MDS 120 JORDAN 2025 – Stage 2

A Brutal, Beautiful Battle Across Wadi Rum

The second stage of the MDS 120 Jordan began today under a sky that could stop you in your tracks. As the sun climbed over the horizon, it lit up Wadi Rum in gold and fire. Towers of sandstone blazed in the morning light, and the vast silence of the desert seemed to breathe. It was a moment of calm before the suffering.

At 0700, the main field set off, hundreds of runners stretching out across the sand in a single wave.

An hour later, at 0800, the top-50 elites launched from the start line, eyes locked on the far horizon and the distances ahead. Three choices lay before all runners: 20 km, 40 km, or 60 km. No matter the distance, no one got an easy day.

By mid-morning, the heat was already rising fast. There’s no mercy in the Wadi Rum sun. The sand, soft and shifting, sucked at every step. It was a grind from the first kilometer. For many, fatigue from Stage 1 was already in their legs. Now, it became a question of how much pain they could manage, and for how long.

But the landscape kept pulling people forward.

Runners wound through canyons where shadows clung to the rock walls, through open plains that shimmered in the heat, and over dunes that seemed to have no top. The colours changed constantly, red, orange, ochre, bone-white. Every climb gave a new view, and every descent brought another challenge.

Support points were lifelines. Blue and orange jackets worked hard to keep everyone hydrated, motivated, and upright. Every shaded tent was a brief oasis. Words of encouragement were exchanged in multiple languages, often between competitors who had just met but already felt like teammates. That’s how it goes out here: shared struggle, instant connection.

For those tackling the 60 km, it was a full day and night affair. As the sun dropped, temperatures fell fast, and headlamps started flickering on across the desert. The sound of footsteps on sand and the occasional burst of laughter carried in the darkness. Some ran together in quiet partnership; others moved solo, locked in their own internal battles.

By midnight, many had reached the bivouac, collapsing into sleeping bags or cheering others in. But the course was still alive. The final competitors came in just after 0100, nearly 18 hours after the first wave set off. There were hugs, tears, and a level of exhaustion that only the desert can deliver.

It was a brutal day. But it was also unforgettable.

Wadi Rum tested everyone, their legs, their lungs, their minds. But it gave something back too: the raw beauty of this land, the solidarity of the competitors, the deep satisfaction of pushing past limits. Stage 2 didn’t just challenge people. It changed them.

A rest day brings and opportunity to re-charge, and stage 3 brings more kms, more heat, more unknowns. The reward, a medal and memories for a lifetime.

Wadi Rum sleeps under a silent sky, and every runner who crosses the finish line , whether first or last, has earned the reward.

Interested in a MARATHON DES SABLES EVENT?

More Info HERE

Follow Ian Corless

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Twitter – @talkultra

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Web – www.iancorless.com

Web – www.iancorlessphotography.com

MDS 120 JORDAN 2025 – Stage 1

INTO THE FIRE OF WADI RUM

Wadi Rum, a land that looks like another planet but punishes like the real world. This year, close to 600-runners from 31 countries are taking on the MDS 120 JORDAN – a three-stage ultra through the desert, spread over four days with one crucial rest day. With a choice of three ´distances, 70km, 100 km, or 120 km – but no matter the number, the journey starts the same way: in the scorching, silent furnace of Wadi Rum.

Welcome to Wadi Rum

This desert is not just scenery, it’s a character in the race. A vast, cinematic expanse of red sand and jagged rock, Wadi Rum, also called “The Valley of the Moon” – feels ancient and otherworldly.

Think towering cliffs, sand that grips your shoes like quicksand, and a horizon that never seems to get closer. It’s a place that doesn’t care how well you trained.

The silence is thick. The beauty is brutal. And from the first step, they feel it: this is going to be tough.

The Numbers Behind the Madness

This year’s field is as diverse as it is determined:

• 600 competitors

• 55% women—a powerful showing in an event known for pushing limits

• 93% are first-time MDS runners

Youngest runner: 18-year-old – Charles

• Oldest: 74-year-old – Gunard

They’re backed by a lean but formidable race organization team:

150 staff, including 25 medics on the ground, constantly monitoring, assisting, and ready for anything.

Stage 1: 27.4 Kilometres of Reality Check

Day one hits fast and hard. Stage 1 is 27.4 km, but under the Jordanian sun and over Wadi Rum’s unpredictable terrain, it feels twice that.

The stage includes two checkpoints:

• CP1 at 8.5 km

• CP2 at 9 km

The land between them is rugged, and the gap is designed for course management and medical observation. Smart racers use both to fuel, hydrate, and recalibrate.

The course itself is a ruthless sampler platter: loose sand, sudden inclines, rocky outcrops, and heat that seems to rise from beneath your feet. There are no spectators, no shortcuts, no illusions. Just you, your gear, and the next checkpoint.

The Desert Doesn’t Care

The heat, the terrain, and the weight of self-sufficiency slows everyone down. You carry everything: water, food, gear, your doubts.

Every climb feels like three. Every descent threatens your knees. Sand invades everything. By midday, the only thing that’s soft is your resolve—if you let it be.

Shared Solitude

Despite the isolation, there’s camaraderie. Strangers share conversations. Encouragement is shouted in a dozen languages. Some falter, some stop. You need help, someone will stop for you.

The bivouac after Stage 1 is rough but welcoming. Yellow WAA tents flap in the wind. Meals are cooked with shaky hands. But the feeling is clear: we made it. One day down. Two to go.

What This Stage Really Means

Amazingly, 93% are running an MDS event for the first time, Stage 1 maybe a rude awakening? It tells the truth, immediately and without apology: this may (will) hurt. But, if it was easy everyone would do it!

And for all 600, from the youngest to the oldest, it’s a reminder that the desert doesn’t care about your splits. It rewards grit, humility, and the will to keep moving.

Interested in a MARATHON DES SABLES EVENT?

More Info HERE

Follow Ian Corless

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

facebook.com/iancorlessphotography

Web – www.iancorless.com

Web – www.iancorlessphotography.com

MDS Jordan 2024 Race Summary

Photo by Ian Corless

MDS Jordan brought to a conclusion the 2024 season of MDS events. It has been quite a year and since Fuerteventura in September, the events have followed one after another, MDS Morocco, MDS Trek Morocco and now MDS Jordan.

Jordan has become so popular as a destination, two events now exist in a year, May and November. Dates for 2025 are May 9-16 and November 1-8.

For the 4th edition, concluding on the 8th November 2024, 599 participants were signed up from 25 different nationalities. Once again, MDS pioneer the way with more women participants than men, 55% to 45%.

Come race day, 520 toed the line over the 3 race distances.

  • 249 in the 120km distance.
  • 190 in the 100km distance.
  • 81 in the 70km distance.

Full race results are available HERE via LiveTrail.

Jordan is not the easiest place to get to and typically, it will require two flights. Istanbul being a popular connecting point but many other options exist. Long haul travel always has potential problems and for the MDS Jordan, participants and staff had several problems with delays, gladly, everyone arrived on time. However, there is some general good advice here for future participants, allow yourself some time flexibility for arriving in Jordan, delays of 12-hours or even 1-day existed for some! Use reputable airlines with good track history, the cheapest option is not always the best!

Photo by Ian Corless

The current Israel – Hamas war quite obviously was on the minds of participants and some were concerned about travel. However, while the general advice from most governments was to ‘exercise caution,’ there was no reason not to travel. Having spoken to participants post-race, nobody at any time felt safety or security was at risk. The war however ‘may’ have had some impact on travel, it’s difficult to know?

Photo by Ian Corless

The MDS team do a fantastic job of facilitating everyones arrival in Amman and they provide a bus transfer to the Crowne Plaza hotel which is located on the Dead Sea. The journey takes under 90-minutes.

Photo by Ian Corless

The hotel is huge with excellent facilities, a good restaurant, bar, meeting rooms, multiple pools, spa, gym and of course, the Dead Sea is on its doorstep. It’s the perfect place pre and post-race. Another great benefit is that its size allows all competitors and MDS staff to stay at the same location. A great bonus for admin day and the post-race awards and gala dinner.

The Dead Sea is obviously an iconic place, located -430m below sea level. It is land locked between Jordan and Israeli occupied west bank in the west and Israel in the south. It is called the Dead Sea due to high levels of salt that make it impossible for any life form to live.

Photo by Ian Corless

With admin day done, the race got underway with a very early departure on Monday Nov 4th with an approximate 4-hour journey to Wadi Rum.

Photo by Ian Corless

Daily Summaries 2024:

Stage 1 Summary

Stage 2 Summary

Stage 3 Summary

Stage 1

Photo by Ian Corless

Stage 1 was scheduled to start at 0930am with 27.4km and 980m+ with arrival at bivouac. A point-to-point day with two Cp’s and a cut-off time of 2000hrs.

Photo by Ian Corless

The day was a shock for many! It’s a day of stunning views, epic vistas, remarkable landscape and a great deal of soft sand making the journey very hard work. If you are signed up for a future MDS Jordan, be prepared for a tough day 1.

Photo by Ian Corless

In bivouac, as per all MDS events, individual tents are in circular pods of 8. This is great for group friendship but also allows some privacy.

Photo by Ian Corless

While MDS events operate on the same formula: 3-stages over 4-days with full self-sufficiency, the exemption coming with rationed water provision and a place to sleep provided by MDS. I cannot emphasise enough that participants need to be prepared for the challenge they are undertaking. Weather and environmental condition vary from event to event and year on year. Just because Jordan was hot at one edition, it does not mean it will always be hot! Look at MDS Morocco in October, rain, thunderstorms and flooding. The 4th edition of MDS Jordan had a very cold first night. For those who did not bring a warm jacket, a warm sleeping bag or additional layers, they had a very cold and troubled night. My TOP TIP is always bring a windproof jacket such as the WAA wind running jacket as an absolute minimum and my high recommendation is to bring a light weight down jacket. Many down jackets exist these days and the top quality products are well under 200g, the Nordisk Y Strato is 165g for example. The advantage of a down jacket is warmth and comfort while sitting around post-race and in addition, on cold nights, you have a very warm layer to wear inside your sleeping bag should it be required. Make sure you have a Buff and cover your head, most heat is lost here!

Photo by Ian Corless

One advantage of the tent pods is the creation of a communal fire place, in Jordan, most pods created a fire place and this was used for cooking and warmth.

Photo by Ian Corless

Stage 2

Photo by Ian Corless

With a troubled night for many, stage 2 would prove a challenge. However, the great thing about MDS events is the possibility to choose how easy or how hard you want the adventure to be. Of course, all things a re relative based on individual ability and desires. The stage had two starts, 0700 and 0800, the top runner’s in the latter start.

Photo by Ian Corless

At two key points, participants can have a choice, the first option is to choose 20km’s. The second option to choose 40km’s. At the second option point if you choose not to take 40km’s, you must do 60km’s.

Photo by Ian Corless

249 chose to take the 60km route, 190 in the 40km and 81 the 70km distance.

Photo by Ian Corless

It was a challenging day, once again a great deal of soft-sand but considerably less vertical gain. For those who took the 60km route, they were treated to some additional technical terrain. At all times, the impressive Wadi Rum landscape was mind-blowing irrespective of the distance chosen.

Photo by Ian Corless

The day proved to be a long one for some with the last competitor arriving at 0300am the next day and many of the MDS team there to welcome.

Photo by Ian Corless

Rest Day

Photo by Ian Corless

It was a welcome day of rest and an opportunity for everyone to get some rest and recovery.

Photo by Ian Corless

Competitors as per usual, looked after feet, ate as much as possible, slept and took advantage of the local terrain to get some high viewpoints to take in the amazing landscape.

Photo by Ian Corless

TOP TIP – space blankets that are gold/silver provide excellent options for keeping tents cooler in the day, silver side out. And at night, if required, use them gold side out to keep a tent warmer.

Photo by Ian Corless
Photo by Ian Corless

In the afternoon, local fisherman gave a music show and then ice cold drinks arrived for every participant via a camel.

Photo by Ian Corless
Photo by Ian Corless

Of course, Born To Be Alive was played and bivouac turned into a desert rave.

Photo by Ian Corless

Stage 3

Photo by Ian Corless

Once again, two starts, 0430am and 0630am. Ahead, 26km’s and 733m+ on a point-to-point route that would provide everyone some of the best views that Wadi Rum has to offer. The large dune and the views from the top a highlight.

Photo by Ian Corless

Once at the finish, tears, joy and laughter, a hard earned medal the reward.

Photo by Ian Corless

A transfer to Petra post-race for an opportunity to experience one of the seven wonders of the modern world.

Photo by Ian Corless

Everyone was back at the Crowne Plaza for around 2000hrs. Of course, it’s all about priorities, several showers, fresh clothes and then dinner in the restaurant.

Final Day

Photo by Ian Corless

Was relaxed, a lazy breakfast, time by the pool, a swim in the Dead Sea and then at 1600hrs the awards ceremony took place followed by the MDS Jordan movie.

Photo by Ian Corless

Dinner followed outside with remarkable night time views of the Dead Sea. DJ Robin as per usual played some banging tunes and the party and disco went on into the night and the early hours of the morning.

Another MDS Jordan complete.

Finally, while many things are transferable between all MDS events: 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, imagine your worst case scenario and have a solution. MDS events are self-sufficient for a reason, they bring a challenge and dynamic that is not present at other races, how you deal with it is very much part of the event.

Looking ahead!

Photo by Ian Corless

Now is time to recover, recoup and plan ahead for 2025. There are no shortage of events. Here is hoping we get to share more time at a MDS event soon:

  • MDS Atlantic Coast January 25th to Feb 1st
  • MDS The Legendary April 4th to 14th
  • MDS Raid Namibia April 26th to May 3rd
  • MDS Jordan May 9th to 16th
  • MDS Cappadoccia June 21st to 28th
  • MDS Fuerteventura September 28th to October 5th
  • MDS Morocco Oct 12th to 19
  • MDS Trek Morocco date tbc
  • MDS Jordan November 1st to 8th
  • MDS Peru November 29th to December 6th.
Photo by Ian Corless

WAA clothing, apparel and Ultra bag 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.

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

facebook.com/iancorlessphotography

Web – www.iancorless.com

Web – www.iancorlessphotography.com

MDS Jordan 2024 – Stage 3

Photo by Ian Corless

The 2024 MDS Jordan concluded with 26km’s and 733m+ of stunning views and terrain that confirmed Jordan and the Wadi Rum as one of ‘the’ most essential places and experiences to add to your to bucket list.

Photo by Ian Corless

Wadi Rum is a very special place that rivals Cappadocia for it’s uniqueness.

Photo by Ian Corless

After a rest day, the participants were ready for the final day. Two starts, 0430 and 0630 would allow all competitors the opportunity to complete the stage before midday and in the afternoon, a visit to to Petra before finally returning to a hotel, shower, restaurant meal and a night in a bed.

Photo by Ian Corless

A point-to-point route, stage 3 had several key highlights, but the large dune climb and descent, with stunning sunrise views was without doubt a key moment of the day.

Photo by Ian Corless

The 360 panorama here is stunning and the MDS route weaves among monstering towers of rock making participants small and insignificant within such an impressive landscape.

Photo by Ian Corless
Photo by Ian Corless

The race at the front was fast and furious for the men, with Theo Detienne winning the stage with a short margin ahead of the 2024 MDS Jordan champion, Rachid El Morabity. For the women, Sylvaine Cussot was a clear champion ahead of Marine Canas and Pauline Thinus.

Photo by Ian Corless

Full results for each category distance can be viewed at LiveTrail HERE.

Photo by Ian Corless

The finish line, as per usual was a place full of tears, emotion and release. The medal and t-shirt a reward for a tough adventure.

Photo by Ian Corless

Post-race, participants were treated to an excursion to the iconic Petra, an opportunity to relax, sightsee and soak in this iconic wonder of the modern world.

Photo by Ian Corless

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 2

Photo by Ian Corless

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.

Photo by Ian Corless

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.

Photo by Ian Corless

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.

Photo by Ian Corless

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.

Photo by Ian Corless

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.

Photo by Ian Corless

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

Photo by Ian Corless

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

Photo by Ian Corless
Photo by Ian Corless

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

Photo by Ian Corless

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

Photo by Ian Corless

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.

Photo by Ian Corless

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

Photo by Ian Corless

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

Photo by Ian Corless

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

Photo by Ian Corless

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.

Photo by Ian Corless

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.

Photo by Ian Corless

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.

Photo by Ian Corless

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.

Photo by Ian Corless

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

Photo by Ian Corless

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 – Countdown Time

Photo @mirandahdz

It has been a hectic period for the MDS crew with back-to-back events, MDS Fuerteventura, MDS Morocco and then MDS Trek. Now it’s a quick transition from Morocco to Jordan and the highly anticipated, 2024 edition of MDS Jordan.

With 599 participants, of which 332 are women and 267 men, once again, MDS events pioneer the way with more women participants than men, 55% to 45% for Jordan.

Jordan will see 25 different nationalities with the French topping the participation numbers. Unsurprisingly, the average age is 43! With 10-participants under the age of 25-years and 16-participants over 65-years. It’s an incredible testament to the MDS format that these races appeal to everyone seeking an adventure.

Schedule:

  • Day 1: Arrival at hotel
  • Day 2: Technical and medical checks, day at hotel with access to the Dead Sea
  • Day 3: Bus transfer, first stage, night in bivouac
  • Day 4: Second stage, night in bivouac
  • Day 5: Rest day, night in bivouac
  • Day 6: Third stage, discover Petra, night in hotel
  • Day 7: Day at hotel, Gala dinner
  • Day 8: Transfer to airport, end of adventure

Is Jordan the jewel in the MDS crown? With so many great destinations, it’s hard to pick a stand out, however, when speaking to many, Jordan is high on many a runner’s wish list for very good reason. Only ‘The Legendary’ tips the ‘wish list’ scales.

The 4th edition, running from November 2nd to 9th is sold out and importantly, dates are already set for the 5th and 6th editions, May 9-16 2025 and November 1-8 2025.

Breathtaking landscapes and backdrops await in the amazing desert of Wadi Rum. Living in the rhythm of the desert, as with all MDS events, participants will run or walk 70, 100 or 120km over 3-stages in 4-days.

  • Day 1 / Stage 1 25-30km.
  • Day 2 / Stage 2 choose 20km, 40km or 60km.
  • Day 3 Rest day
  • Day 4 / Stage 3 25-30km followed by transfer to hotel.

Follow LIVE via LiveTrail HERE

Pre and post-race, 2-nights before and 2-nights after, the 599 runners will enjoy a 4-star hotel situated on the Dead Sea. But the magic does not end there, post-race, a visit to the mythical city of Petra is included.

Photo @mirandahdz

On the final day, time to relax and prepare for the awards ceremony and gala dinner.

Nothing like an MDS post-race party with DJ Robin.

Three sublime stages which will transport participants in the most beautiful places. Wadi Rum is a truly exceptional place Located in the south of Jordan, the desert is breathtaking Contrasting sand, mountains, canyons, caves and natural arches; the landscape is mind-blowing.

4 days in the heart of Wadi Rum, that’s the unique experience that the participants of this MDS adventure will live.

What is the MDS?

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

To differentiate the full distance race of 250km’s, Marathon des Sables will now be known at 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 whill 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 the discovery, travel, meeting new people and physically challenging yourself in a self-sufficient manner.

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.

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

facebook.com/iancorlessphotography

Web – www.iancorless.com

Web – www.iancorlessphotography.com

MDS Jordan and MDS Cappadocia open for entries May/ June 2025

Excitement builds as Marathon des Sables announce entries opening for MDS Jordan and MDS Cappadocia 2025.

Mark your diaries, entries open September 18th

MDS Jordan dates May 9th to 16th 2025

MDS Cappadocia dates June 21 to 28th 2025.

Visit the MDS website HERE

Both races will follow the classic MDS format with 3-stages taking place over 4-days. This allows participants to choose a distance of 70, 100 or 120km’s.

  • Day 1 will have arrival in Jordan or Turkey.
  • Day 2 Technical and admin checks.
  • Day 3 Stage 1
  • Day 4 Stage 2
  • Day 5 Rest Day
  • Day 6 Stage 3 followed by night at the race hotel.
  • Day 7 Day at the hotel and gala dinner.
  • Day 8 Onward travel

MDS Jordan is a firm favourite in the MDS list of races with two editions taking place in each year. May and November. A very special race that mixes the Dead Sea with the deseret of Wadi Rum.

MDS Cappadocia had a first edition in 2024 and what an edition! Unique landscapes, hot air balloons and amazing light. A departure for the MDS brand with considerably less sand and more technical trails. A stunning addition to the MDS line-up.

What is the MDS?

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

To differentiate the full distance race of 250km’s, Marathon des Sables will now be known at 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 while 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 the discovery, tavel, meeting new people and physically challenging yourself in a self-sufficient manner.

MDS format is as follows, after spending 1 or 2 nights in a hotel, you will go to the desert for 4 days of adventure and typically 3 or 4 nights in bivouac.

Once the race is over, the participants return to the race hotel offering relaxation time and a gala dinner.

The MDS exists in three different formats so that you can choose a distance based on your own personal requirements, needs and fitness: 

  • Stage 1 : 25km to 30km 
  • Stage 2 : 20, 40 or 60km 
  • Rest day 
  • Stage 3: 25km to 30k

The difference between the formats is on stage 2, where, depending on your form, you can choose 20, 40 or 60km.

During the MDS you will spend your nights in the heart of the desert, in the MDS bivouac in a tent supplied by the organisation. 

The MDS is self-sufficient, you need ALL your equipment and food to last the duration of the event. Water is the only item supplied.

With all MDS events, if you do not finish, you receive a free entry for the next edition.

Read MDS THE ULTIMATE GUIDE HERE

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