MDS Fuerteventura, MDS Morocco and MDS Morocco Trek 2025 – Booking Starts January 15th.

Posted on January 8, 2025 by talkultra

January 15th 2025 12:00pm (cet) three MDS events go on sale for the 2025 calendar.

MDS Fuerteventura – September 20the to September 27th.

MDS Morocco – October 10th to October 18th.

MDS Trek Morocco – October 19th to October 28th.

FUERTEVENTURA – September 20th to September 27th.

2024 was a significant year for the MDS, it saw the return of MDS Fuerteventura exploring a new part of the island and with a capped entrant list it was not only a sell out but a huge success.

You can read daily summaries of the 2024 edition and explore the route via images:
MDS Fuerteventura Stage 1
MDS Fuerteventura Stage 2
MDS Fuerteventura Stage 3

With an isolated bivouac close to the ocean, Fuerteventura brings something very special to the MDS portfolio. In many respects it can draw comparisons to MDS Peru, however, it does not have the epic dunes that the Ica desert provides. With stunning cliffs, runnable terrain and epic views, this is one race that must be experienced.

More MDS Fuerteventura details HERE

MOROCCO – October 10th to October 18th.

MDS Morocco follows in the footsteps and the history of The Legendary. Taking place in the same area of the Sahara, this race is ultimately a mini Legendary and as such holds a special place for all participants. The 2024 edition was notable for two reasons… Freak weather – believe it or not, rain and flooding in the Sahara! It made for a unique and special edition with some unforgettable visual stories. Secondly, the Handi category which saw wheelchair athletes take on the Sahara with the help of a team.

Experience the 2024 edition below:
MDS Morocco Stage 1
MDS Morocco Stage 1
MDS Morocco Stage 1

The 2025 edition of the race will once again pave the way for the MDS brand and the history of the race.

TREK – October 19th to October 28th.

MDS Trek was new for 2024. Combining much of what we see and experience in a normal MDS event, the TREK format added more comfort (2-person tents with mats,) no self-sufficiency (in regard to food,) showers, and after the stages, you will have the opportunity to relax with a daily massage* for better recovery, enjoy cold drinks* from the available bar, and share convivial moments in the social areas.

*extra charge locally

Combining mental enrichment with workshop conferences, the TREK still offers the classic MDS distances of 70-120km but at a more relaxed pace and a slightly different format due to the very special ‘star night!’

Here’s the approximate breakdown of distances:

Stage 1: 14 or 24km
Stage 2: 12 or 15km
Stage 3 – day 1: 19 or 31km
Stage 3 – day 2: 19 or 26km
Stage 4: 13 or 24km

A perfect event for those looking for an introduction to stage racing, an active holiday or just an escape with a loved one or friend. An opportunity to experience the DNA of the MDS, the 2024 edition was a huge success and returns for 2025, bigger and better! Accessible to everyone, this format is perfect for those who want to explore the desert, make new connections, push their physical limits, and all while maintaining a level of comfort.

More TREK details HERE

What is the MDS?

The MARATHON DES SABLES is a unique adventure, shared by thousands of enthusiasts since 1986.

MDS MAIN WEBSITE HERE

To differentiate the full distance race of 250km’s, Marathon des Sables will now be known as MDS The Legendary, reflecting the legendary status of this iconic event and its long history as a pioneer of the stage racing and multi-day format.

The ‘HMDS’ format will still follow the same protocols as before but has now dropped the ‘half’ title and moving forward, events will be called MDS Jordan, MDS Morocco, MDS Cappadocia and so on.

The MDS events are a one-week sporting adventure that combines discovery, travel, meeting new people and physically challenging yourself in a self-sufficient manner.

MDS TREK was introduced in 2024 and is a 10-day adventure at a more relaxed pace with extra comfort, perfect for an active holiday, training or as an introduction to desert stage racing.

Read MDS THE ULTIMATE GUIDE HERE

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

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MDS Fuerteventura 2024 – Stage 3

Posted on October 3, 2024 by talkultra

A rest day made all the difference for the participants of MDS Fuerteventura and stage 3 was eagerly anticipated.

An early departure from bivouac and then a bus transfer to the start at Sotavento Beach, ahead 26.3km with 587m+ to La Pared.

A beautiful day of sand and path passing through Jandia National Park and concluding with epic coastal cliffs and an ocean backdrop.

Today, was all about the medal gladly, all achieved there goal finishing before the cut-off time of 16.45, a huge success.

After the bad weather in 2022 and the missing 2023, MDS Fuerteventura is well and truly back!

In the 120km race, SANTANA FERNÁNDEZ was crowned the winner with an elapsed time of 9:36:35. FOULQUIÉ PADILLA and ROGER PÉREZ placed 2nd and 3rd, 9:40:37 and 9:48:15 respectively.

For the women, DEL RIO VALLES, BOLLENGIER and NACHARD placed 1, 2 and 3, 13:54:20, 14:47:42 and 15:47:08 respectively.

PÉREZ DE LA CRUZ 10:23:12 and MUJICA GONZÁLEZ 11:53:49 were the male and female winners of the 100km and RODRÍGUEZ MORENO 9:02:44 and MAHIQUES 8:47:49 were the male and female winners in the 70km class, with MAHIQUES the outright winner.

Full results are available HERE for 120km, HERE for the 100km and HERE for the 70km.

Now it is time for a shower, fresh clothes, a good dinner and bed with clean sheets. Tomorrow is a day of relaxation and then a gala dinner with awards ceremony.

Marathon des Sables website HERE

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MDS Fuerteventura 2024 – Stage 2

Posted on October 1, 2024 by talkultra

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

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MDS Fuerteventura 2024 – Countdown Time

Posted on September 24, 2024 by talkultra

It’s countdown time to the 2024 MDS Fuerteventura, the 6^th edition taking place from September 28 to October 5^th.

The MDS format is the perfect synergy of travel, adventure and luxury.

The 2024 edition, once again, uses the Playitas Resort Hotel as a pre and post-race hub for 4 nights: two nights pre and two nights post.

Three nights will be spent in bivouac in full self-sufficiency, the only provision provided is a tent in which to sleep and water. All other items the participant must carry, this includes all food and snacks for the duration of the event, clothes, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and any luxuries.

Participants will require:

Backpack + 2 water bottles (Ultrabag 20L type)
T-shirt + running shorts
Trail shoes + Anti-sand gaiters
Cap and sunglasses
Change: light T-shirt + light shorts / leggings
Windbreaker jacker for mornings and evenings
Sleeping bag + mattress for the night
Hygiene products (sunscreen, soap, antiseptic, etc.)
Toilet paper
Food and kitchen utensils (pots and pans, lighter, fire starter cube…)

Equipment available at WAA-ULTRA

Food requirements will be as follows:

Day 1: lunch, dinner. (Stage 1)
Day 2 and 3: breakfast, lunch, dinner. (Stage 2 and rest day)
Day 4: breakfast, lunch. (Stage 3)

If a participant requires power for phone, watch, mp3 player etc, they must provide this themselves in the form of a portable battery which they must carry.

Read MDS The Ultimate Guide – 2024 Edition for more insight and information.

The MDS format is the same for all events, MDS The Legendary and MDS Trek excluded.

The race will take place over 4-days and 3-stages, typically broken down as follows:

Day 1/ Stage 1 between 25 and 30km.
Day 2/ Stage 2 20, 40 or 60km – the participant chooses the appropriate distance.
Day 3 Rest day
Day 4/ Stage 3 between 25 and 30km.

The race is designed so that finishing is a possibility for all, regardless of ability or speed. Importantly, if a runner does not finish, they are provided a free race entry for the following year.

The last edition of the race took place in 2022 which turned out to be a considerable challenge due extreme and unprecedented weather. 2023 did not take place due to environmental rules. So, 2024 will be a special year for MDS Fuerteventura. Notably, 300 participants will toe the line of which, 58% are women. A fantastic statistic.

The Program for the week will be as follows:

Saturday September 28

Arrival of participants and relaxed night at Playitas Resort Hotel.

Sunday September 29

Technical and medical checks followed by relaxation at Playitas Resort Hotel.

Monday September 30

Stage 1 – overnight bivouac

Tuesday October 1

Stage 2 – overnight bivouac

Wednesday October 2

Rest day – overnight bivouac

Thursday October 3

Stage 3 – followed by relaxation at Playitas Resort Hotel.

Friday October 4

Tourism and rest day followed by evening Gala dinner.

Saturday October 5

Onward travel

Playitas Resort Hotel is one of the key sports hotels in Europe. Located in the southeast of Fuerteventura, it is the perfect hub for a sports minded person, there is a gym, yoga, indoor cycling, CrossFit, pools and so much more available.

MDS Fuerteventura is closely followed by MDS Morocco, October 12-19, MDS Trek, October 20-29 and MDS Jordan, November 2-9.

2025 that are already open for entry are as follows: MDS Morocco Atlantic Coast, January 25 to February 1, MDS THE LEGENDARY, April 4-14, MDS Jordan, May 9-16, MDS Cappadocia, June 21-28 and MDS Jordan, November 1-8.