have all you need.
If possible get some heat exposure – Bikram yoga, heat chamber, sauna, hot bath or similar.
Move – your training is done but your body will appreciate some movement, this can be just walking or some easy running with some short strides to loosen up.
Travel with MDS pack and all equipment (ex poles and knife) and wear race shoes.
Take extra clothing and items in check-in luggage so you can fine tune equipment when in the Sahara.
Remember you are self-sufficient in the desert for the days before the race, have enough food and any drinks you require. Water is provided.
A breakthrough watch in the Garmin line-up for me with the inclusion on an AMOLED screen.. Having had an Enduro and Enduro 2, the key miss was the screen, particularly when compared to my Apple Ultra.
Depending on what you need from a watch and of course, depending how much budget you have, the Fenix 8 is, IMO, the best Fenix that Garmin has ever made.
This is not an in-depth review of the watch where I deep dive into all the stats, workings, functions and menus. There are many websites that do this, and while that may satisfy the geek/ nerd side of my nature, ultimately, I usually cut to the final paragraph called ‘conclusions’ as this ultimately answers what I need to know – Is the watch good? Is it worth the money? Is it accurate.
So, this post is a CONCLUSION
The FENIX 8 is nicely boxed with a sticker to simulate the screen.
There is a minimal instruction manual and a charging cable which also doubles up to connect to your computer. Make sure you have GARMIN CONNECT on your phone and GARMIN EXPRESS on your computer. Set up is simple with the Garmin Connect app – follow the instructions.
Other features for the watch, such as screen choices, mapping, music etc can be handled when connected to a computer using Garmin Express.
Simply click on ‘Add a Device’ and follow the instructions.
Updates are handled here and you can add music, apps, Tools & Content and access Garmin Connect.
It is all intuitive and you are given clear info when updates are complete.
APPS are all listed as below.
And as an example, I uploaded the Falcon X screen to my watch.
THE WATCH
The AMOLED is a battery drainer, but for me, that clear screen is an absolute winner and I have found that with around 2-3 hours exercise a day in full GPX mode, I get 6-days of battery. This is 5-days more than my very loved Apple Ultra and similar to the Coros Pace Pro.
Estimated life is somewhere around 48-hours with all system GPS on, with GPS only it is around 72-hours.
What is new?
Diving related functions
Microphone and speaker
The display size is increased
AMOLED option but you can still get a Solar/ MIP display
There are countless ‘added’ functions such as:
Voice recorder,
Answer phone calls,
Stunning mapping,
North up toggle,
Round trip routing,
Countdown app,
Revamp of notifications,
Strength plans and routines,
Active navigation
and so much more…
This is a feature rich Garmin and one that has something for everyone. For me, the absolute stand outs are:
The screen
The navigation function and mapping
Battery
The light which also goes red
With three sizes available, 43/47 and 51mm there is a size for everyone. My default would have been to go for the 51mm but it is huge and I have found the 47mm a perfect size. Sapphirescreen costs more, don’t hesitate, pay more ad get it.
In the past years I have used Coros Vertix, Garmin Fenix 6, Garmin Fenix 7, Garmin Enduro 1 and Enduro 2 and recently I have been using the Coros Pace Pro – which is an excellent watch, with great screen and a good price point. I compared all these watches to my Apple Ultra. I know, I know, I can hear many say, there is no comparison. BUT there is. The Apple Ultra has a stunning screen and works seamlessly with an iPhone, obviously. For navigation, if you use apps like Footpath, routing and course navigation is superb. And of course, the option for apps is endless, however, the issue is the battery. I still struggle to understand how Apple fail to address this?
The Garmin Fenix 8 while lacking in all the obvious add-on apps that Apple have, is now, with the AMOLED screen, my go to daily watch. For many, the addition of a microphone / speaker will be minor, for me it is superb. The five buttons and touch screen option make using the watch easy. If you are a Diver, the new features are superb. GPS accuracy is industry standard and the optical heart rate sensor is good with the usual caveats. The light is incredible with variable power and a red light option. The light feature is one of my most used features and is a real omission on the Coros Pace Pro. Sometimes it is the little things that make a big difference.
FEATURES
Is it worth upgrading? Quite simply, the AMOLED screen is a deal breaker for me and worth the upgrade from any solar/ MIP watch. I loved my Enduro 1 and Enduro 2 for battery life but did not like the screen, hence, I used the Apple Ultra for navigation on one wrist and the Enduro on the other to record data etc.
The Fenix 8 addresses this, I now have the perfect watch for multi-day adventures without asking:
Can see the screen?
Will I have enough battery?
Do I have a torch handy?
Can I navigate?
And, if required, can I use my credit card to pay for things?
I even have music! These are the key features I want from a watch like this. With battery life on AMOLED units starting to rival that of MIP-based units, the choice is easy.
Like I said, this is not a deep dive into the watch and all its features. It’s a summary of using the watch and would I recommend it? The simple answer is 100%. It’s the best GPS watch I have had and the level of features and functions are way beyond my needs and demands.
And on a final note, if you do not require AMOLED, the Garmin Enduro 3 is the choice to go for, although, you can only get the 51mm size. It has all the Fenix 8 features with a considerably cheaper price and considerably bigger battery…. If only they could the AMOLED 🙂
Much has been written about what equipment you need and require for an MDS event. In all honesty, it’s quite simple and can be broken down into 3 key sections:
What you will wear
Equipment
Food
Yes, it is that simple.
What you will wear and what equipment you need is the same for all MDS events, be that the 4-day / 3 stage MDS 120 or the 7-day / 6-stage MDS The Legendary. The only difference comes with food requirements.
One of the many things I love about MDS is that it brings out the geek in all of us. Nothing like shopping around to find the right equipment and importantly, the lightest version. However, when it comes to clothing, there is absolutely no need to buy new items if you already have items that work and importantly cause no irritation.
A clothing list would be as below:
You can see from the above, we go from head to toe. With the exception of a spare pair of underwear and socks, you will be wearing all these items. Total weight 1425g.
WHAT EQUIPMENT YOU WILL NEED
Equipment can be broken down into 3 sections:
Mandatory
Desirable
Luxury
Quite simply, mandatory is not open to discussion and you must have all these items as specified in the MDS rules and regulations HERE
a backpack WAA ULTRA BAG 20L or equivalent
a sleeping bag,
a head torch (200 lumens minimum) and a complete set of spare batteries or spare batteries with external/solar charger,
10 safety pins,
a compass, with 1° or 2° precision,
a lighter,
a whistle,
a knife with metal blade,
a topical disinfectant,
a signalling mirror,
an aluminium survival sheet,
“Knorr” type cubes (2 per day) to favorize rehydration
a tube of sun cream of 50 ml minimum,
200 euros or 2,000 dirhams
the passport or for Moroccan residents, identity card valid at least until the end of the stay in Morocco. BUT for security reasons, it is strongly recommended to have a passport valid at least one month later; failing this, AOI declines any responsibility in case of problem.
the original MDS medical certificate, filled in and signed by the doctor
the original ECG and its tracing
Sleeping Bag – Down Jacket – Waterproof
Take note that weather conditions and temperatures vary considerably. Also keep in mind, a small petit woman may well need warmer layers that a large man. Do you sleep hot? Do you sleep cold? 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. And yes, it can rain!
A full equipment list would look like below:
The above list weighs 3069g and this includes the MDS Road Book and the Spot Tracker, both items provided when in Morocco. You will notice there are no luxury items.
We then can look at DESIRABLE and LUXURY.
You may consider poles to be desirable, in all honesty, I think for most at MDS events, they are becoming almost essential. Of course, if you are a runner, you do not need them. Just lightweight, folding carbon poles. I recommend Leki Ultralite FX One. A watch with GPX and great autonomy such as Coros Vertix and/or Garmin Enduro. If you don’t have a watch with a good battery, you are then requiring a battery pack and for me, a battery pack falls in the luxury list.
As for luxury, you absolutely MUST keep luxury items to a minimum, I consider a phone to be luxury at an MDS event. The only item I would consider is an MP3 player with great battery life and lightweight earphones.
FOOD
MDS 120 are 4-days and 3-stages, The Legendary is 7-days and 6-stages, so, you need to adjust the requirements accordingly. The typical rule is you must have 2000-calories per day. For The Legendary this equates to 12,000 calories as a minimum requirement, however, I think you are better assuming 14,000 calories.
Food is personal, so, make sure you understand what you require and make sure you have a balance of fat/protein/ carbohydrate and make sure you have sweet/savoury based on your taste requirements. Note that as days pass, the need for sweet tends to shift to savoury. Try and test all food before racing.
Also consider if you will have hot or cold food. Not all food rehydrates well with cold water.
Also, a large man, say 6ft 2″ and 85kg will require far more food than a woman who is 5ft 2″ and 55kg. Keep this in mind and use the minimum 2000 calorie as a guide.
Prepare food bags, a bag per day. That way it is easy to control what you eat.
Need coffee, check out NO NORMAL. Yes, coffee in a tube.
6-stage and 7-days at The Legendary could look like above with 7-dehydrated breakfasts and dinners and then a combination of snack food for during and post each stage. Typically you can expect food to be between 4000 and 4500g. My list above comes out at 4048g.
IAN CORLESS 