Stage 1 of the 2nd edition of the MDS 120 Atlantic Coast marked a powerful and inspiring beginning to the adventure in Morocco, where the desert meets the Atlantic Ocean. A field of 250 participants set out on this opening day, with an impressive 80 percent taking on their very first MDS experience. Just under half of the runners were women, and the age range spoke volumes about the inclusive spirit of the race, from the youngest at 19 years old to the oldest at 78. With 30 nationalities represented and the support of 147 dedicated staff, the event immediately felt global, vibrant, and alive.
This first stage covered 23km, with 343m of elevation gain, following a point-to-point route along the Atlantic coast. Checkpoints were placed at 9.1km and 17km, guiding runners through a constantly changing landscape.
The terrain offered little rhythm. Soft sand drained energy, dry river beds broke momentum, and rocky plateaus demanded focus and careful footwork. While the elevation profile looked modest on paper, the reality underfoot made it a demanding day from start to finish. The sand, in particular, turned every step into a test of patience and strength.
The challenge began long before the start line. A 2am wake-up, followed by a 3am departure and a lengthy transfer, asked a lot of the runners before dawn had even broken. Yet spirits remained high. These athletes were fully self-sufficient, carrying everything they needed on their backs, managing their nutrition, hydration, and equipment as they moved across the course. It was a true test of endurance, organisation, and resilience.
Despite the early start, the travel, and the relentless terrain, the performance across the field was outstanding. Every runner dug deep, and the final participant crossed the finish line well within the cut-off time, greeted with applause and encouragement.
As the sun dipped and the day drew to a close, the runners settled in for their first night under the stars on the Atlantic coast. Tired legs, sandy shoes, and quiet smiles told the story of a hard-earned first stage completed. It was a demanding, memorable opening chapter, and a clear signal that the MDS 120 Atlantic Coast is as much about heart and determination as it is about distance.
MDS 120 Atlantic Coast returns for 2026 with a bold 2nd edition that invites walkers and runners alike to a three-stage, four-day self-sufficient challenge along Morocco’s Atlantic shores. Competitors will take on routes of 70, 100, or 120 kilometres in total, choosing their own distance while mastering the same demanding, coast-to-coast format that has become a hallmark of the MDS family. This year’s edition follows closely on the heels of the inaugural MDS Ultra, which wrapped up just a week earlier, making the Atlantic Coast event the season’s first MDS 120 race of 2026. Participants will gather in Agadir for a seamless pre-race briefing, then linger after the finish for a relaxed post-race stay in a comfortable hotel. The event is designed for all abilities, from dedicated walkers to seasoned runners, offering a true test of endurance without sacrificing accessibility.
Photo by Ian Corless
The coastline landscape promises a mix of open beaches, wind-sculpted dunes, and rugged hinterland, delivering diverse terrain without losing the sense of adventure that draws participants back year after year. By welcoming walkers right beside runners, the event reaffirms its commitment to inclusivity while preserving the challenge that marks the MDS family. For those who crave the feel of a grand adventure without crossing continents, the Atlantic Coast edition offers a perfect balance of scenery, camaraderie, and personal achievement.
Photo by Ian Corless
What to expect on the three stages
The race unfolds over three days of stage racing, spread across four calendar days. Each participant selects their total distance – 70, 100, or 120 kilometres – and completes the corresponding combination of stage lengths. The route design emphasises a continuous, day-by-day test of endurance, and self-reliance, with the sense of discovery growing as the coastline unveils new horizons.
Expect a demanding yet spectacular mix of beach stretches, coastal dunes, rocky outcrops, and inland trails that thread along the Atlantic fringe. While the sea air and sun contribute to the challenge, the route rewards rhythm, efficient pacing, and smart planning.
As a self-sufficient event, participants rely on well-marked courses and a robust safety net. Course marshals, remote safety teams, and medical support are in place, with clear guidelines on mandatory equipment and daily checkpoints. Competitors manage their own nutrition and water, planning for the day ahead while staying mindful of weather and terrain. This combination of independence and structure is what defines the MDS 120 experience.
Photo by Ian Corless
The MDS 120 Atlantic Coast is explicitly designed to welcome a wide spectrum of abilities. If you’re a walker who can cover long distances with steady pace, or a runner seeking a new endurance benchmark, this event offers a supported, self-sufficient platform to push limits in a beautiful, accessible setting. It’s ideal for first-time MDS 120 participants seeking a well-structured introduction without compromising the sense of accomplishment, as well as returning athletes looking for a coastal contrast to Sahara routes.
Why MDS 120?
Expanded inclusivity with a broader distance range: The 70/100/120 km options enable more participants to tailor the challenge to their current level while still delivering the iconic MDS 120 experience.
Photo by Ian Corless
A fresh Atlantic coastal route: The coastline around Agadir offers new routes that emphasise coastal beauty and wind-sculpted terrain, creating a distinctive mood and pacing compared with prior editions.
Photo by Ian Corless
Athletes travel to Agadir, where a hotel base serves as the staging ground for briefing and support, with a hotel stay also planned for post-race recovery and celebration. The overall package aims to balance challenge with comfort, giving participants a strong sense of community without sacrificing the rugged essence of self-sufficiency.
A celebration of pace, place, and persistence MDS 120 Atlantic Coast 2nd edition is more than a test of endurance. It’s a celebration of pace, place, and persistence, inviting a broad range of athletes to test their limits in a setting that blends the raw beauty of Morocco’s Atlantic edge with the camaraderie and strategy that define the MDS experience. The 70, 100, and 120 km distances let participants choose a level of challenge that matches their training, experience, and appetite for adventure, while the three-stage format over four days preserves the thrill of back-to-back days on the trail.
If you’re looking for a race that marries coastline drama with self-sufficient racing, where every kilometre earned is a personal milestone and every sunset over the Atlantic is a reward, the 2nd edition of MDS 120 Atlantic Coast in Morocco awaits.
Forty years after the first chapter of desert racing was written, a new one opened in the Merzouga region of Morocco with the inaugural edition of MDS ULTRA. This was not a return to the past, an acknowledgement of history but also a clear statement of intent – one race, two distances, no stages and no reset. Just a single, continuous effort across the desert, with runners committing to either 100 kilometres or 100 miles within a strict 40-hour time limit.
Set against the wide, open landscapes surrounding Merzouga, the race introduced a different way to experience the Sahara. Held in winter, the conditions reshaped the challenge. Days offered pleasant, manageable heat that allowed athletes to settle into rhythm and pace. Nights told a different story. Temperatures dropped fast, the cold biting through fatigue, turning the long hours of darkness into a test of preparation, focus, and resolve. Managing layers, energy, and morale became as important as managing speed.
The course reinforced a stripped-back philosophy. Predominantly flat and designed with less soft sand, for some, it encouraged sustained running, for others, the distance and challenge required survival marching. But flat did not mean easy. Over such distances, the lack of variety became its own challenge. Every mistake was amplified, every slowdown hard to recover from. The desert demanded patience and discipline, hour after hour, the cold nights bringing the greatest challenge.
On the ground, the scale of the operation matched the ambition of the format. Five life bases were positioned across the route offering a place to sleep, food, a warm fire and incredible support. Nine water stations filled the gaps in-between and a team of 147 staff working across logistics, medical care, safety, and race control made the whole thing tick. Organisation was tight, communication clear, and participant safety central throughout.
The racing itself gave the event its heartbeat. Athletes from 30 countries lined up, bringing an international energy to the desert, with women making up 30 percent of the field. What followed were two races and countless individual battles. In the 100-mile event, Martin Gallardo charged ahead in the early stages of the race, but after 40km’s, Maryline Nakache delivered a standout performance, coming from behind taking the outright win. In the 100-kilometre race, Adriana Moser claimed second place overall behind Sergio Turull, Francesca Canepa placing third – a podium underlining the depth and quality of competition across both distances and the dominance of women in the ultra distance.
But beyond the podiums, MDS ULTRA was 40-hours of stories. The glory of victory played out at the front, while deeper in the field some runners faced the agony of a DNF – forced to stop by injury, exhaustion, or the quiet accumulation of small failures.
For others, the reward was simpler and just as powerful: survival. Reaching the finish after a single, unbroken push through heat, cold, daylight, and darkness.
This first edition of MDS ULTRA established its own identity – it honoured Morocco’s and the MDS desert racing heritage without trying to recreate it. Fast but unforgiving, simple in concept and demanding in execution, it proved that even after four decades, the desert still has new ways to test those who dare to cross it.
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.
Photo by Ian Corless
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.
Photo by Ian Corless
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.
Photo by Ian Corless
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.
Photo by Ian Corless
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.
The fourth and final stage of MDS Trek Morocco is complete. What began as a journey into the vast, unforgiving desert has ended in a loop of triumph, every step earned, every moment remembered.
Today’s stage started in darkness. Head torches cut thin beams through the pre-dawn silence, the soft crunch of footsteps the only sound as the group moved out into the unknown once more. The air was cool, but everyone knew what was coming. The early warmth was already hinting at another scorcher in the making.
There were two distances again today, different paths, same glory. Whether you chose the longer route or a shorter challenge, the destination was the same: the finish line, and the medal that waited beyond it.
The route offered a final taste of everything the Sahara had thrown at participants over the past days, rolling ridges of sand, winding gorges, and a long, flat, rocky push to the finish. Hard, hot, and humbling. But also deeply rewarding.
Trek has been a shared adventure.
A test of resilience, not speed. MDS Trek Morocco made space for everyone, young and old, first-timers and seasoned explorers, fast hikers and slow-but-steady souls. There were no clocks to beat, only limits to expand.
It was also safe. Every step of the way, the organisation was tight, the logistics seamless, the support unwavering. Even in this remote, elemental landscape, the structure and security allowed people to push themselves without fear.
More than anything, MDS Trek was about togetherness. There were moments of solitude, yes, but also laughter, encouragement, teamwork. Bonds were built under starlit skies and blistering suns.
This trek wasn’t just through the Sahara, it was into a deeper understanding of what we’re capable of when we move with purpose, and when we move together.
The Sahara gave everything. So did the people who crossed it.
This was MDS Trek Morocco: a final stage, a victory loop, and an unforgettable finish.
There are stages that challenge you, stages that move you, and then there are stages like Stage 3 of MDS TREK Morocco, the kind that embeds itself deep in your memory and never lets go.
This wasn’t just another section of the trek. It was the spiritual centre of the entire experience. A 48-hour symphony of sweat, sand, starlight and self-discovery, this was the Sahara in its rawest, most breathtaking form.
Part One – Into the Desert Before Dawn
It began in the dark, well before sunrise. Head torches flickered to life across the bivouac like constellations on the move. The air was still, cool with the promise of what was to come. This was no ordinary start. There was a choice, two routes: the shorter 17.3km or the longer 30.6km. Two paths leading into the vast unknown, with each step breaking the silence of the Moroccan morning.
And then came the sand, golden even in the first light. There’s nothing quite like descending those soft sandy giants as the world slowly glows around you.
Laughter echoed, legs burned, hearts raced. The sand gave way to rocky outcrops, and then again to long stretches of sunlit solitude.
It was terrain that demanded focus: shifting sands, jagged stones, climbs that tested lungs, and descents that punished quads. And moments of pure magic, a Camel with a calf just days old.
As the sun climbed, so did the temperature, creeping past 40°C, pushing toward the high 40s by midday. Every kilometre was earned. The trek moved through narrow mountain passes, broad empty plains, and wind-rippled dunes that swallowed sound and offered only the rhythm of your own breath in return.
This wasn’t just physical endurance. It was mental stamina. This was the Sahara asking, “How much do you want this?” And the answer was in every footstep forward.
Star Night – A Sahara Festival Beneath the Milky Way
Then came the magic.
As the heat softened and the sky turned amber, the group reached the remote desert bivouac, a temporary outpost far from civilisation, wrapped in silence, surrounded by dunes like a protective embrace.
Tents were set up quickly, offering some shelter from the still-warm evening, but it was clear that tonight, few would sleep indoors.
Dinner was served under open skies, a catered desert banquet with the kind of flavour that only comes after a day like that.
Music played. Conversations sparked. Laughter carried on the breeze. And as the sun finally slipped away, the desert lit up in a way that defied belief.
This was no ordinary night.
This was Star Night.
The sky ignited with stars, sharp, bright, infinite. The Milky Way stretched across the sky like a brushstroke of light. It was cinematic. Surreal. And yet, utterly real. Most didn’t even bother with sleeping bags; the night air was warm, comfortable, and inviting. Mats were laid out in the sand, and people lay back, letting the stillness of the Sahara soak in.
This wasn’t just a rest stop. It was a memory being etched in real time. A Saharan festival of connection, nature, and awe. And despite the fatigue, few slept early. Why would you? Nights like that are rare, even in dreams.
Day Two – Sunrise, Sand, and the Final Push
As dawn crept in, the desert glowed again. Another split route awaited, this time 17.5km or 22.5km. But legs were lighter. Spirits were high. The starlit night had done its work. The air still held a bit of cool, and the sun rose gently, casting long shadows over the rippling sands.
The trail wound through more epic Saharan landscapes, twisting through low valleys, across ancient dry riverbeds, and up onto ridges with views that stole the breath before the heat could.
By late morning the thermometer climbed past 48°C. Brutal, yes. But somehow also beautiful. Because every drop of sweat, every pause in the shade, every step forward became part of something larger.
There was camaraderie. People encouraging one another. Sharing sips of water. Pointing out landmarks. Moving as individuals, yes, but always part of a bigger whole.
And then, after hours of pushing through shimmering heat and relentless terrain, the finish line of Stage 3 appeared, home bivouac, familiar now, yet somehow different. Changed. Just like every person who crossed into it.
Why Stage 3 Can’t Be Missed
Stage 3 isn’t just a segment of MDS TREK Morocco. It’s a story within the story. It captures everything the trek stands for: resilience, beauty, challenge, community, and wonder.
This was the essence of the MDS spirit : raw, bold, unforgettable. It tested bodies, ignited minds, and opened hearts. Trekkers will not just remember Stage 3, it will forever be that stage.
Stage 2 of MDS TREK Morocco was short on distance, 11.7km or 15km, but packed with everything that makes this trek unforgettable: surreal landscapes, emotional highs, and the raw beauty of the desert revealed under first light.
The day began with the kind of sunrise that stops you in your tracks. As the first rays hit the dunes, the Sahara shifted from cool blue shadows to warm, golden brilliance.
The route kicked off along a dramatic ridge, a high line with sweeping views in every direction, one of the most stunning stretches in MDS history. Sand seas rolled endlessly below, broken only by the occasional rocky outcrop or camel track winding off into nowhere.
This was not a stage to rush. With no time pressure, participants could move at their own pace, soaking in the magic of the moment.
The terrain was varied, soft dune underfoot in some places, firmer ground in others, but the challenge was consistent: the heat. Even early in the day, the sun hit hard. It was a reminder that, out here, progress is earned.
At Checkpoint 2, the route split. Those craving a longer push could opt for the 15km course, while others stuck with the shorter 11.7km track. It didn’t matter which option they chose, both offered the same sense of accomplishment and wonder.
Whether climbing another dune or resting in the shade at the finish, there were smiles all around.
Stage 2 wasn’t about distance or pace. It was about presence, being fully alive in one of the most remote, beautiful places on Earth.
It was about the silence, the sweat, the sunrise. And for many, it was the moment they truly felt the spirit of MDS: the freedom, the challenge, and the deep, personal joy of moving through the Sahara under their own power.
A very special day and one that will stay etched in memory long after the sand is shaken from their shoes.
There’s a certain image that comes to mind when you hear “MDS” – blistered feet, rationed calories, endless dunes, and the punishing solitude of the Sahara. But the second edition of MDS TREK Morocco flips that narrative. It’s still tough, still raw, still proudly Saharan, but this isn’t the Marathon des Sables you’ve heard whispered about in ultra circles. This is MDS with a difference.
This is adventure, elevated.
A New Kind of Desert Challenge
Set across seven nights deep in the Moroccan desert, MDS TREK isn’t about suffering. It’s about connection – to the land, to others, and to yourself. Designed for trekkers who crave the thrill of the Sahara without the demands of full self-sufficiency, this edition delivers a rich, physically challenging, and surprisingly comfortable desert experience.
Forget dehydrated meals eaten crouched in the sand. Here, you’re fed three real meals a day. Forget sleeping shoulder-to-shoulder under a makeshift tarp, you’ll rest in spacious, tents, roomy enough to stretch and breathe. Need a shower? There are actual showers. Want a drink? There’s a desert bar. And after a long day on your feet, you can stretch out with sunset yoga or sink into a post-stage massage.
A Race for Every Level
What sets MDS TREK apart isn’t just the comfort – it’s the accessibility. You don’t need to be an ultra-runner or a desert-hardened veteran to take part. This is a multi-stage trek, not a race to the death.
Each of the four stages is offered with two distance options, allowing participants to challenge themselves at their own pace. Want a longer push? Go for the full route. Need a bit less? Opt for the shorter version. The emphasis isn’t on beating the clock; it’s about the experience.
But make no mistake, this is still the Sahara. The terrain is rugged, the climbs are real, and the heat is relentless. The environment demands respect. But it also rewards you with something almost spiritual in return.
Stage 1: Into the Furnace
The adventure began under a blazing sun. Temperatures soared as 350 trekkers laced up for the first leg of the journey. The day’s route offered a choice: 15.6 km or 22.7 km, with both options weaving through a landscape as brutal as it was breathtaking.
Soft, shifting sands made even the flat sections a test of will. Then came the tough climbs, sandy ascents that drained the legs and quickened the pulse.
There were sections of technical rock and loose scree, keeping everyone alert. But in between the hardship came moments of wonder: endless panoramas, wind-sculpted dunes, towering jebels casting long shadows across the desert floor.
It wasn’t easy. But that wasn’t the point. This was beauty wrapped in brutality – a reminder of how the desert strips you down, and in doing so, shows you something pure.
And perhaps the most defining feature of the field? More than 60% of participants were women. This wasn’t just an event—it was a movement.
Evenings of Contrast
Post-stage life in MDS TREK is where the magic deepens. After pushing their limits under the sun, participants returned to a camp that was more oasis than outpost.
There’s shade. There’s cool water. There’s time to kick off the boots, breathe, and reset.
Then, as the desert begins to exhale and the day gives way to dusk, trekkers gather for sunset yoga – a quiet, grounding practice led against the backdrop of endless sky. Others opt for a massage under canvas, loosening the knots earned over each step.
And later, with dinner shared and bellies full, the real depth of the event reveals itself: evening talks and lectures that inspire, educate, and connect. Whether it’s stories from desert veterans, lessons on resilience, or reflections on personal growth, these sessions remind everyone that MDS TREK isn’t just about distance. It’s about transformation.
A Community Like No Other
The mix of people is part of what makes MDS TREK so powerful. Solo adventurers. Groups of friends. Veterans of the classic MDS alongside first-time desert explorers. Young and old. Every background. Every story. This is a space where no one is left behind, and every victory, every climb, every kilometre is cheered like a medal.
MDS TREK Morocco isn’t about breaking records. It’s about breaking through.
To comfort.
To challenge.
To something unforgettable.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or simply someone looking for your next big reset, this is the one.
There are moments in life that will etch themselves into your memory with brutal clarity, the sting of the sun, the whip of the wind, the bite of fatigue. And then there are moments that transcend all that. Moments that shine because of what it took to get there. Today, that moment came. MDS 120 Morocco 2025 is complete. But this finish line didn’t come easy.
The Rest Day That Wasn’t
After the double blow of Stage 1 and 2 under an unforgiving sun, participants staggered into the bivouac with blistered feet and salt-crusted skin, ready for a day of rest.
But the Sahara had other plans. Instead of recovery, they got afternoon chaos: a wild sandstorm that tore across camp like a runaway train. The sky turned thick and orange. Tents collapsed. Gear went flying. People huddled in whatever shelter they could find, eyes wrapped in buffs, trying to breathe through the dust. It lasted for hours. When it finally passed, silence hung in the air, but it wasn’t peace. It was exhaustion.
This was not the rest day anyone hoped for. But there were plenty of moment of relaxation before the chaos – lots of sleeping, adding entries in journals.
and towards the end of the day, as the wind calmed, MDS organisation offered a treat – no longer a cold can of Coke – today, fresh fruit and ice.
At 0400, camp began to stir. Bleary-eyed runners rose in darkness, fumbling with head torches and gear. The temperature hadn’t dropped. The air felt thick and warm, like the desert was still holding onto yesterday’s rage.
By 0530, the first runners were off. Headlamps cut through the pitch, bobbing along as the desert slowly took shape in the dim light. At 0630, the top-10 runners launched like arrows, chasing the dark down.
Then, something no one expected happened. It started softly. A few drops. Then more. Rain. Actual rain falling from a sky that hadn’t offered a single kindness in days. No one ducked. No one cursed. No one complained. Smiles broke out, quiet and stunned at first, then wide and wild. Some raised their faces to the sky. This was a blessing. A strange, surreal gift. The desert, finally, exhaled.
Stage 3 unfolded under gentler skies. The sun eventually returned, but not with the same vengeance. The course was still brutal – sand, rocks, one climbs that never seemed to end, but the worst of the heat was gone. Spirits rose with every kilometre. Runners, ragged but relentless, began to believe the finish was real.
One by one, they crossed the line. Some ran with everything left in their legs. Some limped, leaning on poles. Some clutched hands with teammates or strangers who’d become family over theirshared suffering. And when that medal was placed around their necks, the tears came freely. No shame in them, only pride, release, and the overwhelming relief of completion.
There were cheers. Applause. Laughter. People hugging like they never wanted to let go. Cameras flashed. Medals clinked. Bodies that had been pushed to the limit stood a little taller.
Behind every finish was an army in blue and orange.
The MDS team, the volunteers, medics, logistics crew, water distributors, checkpoint staff, tent builders, camp runners, sweepers, and everyone else in between—made this journey possible.
They were the quiet hands who carried everyone forward. The steady voices in the storm. The ones who handed out water in 47°C heat, packed and re-packed tents, tended to blisters, and kept this chaotic caravan moving across an unforgiving land. Their work wasn’t glamorous. It was relentless. And it matters more than words can say.
MDS 120 Morocco is more than numbers. More than distance. It’s more than the desert.
It’s about finding out what lives under your skin when the comfort is stripped away. It’s about running into the teeth of the wind and not turning back. It’s about community, people who arrive as strangers and leave as family. It’s about believing you can, even when everything hurts, and then proving it.
No one who stood on that start line is the same at the finish. And that’s the point.
So to every runner who dared to take this on: you are fierce, you are strong, and you’ve earned every second of this glory. This medal means more because you fought for it.
MDS 120 Morocco is complete. The desert tried to break us. But we endured. And that’s the story you’ll tell forever.
Stage 2 of the MDS 120 Morocco 2025 delivered a punishing reminder of what this race is all about: endurance, resilience, and respect for the elements. With three distances on offer – 20km, 40km, and 60km – runners set out early under revised start times (0630 and 0730 for the top contenders) after stage 1’s extreme heat forced organizers to adapt. It was a smart move. By midday, temperatures soared beyond 45°C, turning the day into a battle of grit and survival.
The day began deceptively calm. The early morning was still and silent, with no wind and nothing to offer relief from the sun’s growing intensity. As the hours ticked on, the heat built steadily, baking the desert landscape and punishing any runner who dared to underestimate it.
This wasn’t just another day in the desert. It was a brutal test across unforgiving terrain – soft sand, rugged mountain passes, exposed plains, and technical ridgelines. There were no shortcuts. No hiding from the sun. Just a long, scorching path to the finish.
In the longest and toughest of the three routes, Rachid El Morabity did what he does best, dominate. The Moroccan ultra running legend took charge of the 60km stage, navigating the heat and terrain with trademark efficiency. His command of desert racing was evident, even in conditions that forced many to slow, stop, or drop out.
But this wasn’t just about speed — it was about survival. Pacing, hydration, and heat management became as important as footwork. Every decision counted.
On the women’s side, Julia Villanueva had a standout performance. Pushing through the worst of the afternoon furnace, she took the lead overall, ahead of Véronique Mueller-Berberat. Villanueva’s effort was both smart and strong, a calculated drive through the toughest part of the course when many were simply trying to hang on.
In the 100km event, which saw runners take on 40km in Stage 2, Lorick Buckin emerged as the new leader. He now holds a slim margin ahead of Louis Godeman, setting up an intriguing contest for the final day.
For the women, Elaine Caron-Gaudet rose to the challenge, building a lead over Charlotte Van Strydock. Both showed real composure in the heat, but Caron-Gaudet’s consistent pace gave her the edge on the day.
The 70km competitors ran their second stage under the same conditions, with Farid Alouani pulling ahead in the men’s standings. On the women’s side, Louise Marcant now leads the pack — a reward for measured effort across chaotic conditions.
This wasn’t a stage that wrapped up neatly by afternoon. It dragged into the night, with the last runner crossing the line at 23:04 – nearly 17 hours after the first starters. For many, it was less a race and more a trial by fire.
Whether running 20, 40, or 60km, every participant faced the same relentless sun, the same unshaded miles, and the same internal struggle: keep moving or give in. Water checkpoints became lifelines. The heat was no longer an obstacle; it was an adversary.
Respect the Heat. Respect the Race.
Stage 2 of MDS 120 Morocco 2025 will be remembered for one thing: its raw brutality. The course was hard. The heat was harder. And yet, hundreds pushed forward. Not everyone finished with a personal best, but finishing at all was a feat of determination.
This wasn’t just another day on the trail, it was the kind of stage that defines an event. One that strips things down to basics: survive, adapt, endure.
Stage 3 looms next. The bodies are tired. The desert, as always, is waiting.
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IAN CORLESS 