COUTDOWN TO MDS LEGENDARY 2026 – ISSUE TWO

Posted on March 9, 2026 by talkultra

Marathon des Sables: What Actually Matters

The Marathon des Sables has a way of becoming far more complicated than it needs to be. Spend five minutes online and you’ll find spreadsheets, gear breakdowns to the gram, and endless debates about socks.

Here’s the truth. It’s a multi-day race in the desert where you carry your own kit, manage your energy, and keep moving forward. That’s it.

Yes, details matter. But simplicity wins.

The 2026 Marathon des Sables – The Legendary is not just another year in the desert. It marks 40 years of the race. That alone tells you something about what’s coming. This edition matters. It will be longer, tougher, and built to celebrate the history of the event properly.

As we move through March, I will release weekly articles to help you sharpen your preparation. This is the second of four. The aim here is simple: give you clarity. No surprises. No guesswork.

Below is a broader, more grounded take on what to focus on, including some of the small, often overlooked realities that make a big difference once you’re out there.

Start With This Mindset

You are not preparing for comfort. You are preparing for control.

Control of your energy.

Control of your hydration.

Control of your thoughts when things get hard.

The desert strips away noise. What’s left is you, your pack, and the next checkpoint.

1. Your Pack: Fit Over Fashion

You’ll see a lot of the same packs on the start line. The WAA 20L Ultra Bag is extremely common because it was built specifically for races like this.

But popular doesn’t mean perfect.

A pack should sit close to your body without bouncing. It shouldn’t pull on your shoulders or rub your lower back raw by day three. Try it loaded. Walk in it. Run dunes in it if you can.

Smaller is usually better. If you give yourself space, you’ll fill it. And once your food weight drops midweek, too much space means constant shifting and irritation.

Getting close to the 6.5 kg minimum isn’t about ego. It’s about reducing cumulative fatigue. Every unnecessary gram is lifted thousands of times over the week.

2. Sleep Is Recovery, Not Luxury

You don’t need a five-star sleep system. But you do need rest.

A sleeping bag choice should reflect how you actually sleep at home. If you’re always cold, don’t suddenly become brave in the Sahara. Cold nights drain energy quickly.

A lightweight down jacket is incredibly useful. Brands like Mont Bell, Haglöfs, Yeti, and Nordisk all make reliable options. It doubles as camp insulation and extra warmth inside your bag.

Random but important: cover your head at night. Even a simple buff makes a difference.

And yes, take a sleeping mat. After several hours in the heat, lying on hard ground feels far less heroic than it sounds.

3. Clothing: Function Only

Nobody cares what you look like by stage four.

Choose clothing you’ve already trained in. Check underarms, inner thighs, lower back, and anywhere straps sit. If something rubs slightly at home, it will tear skin in the desert.

A spare pair of socks is wise. Changing into dry socks after a long stage feels surprisingly restorative.

Some runners like having a lightweight long sleeve or leggings just for evenings. It’s less about warmth and more about feeling human again after a tough day.

4. Shoes and Gaiters: Non-Negotiable

Shoes must be tested, broken in, and reliable.

Slightly wider can help accommodate swelling. But oversized shoes create movement. Movement creates friction. Friction creates blisters.

Aim for a thumbnail’s space beyond your longest toe.

Gaiters are essential. Sand will find its way in otherwise, and constant grit inside your shoe is demoralising.

Small thought: practise emptying sand quickly and calmly. You’ll do it often.

5. Food: Think Beyond Calories

Yes, you must carry at least 2,000 calories per day.

But calories alone aren’t the whole story. Appetite changes. Sweet fatigue is real. By midweek, many runners crave savoury food.

Bring variety. Something crunchy. Something salty. Something soft. Texture matters when you’re exhausted.

Recovery nutrition right after each stage can speed up how you feel the next morning. Even a small protein-based drink helps.

Also consider practicality. If you skip a stove, make sure your meals work with cold water. And if you’re someone who needs coffee to function, plan for it. Tiny comforts can have a big psychological impact.

6. Water Strategy: Be Flexible

You must be able to carry at least 1.5 litres, usually via two 750 ml front bottles.

Soft flasks and bladders are lighter, but they can puncture. Rigid bottles are heavier but durable.

Have the capacity to carry an additional 1.5 litres if required. In extreme heat or on longer stages, the race has sometimes increased water allowances.

Practice drinking steadily rather than chugging. Drink to thirst before the race starts. Overhydrating early doesn’t help.

7. Salt and Electrolytes: Plan It Yourself

Salt tablets are no longer handed out.

You must start with 14 stock cubes as part of the requirements, but that’s just one element. Test your electrolyte strategy in training. Don’t experiment for the first time in Morocco.

Cramps in the middle of a long stage are not where you want surprises.

8. Your Feet: Your Entire World

If your feet fail, your race fails.

Trim nails carefully before the event. Know which socks work for you. Consider taping strategies only if you’ve tested them.

After each stage:

Remove shoes immediately.
Clean sand off.
Let skin dry.
Deal with hot spots early.

Blister management is part of the race. The medical team is experienced, but prevention is always easier than repair.

9. Heat Preparation

The final two weeks are ideal for heat acclimation.

Sauna sessions. Hot baths. Controlled heat chamber work. Even Bikram yoga.

The goal isn’t to exhaust yourself. It’s to teach your body to manage elevated core temperature more efficiently.

Arriving heat-adapted reduces stress from day one.

10. Taper Properly

In the final weeks, you don’t gain fitness. You protect it.

Reduce volume gradually. Stay mobile. Stay healthy. Combine tapering with heat work.

You want to feel slightly restless at the start line, not tired.

11. Learn to Walk Well

This surprises many first-timers.

You may not run as much as you think. Dunes, heat, pack weight, and long stages change expectations quickly.

Practice strong, efficient walking. Especially uphill. Keep posture tall. Use arms deliberately.

Fast walking wins time and saves energy.

12. Poles: Train With Them or Leave Them

Poles can feel like four-wheel drive in soft sand and on climbs.

Lightweight folding carbon poles from brands like Black Diamond and Leki are common.

But poles only help if you’ve trained with them. Poor technique wastes energy. Good technique saves it.

13. Keep Equipment Minimal

Every “just in case” item adds up.

Ask: will this meaningfully improve my race?

Your pack should sit close to 6.5 kg. The only luxury many runners truly appreciate is a lightweight way to listen to music.

Interestingly, many also discover they don’t miss their phone at all.

14. Tent Life

You’ll share a tent with seven others.

These people become your support system. You’ll hear their breathing at night. You’ll see their low moments and your own reflected back.

Choose tent mates wisely if you can. The camaraderie becomes one of the most powerful parts of the week.

15. Travel and Admin Realities

Wear your running shoes and kit on the plane. Carry your pack as ‘carry-on’ with as much of your race kit as possibe. Lost luggage does happen.

Bring your own snacks for travel days. The transfer from Marrakech is quite long, so is the transfer to bivouac one. MDS do provide lunch packs as and when applicable, always good to be self sufficient.

The first two nights in bivouac are self-sufficient, plan accordingly for food. Take comfort items you’re happy to give away before racing begins, for example, you may take a larger/ heavier inflatable bed.

Admin day can take 1-2 hours. Bring water, snacks, sun protection, even an umbrella for shade. Stay patient.

Have additional items such as a base layer, sleeping bag liner and other items that may be on a ‘question’ list for the race. On night 1 and before you go to admin, you can make final decisions of what to and what not to take. Particularly important if you think you may be cold at night.

After bag check-in, you drop your luggage and no longer have access to extra gear. Make sure you have everything you need for the race! But full self-sufficiency only begins when the race starts, so you can enjoy small comforts until then.

Bring a simple repair kit. Zips break. Gaiters tear. The desert is unforgiving.

16. The Mental Game

At some point, you will question why you signed up.

That moment passes.

The Marathon des Sables isn’t just about endurance. It’s about staying calm when you’re tired. Staying steady when others surge. Accepting discomfort without drama.

Highs and lows are part of the rhythm. If it were easy, it wouldn’t matter.

Final Thought

The desert simplifies everything.

There’s no clutter. No constant notifications. No daily noise. Just sun, sand, wind, and the quiet focus of moving forward.

Whether you finish near the front or close to the cutoff, the experience is transformative.

It reminds you how little you actually need, and how much you’re capable of carrying.

MDS is a hark back to a more primitive time, a time without clutter and modern technology. Embrace this. Embrace the silence of the surroundings and the simplicity of placing one foot in front of the other.

MDS WEBSITE HERE

MDS Tour and MDS Clubs for 2026

Join the MDS Clubs on HEYLO HERE.

The MDS Tour starts in January and moves from location to location, Register HERE

Follow Ian Corless

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

facebook.com/iancorlessphotography

Web – www.iancorless.com

Web – www.iancorlessphotography.com

COUTDOWN TO MDS LEGENDARY 2026 – ISSUE ONE

Posted on March 2, 2026 by talkultra

As we move through March, I will release weekly articles to help you sharpen your preparation. This is the first of four. The aim here is simple: give you clarity. No surprises. No guesswork.

The Shape of the 2026 Race

If you raced in 2025, you already experienced the longest edition in MDS history. In 2026, the format stays similar but the distance increases again.

Six stages. Seven days. All timed.

In previous years, the charity stage was not timed. That changed in 2025 and continues in 2026. Every stage now counts.

The long stage returns to Stage 4, just as it did in 2025. This time it will be 100km. Read that again. One hundred kilometres across two days in the desert.

While total distance has fluctuated over the years, 250km has often been the benchmark. For 2026, you should plan for approximately 270km plus or minus. It should not shock you. But it will test you.

One positive? Depending on how quickly you complete the long stage, you may have almost a full day and night to recover before Stages 5 and 6. That recovery window could be valuable.

Daily stage distances are rarely confirmed in advance. It remains unclear whether exact distances will be released before arrival in Morocco. Historically, that information is kept quiet. Still, it’s not hard to estimate how the race could look.

A likely outline might be:

Stage 1: 32km (Day 1) – total 32km

Stage 2: 38km (Day 2) – total 70km

Stage 3: 36km (Day 3) – total 106km

Stage 4: 100km (Days 4 and 5) – total 206km

Stage 5: 42km (Day 6) – total 248km

Stage 6: 21km (Day 7) – total 269km

Total: approximately 269km +/-

As in 2025, expect sand. A lot of it. Expect the Merzouga Dunes. Do not expect Djebel El Otfal.

You now have a working template to mentally prepare for the challenge ahead.

Before the Race Even Starts

Your race does not begin at the start line. It begins with logistics.

In the final 2 to 3 weeks before the race, taper training back so that you are fresh and strong. Also plan for heat adaptation, this could be specific heat chamber sessions or a series of sauna sessions or similar.

You are responsible for arranging your own accommodation before the official transfer from Ouarzazate to bivouac one. If you fly into Marrakech, you may need a hotel there as well. There are free transfer buses from Marrakech to Ouarzazate. Arrive in Ouarzazate at least one day before required, have a good hotel night and time to relax and prepare before the transfer to the desert. MDS will confirm the dates and times for transfers etc.

From there, the structure usually follows this pattern:

Day 1 – Bus transfer from Ouarzazate to the desert bivouac. You settle in and stay overnight. This is self-sufficient. No meals are provided. Bring enough food for arrival day and admin day. There is no weight restriction at this point, so bring what you want.

Day 2 – Technical, administrative, and medical checks. Overnight in bivouac, still self-sufficient.

Day 3 – Stage 1

Day 4 – Stage 2

Day 5 – Stage 3

Days 6 and 7 – Stage 4, the 100km long stage

Day 8 – Stage 5

Day 9 – Stage 6, medal at the finish, bus transfer back to Ouarzazate. Overnight hotel with half-board.

Day 10 – Free day in Ouarzazate, awards ceremony and gala evening. Hotel half-board.

Day 11 – Airport transfers. End of the adventure.

Bivouac Reality

From the moment you step into the bivouac, you are self-sufficient. Water is provided. Everything else is your responsibility.

You must bring food and drink to cover arrival day and admin day before racing begins. You do not carry this food during the race, so be smart. Bring proper meals. Rachid, for example, makes a Tagine in camp.

You also have access to your luggage before admin checks. This is valuable. Bring spare kit, extra layers, backup options. You can fine tune your equipment in real desert conditions.

And do not assume MDS = heat. In 2025, we had rain, strong winds and sand storms.

Recent editions have shown how unpredictable conditions can be. The October MDS 120 Morocco race in 2024 saw rain and flooding. The Atlantic Coast edition had extreme wind, cold temperatures and rain. The desert is not always hot and dry. Prepare for variation.

Before admin, you can adjust your race pack. After that, your pack must meet regulations:

Minimum weight: 6.5kg excluding 1.5 lts of water.

Minimum food: 2000 calories per day.

All mandatory kit must be present.

No exceptions.

Water Strategy Has Changed

Since 2024, water provision has evolved.

Once Stage 1 begins, water during stages is effectively unlimited. You are no longer handed sealed 1.5L bottles at checkpoints. Instead, volunteers in blue coats pour water from large containers into your bottles.

If you stand at a checkpoint and drink a full bottle, they refill it.

Typically, checkpoints are spaced around 10km apart, terrain permitting. However, if conditions demand it, additional water stations may be placed between checkpoints, for example at 5km. This flexibility is important to combat excessive heat.

For the long stage, there may be a requirement to carry additional water capacity. This could be supplied in a 1.5L bottle. Plan ahead. Either have spare capacity to decant, or a system to carry a full bottle.

After each stage, water is rationed. You receive one 5L bottle. That 5L must cover:

Post-stage hydration
Dinner preparation
Breakfast preparation
Water allocation to CP1 the next day

If you want to wash, that also comes from the same 5L. Prioritize drinking and eating. Washing is optional. Hydration is not.

Salt Is Now Non-Negotiable

The race rules require 14 broth cubes. They are salty and mandatory.

In 2024, this change was questioned. By the end of the race, feedback was largely positive.

Not all cubes dissolve well. Test them. Many athletes use ‘Knorr’ because it dissolves reliably. Build a salt replacement strategy that works for you. This is a self-sufficient race. You must manage your own electrolyte plan.

Feet: The Deciding Factor

Along with dehydration, damaged feet are one of the main reasons people do not finish.

Your shoes must fit correctly. Your socks must suit you. You must know how to treat hot spots and blisters. Desert sand magnifies small problems quickly.

Ignore your feet at your peril.

Advice – A thumb nail of space above your longest toe is ideal. Note, I say longest toe – this may not be your big toe! A wider shoe is a good idea to allow for toe splay. If a shoe is too big, your foot will move when walking or running. A moving foot causes friction, friction means blisters.

Make sure your shoes have gaiters so no sand can get in the shoe.

Safety on Course

The race operates under strict safety protocols.

Fast response buggies are positioned to access difficult terrain quickly. 4×4 vehicles are spread across the course.

Every runner carries a tracker attached to their pack. This allows the organization to monitor your position in real time. It includes an emergency button for immediate assistance.

There are also medical runners on course. These are trained medical professionals competing in the race. They wear a different colour race number so you can identify them. They can provide immediate care if necessary. In addition, the full medical team is equipped to respond anywhere in the desert.

During stages, water is not rationed. If you need more, you can have it. At key checkpoints, iced water is available for cooling and is poured over your head by blue coat volunteers. Orange jackets manage medical incidents.

Mandatory Equipment Means Mandatory

You must carry:

Pack such as WAA Ultra Bag 20L
Minimum 1.5L water capacity
Sleeping bag
Head torch plus spare batteries (charger or solar charger allowed)
10 safety pins
Compass with 1–2 degree precision
Lighter
Whistle
Knife
Topical disinfectant
Signal mirror
Survival blanket
14 broth cubes
Sun cream
200 euros or 2000 dirhams
Passport or ID card
Original ECG document and medical certificate
Roadbook (provided on arrival)
GPS tracker

Pay close attention to deadlines and rules for ECG and medical forms. The regulations are strict.

Calories: The Real Numbers

The rules require 2000 calories per day across six stages. That equals 12,000 calories minimum to comply.

However, with the rest period during the long stage, 14,000 calories is a more realistic minimum. You may carry more. For example, a small and slight women weighing 50kg has very different calorie needs to a tall, muscular 90kg male. Understand your calorie needs.

You must be able to prove calorie totals. If you repackage food into lighter containers, keep the nutritional labels.

To break it down clearly:

Stage 1 – 14,000 calories remaining

Stage 2 – 12,000 calories remaining

Stage 3 – 10,000 calories remaining

Stage 4 – 8,000 calories remaining (long stage)

Day 5 – 6,000 calories remaining (rest day, still requires 2000 calories)

Stage 5 – 4,000 calories remaining

Stage 6 – 2,000 calories remaining

On Day 5, you may still be moving during the long stage or recovering in camp, but you still require 2000 calories. On Stage 6, you technically only need breakfast and race snacks.

Essential Personal Kit

Beyond mandatory equipment and food, you will need:

Running top, possibly long sleeve
Neck roll or Buff
Running shorts or skirt
Socks, and spare pair
Shoes with gaiters, Velcro sewn securely in advance
Hat with potential neck cover
Sunglasses with strong protection and good fit for sandstorms or take extra goggles
Watch
Warm layer – windproof and possibly lightweight down jacket
Foot care supplies
Hygiene products
Toilet roll or wipes
Lip balm
Blindfold
Ear plugs
Spoon
Pot or bowl
Stove
Fuel cubes
Sleeping mat
Pillow
Flip flops or similar

Note – If you plan to NOT heat water, you will not need a stove of fuel cubes. However, you will still need a bowl or something similar to eat food from.

For repairs, consider:

Zip ties
Gorilla tape
Super glue
Sewing kit
Cord or thin rope

Equipment can fail. Plan for that.

Final Practical Advice

Keep your pack as close to 6.5kg as possible. Extra weight adds unnecessary stress, especially in the longest edition to date with a 100km long stage.

Limit luxuries. If you take one, make it a lightweight MP3 player with reliable battery and earphones.

Accept the conditions. You may not wash. You will get dirty. You will smell. That is normal

Start conservatively. Ease into the race.

Poles can make a huge difference, but only if you know how to use them properly. Front runners may not need them. Most people benefit from them.

Learn to walk efficiently. Many arrive expecting to run 80 percent and walk 20 percent. In reality, it is often reversed.

Protect your feet from day one.

Take a sleeping mat. In the desert, your job is simple: run, eat, sleep. Good sleep improves recovery. Recovery keeps you in the race.

MDS WEBSITE HERE

MDS Tour and MDS Clubs for 2026

Join the MDS Clubs on HEYLO HERE.

The MDS Tour starts in January and moves from location to location, Register HERE

Follow Ian Corless

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

facebook.com/iancorlessphotography

Web – www.iancorless.com

Web – www.iancorlessphotography.com

A New Year, a Milestone Season: Marathon des Sables in 2026

Posted on January 6, 2026 by talkultra

A milestone anniversary, new formats, familiar classics, and a season that stretches from the Sahara to the Alps. Some years feel bigger than others. In 2026, the calendar alone tells you this will be one of those years for Marathon des Sables.

Forty editions after its beginnings in the Moroccan desert, Marathon des Sables has grown into a family of events that test endurance in different ways, across different landscapes, and for very different runners. Yet the heart of MDS remains the same. Self-sufficiency, shared hardship, and the quiet satisfaction that comes from moving forward when stopping would be easier.

January opens with something new and bold: MDS Ultra. Two distances. Two very clear challenges. A 100km option for runners ready to push beyond the classic stage format, and a 100-mile race for those who want to see how deep the well really goes.

An opening act designed to grab attention. Long distances, sustained effort, and the mental strain that only ultra racing can deliver. For many, it will be the first real test of their winter training. For others, it will be the centrepiece of their season. What matters most is what MDS Ultra represents – It signals evolution not revolution. MDS is not standing still, even as it celebrates its past.

Before January ends, the focus shifts west to the ocean for MDS 120 Atlantic Coast. Where dunes once dominated the horizon, runners now deal with open beaches, shifting sand, and the constant presence of the sea. The Atlantic Coast event has its own rhythm. Wind can play a bigger role. Footing changes by the kilometre. Temperatures can vary greatly, and yes, rain may be present? Still self-supported, still demanding, but in a way that surprises many first-timers. By the time the final runners cross the line, January has already delivered two very different expressions of what Marathon des Sables can be.

February and March bring a noticeable change of pace. No race numbers. No finish lines. Instead, preparation. The MDS team turns its attention fully toward the centrepiece of the year: the 40th edition of MDS Legendary. Four decades after the first runners set off into the Sahara, this anniversary edition carries weight. Not just for the organisation, but for the community that has grown around it.

Behind the scenes, logistics are refined, routes considered, and details checked and checked again. The Legendary event is not just another race, it is a reference point for stage racing, for many, a rites of passage, and in 2026, it will also be a celebration of everything Marathon des Sables has become.

Once the Legendary edition is complete, the calendar opens up again, and the global nature of MDS takes centre stage.

MDS Raid Namibia delivers raw beauty and isolation in one of Africa’s most striking landscapes. Namibia’s vast spaces, sharp light, and unforgiving terrain strip things back to basics. This is running in its purest form, where the environment sets the rules. A unique event as teams of two challenge a more stripped back and raw experience.

From Namibia, the series moves to Turkey for MDS 120 Cappadocia. Volcanic rock formations, flowing trails, and a sense of history underfoot make this one of the most visually distinctive events on the calendar. It is demanding, but also deeply immersive, ironically, despite the ‘sables’ tag, this event is much more a trail race – something new, different and unique.

MDS Crazy Loops – a format that lives up to its name. Short loops, repeated efforts, and a psychological game that can unravel even experienced runners over 24-hours. It is less about distance on paper and more about resilience in the moment. A fun and challenging event for all abilities that takes place at iconic ski resorts within Europe during July and August. A community event that brings the MDS vibe to the mountains.

As the year moves toward its final months, the pace does not slow. If anything, it accelerates. MDS 120 Morocco returns runners to familiar terrain, but with the confidence and refinement that come from years of experience. This is the desert, revisited with fresh eyes.

Alongside it, MDS Handi continues to redefine what inclusion looks like in endurance sport. It is a powerful reminder that challenge is not one-size-fits-all, and that determination takes many forms.

For those drawn more to movement than racing, MDS Trek Morocco offers a different relationship with the landscape. Still demanding, still immersive, but with space to absorb the experience in full where all abilities are catered for and yes, there is even some luxury – larger tents, no self-sufficiency, showers and so much more…

The international push continues with MDS 120 Jordan, where desert running meets ancient history. The terrain is tough, the scenery unforgettable, and the sense of scale impossible to ignore. An iconic event and arguably one of the most desired events on the MDS calendar.

And yes, there are hints of more to come. Potential surprises remain under wraps, but if past years are any guide, they will add another layer to an already remarkable season.

By the time 2026 draws to a close, Marathon des Sables will have crossed continents and climates. Morocco, Jordan, Peru, Turkey, Namibia, and Europe, with the Alps adding altitude to the mix. Each location brings its own challenges, its own stories, and its own reasons for being unforgettable.

What ties them all together is not just branding or format. It is philosophy. Self-reliance. Respect for the environment. And the shared understanding among participants that this is about more than running.

A milestone year invites reflection, but it also demands momentum. In 2026, Marathon des Sables manages both. Honouring 40 years of history while pushing forward into new territory, new formats, and new ways to test human endurance.

For runners, supporters, and the wider endurance community, it is hard not to look at the year ahead and feel a quiet sense of anticipation.

What a year it promises to be.

In addition to the above, there is the MDS Tour and MDS Clubs.

Join the MDS Clubs on HEYLO HERE.

The MDS Tour starts in January and moves from location to location, Register HERE

Follow Ian Corless

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

facebook.com/iancorlessphotography

Web – www.iancorless.com

Web – www.iancorlessphotography.com

MDS Legendary – 40th Edition To Feature Record Breaking Long Day!

Posted on October 4, 2025 by talkultra

In 2026, the Marathon des Sables (MDS) reaches a milestone: its 40th “Legendary” edition. What better way to celebrate four decades of desert ultra-endurance than by rewriting the record books? Among the announcements already stirring excitement: the “long day” stage for 2026 will be extended to 100 km, making it the longest single stage ever in MDS history. This bold move not only raises the bar for what runners will face, but signals that the 40th edition aims to become a defining moment of the race’s legacy.

Laurence Klein, 3x MDS champion – Photo by Ian Corless

A Brief History:

The roots of the Marathon des Sables reach back to the daring vision of French promoter Patrick Bauer. In 1984, he traversed part of the Sahara on his own, over 350 km in 12 days, with no external support, an experiment in isolation and survival. Two years later, in 1986, the first official Marathon des Sables was held, with 23 participants tackling a self-supported desert crossing. The winners, Bernard Gaudin and Christiane Plumere making history.

Over the years, MDS has grown from a niche extreme-race to one of the world’s most respected ultramarathons. Its signature format currently features around 250 km over 6-stages (7-days) in the Moroccan Sahara, with participants carrying their own supplies (food, sleeping gear, etc.) in full self-sufficiency – water and a place to sleep the only logistical supply. Terrain at The Legendary shifts from endless dunes, rocky plateaus, dried wadis, occasional mountains and shifting sands; daytime heat can often soar, while nighttime temperatures can drop sharply.

Stunning vistas at The Legendary – Photo by Ian Corless

Notably, throughout its history, MDS Legendary has always included a stage that stretches well beyond the “single marathon” distance, 80–90 km is normal to test endurance in extremes. In 2009, there was a long-stage of 92km’s…. But a full 100 km in one go will top them all.

With a passing of time, MDS Legendary has also diversified; now offering shorter formats such as MDS 120 (70–120 km), the MDS Trek variant with lighter logistics, MDS RAID and for 2026, the MDS Ultra which for the first time offers a single-stage ultra of 100km’s or 100-miles to be undertaken with a 40-hour cut-off. But the heart of the MDS remains firmly with The Legendary stage race.

The 100 km “Long Day” and What It Means

MDS will feature a 100 km long day, a stage longer than anything ever attempted in MDS history. This is more than a symbolic gesture, it’s a structural change that forces participants to rethink pacing, supplies, strategy, and mindset. Will the 40th edition of MDS The Legendary be considered the hardest ever edition? With an expected total distance of 270km +/- the answer is yes!

From a participant perspective, there will be some key considerations.

Pacing will be crucial with a delicate balance between enthusiasm and energy conservation. During the day, monitoring thermal stress will be crucial.
Pack weight will be crucial – the 40th edition of MDS Legendary, now more than ever, will require participants to have the lightest possible pack without breaking the strict rules and regulations.
Food – With a long day that is in real terms approximately 10 to 25% longer than usual, the need for extra calories and how those calories are consumed will become extra important.
The mental toll will have a huge impact, that will start now with the announcement of a 100km stage – just as you prepare equipment and training, set time aside to prepare the mind for the challenge ahead. This new length will push athletes into deeper zones of fatigue, testing resilience, self-talk, and mental fortitude.
Runners will traverse more varied landscapes, perhaps crossing more dunes, rocky flats, and most certainly everyone will require more night navigation.
Announcing the 100 km day well in advance gives aspirants time to rework prep plans – use this time effectively.

Food, as always, important at MDS – Photo by Ian Corless

Why 2026 Will Be a History-Making Edition

This is not just “another year” of MDS The Legendary, several factors are aligning to make the 40th edition uniquely compelling:

Milestone Significance – Forty years is a symbolic turning point. And by choosing to mark it with the toughest-ever stage, the organisers are intentionally raising the narrative: “Legendary by name, Legendary by reputation.”
New Records, New Legends – With no past precedent for a 100 km stage in MDS The Legendary, whoever finishes that leg (especially among the leaders) will enter the record books.
Attracting Ambition – Some ultra runners chase the “most difficult” challenge. A 100 km desert stage is a headline that will draw audacious minds and bodies, possibly pushing the field performance upward.
Legacy and Storytelling – In future retellings, the 2026 MDS The Legendary will be a pivotal point, some may say, the 40th edition was when MDS truly redefined itself. It’s the kind of turning point that historians of sport may hark back to.
Amplifying the Extremes – MDS has always lived on the edge: heat, sand, navigation, resource management. By stretching one day to 100 km, the extremity is amplified. The race becomes less about surviving the day, and more about mastering it.
The Longest Ever – With a long stage of 100km, the anticipated total distance for the 40th edition will be a record breaking 270km +/-.

Challenges & Risks to Keep in Mind

No radical shift comes without risks and MDS The Legendary are required to balance risk against challenge. A 100km stage has long been discussed for this iconic stage race, it’s only right that the 40th edition will personify the Legendary tag with a landmark distance. However, even the world’s top ultra runners may falter under a 100 km leg in desert conditions. Managing attrition will be critical. The required pace will be, as usual, 3.5km per-hour. And of course, the MDS blue and orange jackets will be on-hand, more than ever, to facilitate everyone crossing the line.

100% support from the MDS team – Photo by Ian Corless

Some participants may feel disadvantaged if their prior prep or experience didn’t anticipate such a long stage, but, this is why this early announcement helps – fail to prepare, prepare to fail.

Perspective: How This Compares to Classic Ultra Benchmarks

To put 100 km in context: many stand-alone ultramarathons are in the 100 km to 100-mile range. But those are often supported events, with aid stations and crew support. In MDS The Legendary, with self-sufficiency, navigation demands, and desert extremes, layering a 100 km day is far harder than a flat 100k road ultra.

In prior MDS editions, long days of 80–90 km have already pushed runners to the brink, many cross the nights and run long into another day – for 2026, this will be the ‘norm’ for nearly all the participants.

The 40th edition becomes not just “another chapter,” but a rewriting of what MDS can be.

Final Thoughts: A Legendary Promise

The 2026 Marathon des Sables is setting the stage, literally and metaphorically for a landmark event. The 100 km long day announcement signals ambition, courage, and a willingness to push the narrative frontier of desert ultra-running. In addition, the implications for the overall race distance being 270k +/- adds to the drama.

For participants, 2026 will demand a rethinking of training philosophies, gear choices, pacing strategies, and mental frameworks. For the sport, it may become a reference point for what is “next level” in multi-stage desert ultras. And for storytelling, it offers rich stories:”

“Who conquered 100 km in the sands?”

“How 2026 changed MDS forever.”

Legendary by name, and with this edition, legendary by reputation in a whole new way.

Interested in a Marathon des Sables event? More information HERE

WAA apparel HERE

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Marathon des Sables – The Legendary : 2025 DATES ANNOUNCED

Posted on May 7, 2024 by talkultra

Following on from the success of the 38^th (2024) edition of Marathon des Sables – The Legendary (summary here), today the dates for 2025 are announced:

April 4^th to 14^th 2025.

Will Rachid return in 2025 for an 11th title?

The timings will be as follows:

Apr 4 – Arrival in Morocco and meet in Ouarzazate for onward transfer to B1.
Apr 5 – Admin day.
Apr 6 – Stage 1
Apr 7 – Stage 2
Apr 8 – Stage 3 *
Apr 9 – Stage 3 continuation or rest day *
Apr 10 – Stage 4
Apr 11 – Stage 5
Apr 12 – Stage 6 and onward travel to Ouarzazate
Apr 13 – Free Day and Gala Evening Presentation
Apr 14 – Onward travel

* Based on ‘the long day’ coming on stage 3.

Currently, it is not possible to register for 2025, but entry will open on JUNE 19th 2024.

These are exciting times for the MDS brand and it is highly anticipated that entries for 2025 will flood in after the success of the most recent event which concluded just weeks ago.

WHAT IS NEW?

PRICE

Well, first of all, the price. For 2025 there will be no additional price for UK entrants. In past years, UK entrants have paid an increased price due to staying at the Berbere Palace Hotel. This hotel will now be an ‘upgrade package’ which will bring a smile to many a UK entrant, for multiple reasons.

PRICE FOR THE FIRST 500:

€3,690/person

and €3,890/person later.

THE UPGRADE PACKAGE with Berbere Palace Hotel

€4,090/person for the first 500

and €4,290/person later.

Both offers are available to everyone, regardless of their country of residence.

NO CHARTER FLIGHTS FOR 2025

The meeting point will be in Ouarzazate on Friday morning, April 4, 2025.

Ouarzazate airport
Fly to Ouarzazate before the race and spend one or more nights in a hotel at your expense.

Marrakech airport
Fly to Marrakech the days before the race and go by *shuttle to Ouarzazate.

*Shuttles will be organized on the morning of April 2 and 3, 2025, between Marrakech and Ouarzazate (5-hour journey).

Timetable for the Marrakech / Ouarzazate shuttles on April 2 and 3 :
07:00 am: From the center of Marrakech (meeting point at the Kenzi Rose Garden hotel).
10:00 am: From Marrakech airport.
12:00 pm: From Marrakech airport.

The return trip at the end of the MDS follows the same logic.

If you wish, you can take advantage of the bus service provided between Ouarzazate and Marrakech. These buses will leave Ouarzazate at 06:00 am on April 14, so you’ll need to book a return flight from Marrakech after 2:00 pm.

THE EVENT

Will remain similar to the 2024 38th edition and in summary:

The total distance of the MDS The Legendary will be about 250km’s, divided into 6-stages. The exact route and distances are given at the latest in the road book which is distributed in Morocco on arrival and transfer to bivouac 1.

Self-autonomy (food) is required from immediate arrival at B1 and then race self-autonomy starts at the beginning of stage 1.

The 2024 edition was as follows:

Stage 1: 31,1 km
Stage 2: 40,8 km
Stage 3: 85,3 km (the 3rd stage takes place on 2 days)
Stage 4: 43,1 km
Stage 5: 31,4 km
Stage 6: 21,1 km

CP’s with water and iced water to cool the runner.

The MARATHON DES SABLES – The Legendary is a self-sufficient adventure. Competitors must carry all their equipment and food, except the water and the tent. Check-points are located approximately every10 km. Post stage, participants receive a water ration when arriving to the bivouac, for the evening and the morning.

REGISTRATION OPENS JUNE 19TH HERE

Experience the magic of Morocco and the Sahara.

NEW CANCELLATION POLICY

Have peace of mind and benefit from free postponement insurance up to 7 days before the event, included in your registration.

A mythical crossing of the desert, 11 days of adventure in Morocco, including 9 days in the desert, a course of about 250 km divided into 6-stages, to be done by walking or running.

MARATHON DES SABLES – The Legendary an extraordinary race and adventure.

Taking place in the southern Moroccan Sahara since 1986.

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Marathon des Sables – The Legendary : 2024 SUMMARY

Posted on April 25, 2024 by talkultra

The 2024 edition of Marathon des Sables – The Legendary is over. The statistics say this is the 38th running of the race, but in reality, it is 37 plus 1 or maybe, it is really just edition 1 of a new era of the race?

There is no getting away from the fact that the departure of Patrick Bauer and the arrival of new organisation caused anxiety, worry, and many questions. In real terms, there may have been many runner’s deciding to ‘wait and see’ what happened in 2024 and if all goes well, they would enter 2025.

The worry is over.

Statistics show MDS had 867 start the race and only 60 DNF’d (did not finish) – These statistics alone are a success!

Nothing is ever simple and straight forward, so, lets look at the 2024 edition.

MDS

Every year, after each edition of MDS, I write a summary article. Some are more in-depth that others. For 2024 I provide a summary here and in-time, I may well come back to this post or write a new post based on comments and feedback, so please feel free to add your experiences in the comments.

There were many changes for the 2024 edition and in the build up to the race, a familiar comment was heard:

‘If it ain’t broke, don’t break it!’

To some extent, after 37-years, this was a valid comment, however, Cyril Gauthier, Ferdinand Charriau and others at MDS HQ thought differently. There was no spur of the moment and rash thought process, on the contrary, ideas and protocols had been tested on the HMDS format. They had seen success there and the idea, quite simply, was to bring that to MDS The Legendary.

It was a success!

All the the pre-race doubts, questions, frustration and at times anger soon disappeared as the race and the organisation unveiled the 2024 race and it’s format.

Cyril had used the term in 2023, ‘This is not revolution, but evolution.’ As the 2024 race progressed, this evolution slowly but surely converted the 867 and convinced them that the new format was a winner.

Oxo cube at CP7 on the long day, just over 10km to go.

It’s still MDS.

It is still a multi-stage run.

It’s still in the Sahara.

It’s still tough and still around 250 km’s in distance.

BUT, and this is a big BUT, there are complete changes in the way the race is now run.

THE CHANGES

Communication:

The changes start before we even get to the desert with years and finally months of planning and tweaking. I think the MDS team will confirm here that communication, information and news could have improved in the early stages but as soon as the race came close, there was a significant improvement, so, we can expect that to not only continue but get better moving forward.

Travel:

Arrival in Morocco and bust transfer to the Sahara

Travel plans and options changed in an effort to be more environmentally friendly and therefore charter planes were reduced to two and I think it is fair to say, that we can expect to see them removed completely for 2025? With travel options increasing all the time, it is now very easy to travel to Marrakech and therefore, travel options will and can be expected to be more flexible for future years. However, to facilitate travel to Ouarzazate and the race RV point, buses were provided from Marrakech and post-race for return travel.

Self-Sufficiency:

No catering was provided before the race as in past editions, therefore, runner’s had to provide there own food before race self-sufficiency started. While some would have preferred a catering option, ultimately it was no problem and no issue. One thing was for sure, there was little stomach upset in camp using this method. That alone is confirmation enough.

Admin Day:

Admin day in the past has been a long and laborious process that has taken 3-hours for some. This was changed completely and it was an absolute success with average processing times of 30-minutes. It was simple, fast, efficient and a game changer that resulted with less time in the sun for runner’s, less time on feet and little to no stress.

Camp:

The bivouac looked the same but there was a significant change, the circles of tents were made tighter and smaller making for a much smaller space in the middle. This made for easier comms and a more comfortable, homely feel. Each evening there was a small talk called ‘Legends’ that introduced 2/3 significant people from MDS history in a casual Q&A format. This was followed with relaxation and yoga.

Early starts:

The long day with an 0600 start for the majority of the race, the top 50 started at 0800

Depending on the stage and the distance, race start times each day were earlier to allow for 2/3/4 hours of significantly cooler temperatures. The earliest start 0600, the latest start at 0800 for the top-50 on the long day.

Water:

Water was in abundance, not rationed and in addition to CP’s typically every 10 to 12km’s, additional water stations were added on certain stages.

Cold water:

Each significant CP had cool iced water that was poured on necks and heads to help with cooling.

Staff:

Volunteers made the event a success with dedication, commitment and enthusiasm.

Safety:

Medical teams were at CP’s, running the race and in fast response vehicles.

Much of the above: early starts, more water, water stations, cold water come in the ‘safety’ section but the race had medical runners, more fast response vehicles and more medics/ doctors.

Stock cubes:

Salt tablets were replaced with mandatory stock cubes. This caused huge controversy before the race, but, during the race I heard many comments such as, ‘stock cubes, who’d have thought it, I have grown to love them!’ Now of course, MDS is a self-sufficient race and just as one would train, test equipment, research food and so on, salt/ electrolyte replacement should also figure in this. If that is stock cubes, great! If not, make sure you have what you need. Again, only 60 DNF’s reflect that whatever was happening was working.

“I enjoyed them as either a side dish to my lunch and dinner or, on the long stage, during the stage itself. They worked for me, in addition to my own nutrition. No issues with dehydration or hyponatremia, and enjoyed something aside from the mostly sweet race nutrition.” – Stephanie Tang

“I used them in the evening, 1 as a hot “brew” and the other inside my evening meal. I did supplement the day with 1 salt tablet per hour. On the day I didn’t use 1 tablet per hour I cramped up significantly. I was on the fence of not using them, however I see the benifit and actually looked forward to my evening Knorr brew. Everyone is different but that’s just what worked for me, knowing my body and stomach.” – Maximus Baximus

Foot care:

As per usual, foot care was provided and as the race went on, the demand increased. It’s important to remember, MDS is a self-sufficient race and so therefore, an element of self-care is required. This also helps avoid any wait. However, for those who had bad feet and needed to wait for attention, care was given to all these that needed it.

“It was my experience that you could see a medic if you were prepared to wait for one, there was also medics overseeing the self care side of things too.” – Matt Pearson

“…when you just ran 85k you don’t want to threat your own blisters.” – Stijn Vin Cauter

Tracking:

As per usual, each runner had a tracker for safety and so loved ones at home could follow.

The race format:

2024 was the longest race in MDS history. It was also 6 race days and not 5 with a charity stage. So, on paper, the race was harder…? The feared long day, typically on day 4 was now on day 3. This allowed for runner’s to be fresher, but to counter balance this, packs were heavier. In past editions, with the long day done, there was ‘just’ a marathon to do. Now, with the new format, there was still some 100 +/- km’s to go over 3 stages! The typical format of the race has been to run through the desert, point-to-point resulting in 5/ 6 bivouac. For 2024, just 3 bivouac were utilised allowing the race to concentrate on what many considered, the best part of the Sahara – it worked!

MDS The Legendary

Every year, MDS has challenges. If we look at the last 4-years, the challenges have been very significant:

2020 Covid.

2021 Intense heat, norovirus and the highest DNF rate in MDS history.

2022 Cooler temperatures and even some rain.

2023 Intense heat and sandstorms.

It was very clear that the new management wanted to learn from 2020 to 2023 and make sure that the 2024 edition, as much as possible, facilitated increased safety and a higher completion rate.

The figures speak for themselves, just 60 DNF’s. A success!

Now of course, many factors come into play when discussing DNF rates and to be fair, 2024 was a good year with no excessive heat and the new protocols as discussed above. Having experienced 11 MDS, 2024 was not a hot year. For sure it had its moments, particularly on stage 3 and stage 4 between midday and 5pm, but with earlier starts, typical temps of 30-33 degrees and often wind, conditions were good.

A trickle of cold water at each CP makes a huge difference

There was an abundance of sand storms and a day did not pass without the presence of wind, some days were worse than others. However, there was never one of those full-on white out days.

The route was a classic, taking in ‘the best’ of the region, the long day in particular was beautiful. Some days were easier than others, ultimately though, the route was a showcase for Morocco and the Sahara.

Everyday, CP’s and the finish line was a party with motivated volunteers and music. The final day finish, at times, was like a rave with a DJ and a full-on party mode.

“First time running, so cannot compare, but absolutely loved the event . From start to finish, I have nothing but praise. Amazing staff and volunteers.” – Julianna Ambrosi

What a team of volunteers from all over the world

To sum up, the runner was placed first (correctly) and the organisation facilitated, as best as possible, a finish.

“First time for me so don’t have any comparison but having UK volunteers was great. Especially at the checkpoints when a friendly face and some words of encouragement instantly made things better.” – Si Brewington

The after party, awards, film show and celebration was top notch – a great finish.

THE RACE

Rachid El Morabity and Aziza El Amrany were crowned champions. Rachid obtaining his 10th title and Aziza gaining her first.

The El Morabity once again used tactics for victory, Aziz Yachou could only watch on and fight as hard as possible, hoping that one of the duo would have a bad day… Bad days never came. Mohamed ‘played’ a bad day on stage 5 to relinquish time for his brother. It was just a game, just a like chess or a domestique in cycling.

For the women, Aziza El Amrany was in a race on her own. She was head and shoulders above the competition and gave a dominant performance.

Aziza Raji, who has won MDS before and earlier in the year won Omand Desert Marathon placed 2nd and UK’s Gemma Game, once again placed 3rd. This Gemma’s 3rd time placing 3rd.

Summary articles:

Pre Race here
Stage 1 here
Stage 2 here
Stage 3 here
Stage 4 here
Stage 5 here
Stage 6 here

FINAL CONCLUSION

This is not an in-depth analysis of the 2024 MDS The Legendary, that will follow with more feedback and analysis. However, with thoughts and ideas fresh in the mind, it’s good to have immediate analysis and put thoughts down. I think I can safely say that the race can be summed up in one word, SUCCESSFUL.

What have I missed? I know I will have missed something, so, please let me know.

There may have been some controversy, worries and anxiety in the build up but quite quickly that evaporated.

MDS The Legendary may not be perfect yet, but for the runner, the 2024 edition came close.

If you hesitated placing an entry for 2024, my advice is to act quick for 2025. I firmly believe that once participants share their positive experiences, entries will fly in.

CALL FOR COMMENTS

I welcome you to share experiences, the highs and the lows. The positives and any negatives. The MDS will grow and become better with more feedback.

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Marathon des Sables – The Legendary : STAGE 6 2024

Posted on April 21, 2024 by talkultra

Time allowance 06-hours 30-minutes/ 0630am start

The 2024 Marathon des Sables – The Legendary is over. The race concluded with stage 6 and 21.1km to cover; challenging terrain of stony plateau, small dunes, an ascent to Jebel Mefatigbzef, wadi, and a palm grove finish – the MDS medal hard earned! Rachid El Morabity and Aziza El Amrany the champions!

Once again it was an early start as everyone had to prepare for an 0630 start time.

The last day was all about survival and getting the job done as quickly as possible, crossing the line and receiving the medal. The finish line for 2024 incredible, it was full of tears, emotion, relief and laughter; all accompanied by a DJ and party tunes. Quite a way to finish the race.

However, while the women’s race was decided early on and the top-3 places confirmed, the men’s race was a potential nail biter.

The El Morabity brothers had played their trump card on stage 5 and now Rachid could smell a 10th victory, however, he would need to perform at a top level to make this happen and make sure Aziz Yachou did not attack and pull back time.

The trio started fast and it stayed that way for the duration of the 21.1km’s. Aziz looking to break Rachid.

No matter how Aziz tried, Rachid responded and as the finish came in sight, the 9 times MDS champion pulled away, removed his Moroccan flag from his pack and secured a 10th victory. Mohamed eased up making sure that Rachid pulled back the required seconds to win overall, but not so many seconds that he would lose 2nd place.

Aziza El Emrany finally took the MDS top slot after many years coming close. It was great to see and one that is really deserved, she was in incredible form this year. Aziza Raji placed and for the third time, Gemma Game placed 3rd again.

The story though was all the legends who crossed the line and achieved greatness in making it through the Sahara to place a medal around their neck.

The 2024 edition has proven to be a memorable one, with a new organisation and many changes, many feared the race would lose something, not so. The opposite, the general consensus has been approval and open appreciation for what repeat MDS participants have said, ‘the best yet!’

As in any race, some don’t make the finish. For the 2024 MDS, at the time of writing, only 60 are DNF’s, this is from 867 starters.

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Marathon des Sable – The Legendary : STAGE 5 2024

Posted on April 19, 2024 by talkultra

Time allowance 09-hours 30-minutes / 0700am start

B3 and back to B3, the heart stage at 31.4km’s takes place in a new area for Marathon des Sables.

One could say that this is a classic MDS stage with a little of everything and while the participants may be feeling a little too tired to enjoy the views, there is much to appreciate here.

Jebel Tafeguenat a highlight followed by wadi, stony terrain and small dunes. CP’s ease the journey at 6.8km, 13km and 23km.

The day started under cloud and cool temperatures after a night of sandstorms. The early pace easy, with Rachid El Morabity and Mohamed somewhere in the middle of the pack. However, this soon changed with Aziz Yachou dictating the pace.

Rachid El Morabity followed and the race was on.

Was this the day that Mohamed El Morabity would relinquish his lead and allow his brother the opportunity for a 10th MDS title? The simple answer, yes!

As the stage progressed, Rachid and Aziz pushed a relentless pace and Mohamed dropped farther and farther back.

Mohamed watched the race pull away, strapping on his leg…

Within the final 8km, the duo of Rachid were at full pace, it was superb to watch as the master, Mr MDS, Rachid El Morabity opened a gap pushing at almost 17km’s and hour.

Aziz grimaced trying to keep up. This was the make or break day and Rachid crossed the line in 2:11:43. Aziz followed with 2:12:23.

Now, what time was Mohamed going to cross in? No doubt he was calculating a pace to make it all very close for the last day, his time, 3:04:06 (35th place) and 52:23 after Rachid.

The ranking going in to the last stage:

Mohamed El Morabity 19:19:39
Rachid El Morabity 19:20:14 (35 seconds behind)
Aziz Yachou 19:22:30 (2:51:00 behind)

The strategy for stage 6 is simple, Mohamed will recover from his leg problem but relinquish the 35 seconds to his brother whist also making sure he does not lose time to Aziz so that he finishes second. It has been a stunning El Morabity game plan, once again!

The Aziza’s ran together today and crosssed in 3:15:01. Rajaa Hamdaoua 3rd in 3:28:52 and Gemma Game 5th in 3:54:54.

Stage 6 for the women will be casual with Azia El Amrany secure in 1st, Aziza Raji secure in 2nd and Gemma Game secure in 3rd.

You can receive daily updates and reports on this website. Follow on IG @iancorlessphotography and @mdslegendary

You can also follow ‘live’ at owaka.live

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Marathon des Sables – The Legendary : STAGE 4 2024

Posted on April 18, 2024 by talkultra

Time allowance 12-hours 45-minutes / 0630am and 0800 start (top 150 ranked)

The fall out from the long day is always hard. Bodies are now tired and normally, many would be saying, ‘just a marathon to go!’ But not for the 2024 edition.

Stage 4 is 43.2km’s and to follow, stage 5 and stage 6 at 31.4km and 21.1km respectively.

Travelling north all the way to B3, this is a tough day and probably will be remembered as the soft-sand day, especially as the most challenging terrain comes at the end.

With 3 CP’s at 10km, 22.9km and 30.1km, the severity of the stage is reflected with ‘additional’ water stations at 17km 37.7km.

While the early km’s allowed for easier terrain with cooler temperatures, the kick is in the tail with relentless sand and dunes from 22km all the way to the finish with increasing heat, expected at a 35-degree high, but feeling much hotter than 40-degrees for the runner’s. A tough day!

Rachid El Morabity dictated the early pace with Aziz and Mohamed behind.

The trio mixed it up but by the halfway point they were all together.

In the closing 10km, Rachid made a notable kick and pulled away for the stage win, Aziz and Mohamed behind 3:13:24 for Rachid and 3:14:59 for the duo.

Aziz E Amrany has been at another level this year and once again she dominated the stage from the front with another stage win in 4:29:41.

Aziza Raji followed looking relaxed and strong with a secure 2nd place in 4:53:08.

Sadly, 3rd placed runner Adriana Moser had to withdraw from the race at one of the CP’s opening the door for Gemma Game who has placed 3rd at MDS twice in the past; it maybe three times a charm! However, it was Rajaa Hamdaoua who was 3rd on the stage with 5:09:59.

You can receive daily updates and reports on this website. Follow on IG @iancorlessphotography and @mdslegendary

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Marathon des Sables – The Legendary : STAGE 3 2024

Posted on April 17, 2024 by talkultra

Time allowance 35-hours / 0600 and 0730am start

Stage 3, the feared ‘Long Day’ coming earlier in the race requires respect. Quite simply, with 3 stages still to go, energy management is key. However, it was a decision of the new organisation, to bring the long day earlier to allow participants to be fresher and have more energy for the challenge ahead. Also, with earlier starts, cooler temperatures for the early hours.

The route is a classic and arguably, I would say it is the most beautiful route of all the MDS I have experienced. It’s a tough one though!

From B2 the stoney climb to the summit of Jebel El Otfal is followed by the steep and sandy descent before a long flat run along the plateau before climbing and traversing the ridge of Jebel Joha Baba Ali, for me, one the best parts of the whole race! Another ridge follows before stoney ground and sand leads the route close to Ramlia and CP5. From here, the march continues.

Ba Halou, Oued Rheris, Ras Kemouna, the salt flats, the iconic El Maharch and then a return to B2. This is a highlight tour of the Sahara that mixes plateau, technical terrain and lots of soft sand.

With 7 CP’s: 12.5km, 24.5km, 35.2km, 43km, 51km, 63km and 74.5km, the requirement for extra water is important and therefore at CP1, runner’s were provided an additional 1.5ltr bottle so that they could increase their carrying capacity for the stage.

The majority of the field started at 0600 and the top-50 at 0730. While the top men and women would look to push the envelope, the early starts would mean a finish in daylight. For most, this stage is about survival and many went through the night and into the next day to get the job done.

The winds had eased and the temperatures rose reaching a high of 33-degrees on the stage and a ”feel’ of 40-degrees during the mid afternoon. It was certainly a day that took it’s toll with many runner’s requiring attention and of course there were sadly DNF’s – a confirmed number to follow.

Starting 90-minutes after the masses, the top-50 were soon at Jebel El Otfal and the charge lead by Rachid El Morabity for the men and Aziza El Amrany for the women.

After the first ridge, the format was the same, Rachid pusued by his brother Mohamed and Aziz Yachou, with Aziza Raji pursuing her Moroccan friend.

By the second ridge, Mohamed was in the lead, Aziz followed and then Rachid, with CP2 close, a plan was coming in to action for the El Morabity brothers, but, what was it?

What followed, was a complete surprise, Mohamed opened up a lead and continued to extend time finishing in a remarkable 7:37:47.

Aziz and Rachid finished in 8:31:52 and 8:31:53 respectively – what just happened? There will be more news to follow on this when I get in to bivouac and discuss with the three protagonists. For now though, Mohamed had the run of his life and Rachid is unlikely (?) to win his 10th MDS.

Yoann Stuck was 4th and Hamid Yachou 5th, 8:46:30 and 9:17:21.

Aziza El Amrany is on fire this year. I have never seen her race and push so hard. It’s impressive, her victory was as equally mind-blowing as Mohamed crossing the line in 10:46:10.