mds fuerteventura 2024

Stage 1 was a challenging day for many, the 33.6km proving a tough start to the 2024 MDS Fuerteventura. On the positive side, there were no DNF’s.

Stage 2 is called ‘The Long Day’ as this is the day that for 100km and 120km will prove to be the longest of the race. However, the challenge can be as much mental as physical.

Challenge 1.

After the start, almost immediately, the runner’s are given the option to to turn right and take on the 17.8kmm loop, 20 men and 63 women chose this. Alternatively, you can turn right and start the 40.5km loop. The remainder of the participants chose this.

Challenge 2.

At the end of the 40.5 km loop, you can turn right and run to the finish – 25 min and 41 women chose this.

Challenge 3.

For the brave, a left turn after the 40.5km loop provides the option to complete a final loop and the total long day distance of 56.7km – 75 men and 61 women chose this.

Today’s route followed a figure of 8 shape for the 120km. The terrain mostly sandy and rocky path, the need for gaiters minimal.

Some wonderful small canyons to run through

The day started at 0600 after a warm night under the stars. The winds had calmed but the sky was cloudy and it would remain that way until midday, when a sunny period provide some blue skies. Temperatures reached a high of 28 degrees and running conditions were good.

With three race distance options, rankings would change considerably during stage 2, however, in the 120km distance, the main protagonists of SANTANA FERNÁNDEZ, ROGER PÉREZ and FOULQUIÉ PADILLA would remain the same. However, today it was FOULQUIÉ PADILLA who now takes the overall lead with an elapsed time of 7:31:21 closely followed by SANTANA FERNÁNDEZ in 7:32:11. ROGER PÉREZ remains in third.

For the women, stage 1 winner MUJICA GONZÁLEZ started the day slower but then moved up through the field and is now in the women’s overall lead with a time of 8:56:08. BOLLENGIER who was 2nd on stage 1 is now 4th on GC with DEMARQUILLY moving into 2nd 9:55:47 and DEL RIO VALLES 3rd with 10:49:47.

All results for all distance are – Results here

When the sun came, the temperatures rose!

Tomorrow, day 3 is a rest day. An opportunity to relax and recharge before the final day of 29.3km.

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.

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Stage 1 of the 2024 MDS Fuerteventura got underway today, 33.6km and 444m+

It was a 90-minute drive from Play Itas Resort to the northern coastal location of Manjanicho Beach.

A day that offered a little of everything, starting and concluding next to the ocean, the track was mad up mostly of gravel/sand path, approximately 20% soft-sand and just a tiny amount of road crossings.

Wind was present throughout the day, making the highest temperature of 28-degrees feel manageable.

With 300 participants and record 58% women, the 6^th edition of MDS Fuerteventura was highly anticipated.

The race upfront was dominated by Juan SANTANA FERNÁNDEZ, ROGER PÉREZ and FOULQUIÉ PADILLA, the trio setting an incredible pace in the 120km race, with SANTANA FERNÁNDEZ taking the victory ahead of ROGER PÉREZ and FOULQUIÉ PADILLA placing 3^rd, 2:32:18, 2:33:48 and 2:34:15 respectively.

For the women, MUJICA GONZÁLEZ ran the race solo for a time trial effort and victory in 3:37:37. Behind, BOLLENGIER, and DEL RIO VALLES ran a close race for 2^nd, the duo crossing in 3:52:50 and 3:53:10 respectively.

It is important to remember, MDS events offer 3-distances, 120km, 100km and 70km, stage 1 is the same for all races and then the difference comes on stage 2 when participants for MDS Fuerteventura will choose which loop to run, option 1 17.8km, option 2 40.5km and option 3 56.7km.

Volcano backdrops with 3rd place DEL RIO VALLES

Bivouac remains the same for each stage, the final stage (stage 3) the exception when the finish line brings an nd to the race and the participants return to Play Itas Resort.

With stage 1 being a longer first day, we may well see participants change options for stage 2, if they considered day 1 a little hard, they may well choose an easier option for stage 2, the choice is for them.

Stage 2 starts at 0600 and based on the distance chosen, the cut-off times for finishing will vary, midday for the short race, 1910 for the middle distance and for the long, 12:50am the following day.

Gladly for the participants, they will then have a rest day.

Results here

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.