The final stage of the 2024 MDS Morocco started with an early wake up ahead of the 0530 start. There was a chill in the air as participants prepared their last meals.
WAA – What An Adventure
The stage 3 route had been modified due to flooding, but the course would take place in the same region of the Sahara as planned, just a slight detour avoiding the requirement to swim…
Race winner, Rachid El Morabity
The stage of 25km’s was notable as the HANDI category would complete the entire stage, just one section at around 11km, a narrow gorge, requiring outside assistance from the MDS blue coats to help ensure safe passage.
Teamwork makes the dream work.
For the top runner’s, the stage would be completed in almost darkness, with sunrise coming at 0720 and the expected first finisher at 0730.
Amazing sunrise
It was a magical day, the glow and lines of headlamps creating a visual spectacle. The Handi teams inspiring and showing that there are no limits and of course, the sunrise was really exceptional.
Magic of the Sahara
The 2024 MDS Morocco will be remembered in the history of the Marathon des Sables legacy; strong winds, sand storms, thunderstorm, torrential rain, flooding and the Handi teams.
The flooding created unique visual moments.
The experience has been all the greater for these moments of test. And for future editions of MDS lessons can be learnt, participants must be prepared for all eventualities. History has shown, the Sahara is not always hot, it is not always dry and it is not always calm and relaxing. This is what makes the adventure and challenge so great and rewarding.
The Handi category, amazing and emotional.
As with all MDS events. there are three distance categories, 70km, 100km and 120km. For the 2024 MDS Morocco, a fourth category, the Handi. A category that we all hope that can grow and develop to more races in the MDS portfolio.
The MDS Morocco 2024 came to an end. Winners were crowned at the awards ceremony, but the top-3 in each distance are only the tip of the iceberg in a race of 630 participants. The MDS format truly appreciates and applauds all who take part, be them fast runner or walker. These races exist to allow all abilities an opportunity to seek an adventure at a pace and a distance that is a challenge to themselves, it’s a wonderful concept.
Since 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has crossed the world’s most stunning deserts with several unique concepts: the MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY (252 km in the Sahara Desert in Morocco), the MARATHON DES SABLES (70, 100, or 120 km spread over 3 stages), and the new 2024 concept, the MDS TREK (4 stages with a total distance of up to 120 km), offering an accessible adventure with optimal comfort. These international events have seen over 50 editions in various countries such as Morocco, Fuerteventura Island, Peru, Jordan, Turkey, and offer adventures that combine running/hiking in the desert with tourism.
A sunny afternoon, some heat and strong winds brought a welcome end to stage 1, however, on the horizon, storms were visible from bivouac. Gladly, they never appeared and everyone had a calm night after a beautiful sunset.
Camp life
The impact of the weather on stage 1 however, caused a complete re-working of the stage 2 route, as key sections were still under flood water.
The 0800 start.
With two starts for stage 2, 0800 and 1000 (for the top 50) the day started with some light rain, needless to say, there was concern within the whole bivouac. However, after a cloudy start, the weather started to clear and by mid-afternoon, we were back to a normal Sahara day with temperatures close to 30deg and blue skies. The main difference coming with some extra humidity.
The route was a wonderful mix of climbs, soft-sand, stoney plateau all in an area that is considered a highlight of the Sahara.
The heat returned
With three route options available, 20km, 40km or 60km the full results from the day will only be known when all participants have finished and the timekeepers have collated the data, so, please check the results via the link below.
Full MDS Morocco results are available to be viewed HERE
One thing we do know is that Rachid El Morabity crossed the finish line, hand-in-hand with Abdekkader Elmouaziz.
The landscape in the Sahara is very different at the moment
The HANDI race started with the masses as they did on stage 1 and proceed for 1km before transferring via vehicle to Cp1. They then raced to Cp2. Once at Cp2 they then transferred back to the final km to finish under the MDS arch.
Tomorrow is a rest day and an opportunity to re-charge before stage 3 on Thursday.
Since 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has crossed the world’s most stunning deserts with several unique concepts: the MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY (252 km in the Sahara Desert in Morocco), the MARATHON DES SABLES (70, 100, or 120 km spread over 3 stages), and the new 2024 concept, the MDS TREK (4 stages with a total distance of up to 120 km), offering an accessible adventure with optimal comfort. These international events have seen over 50 editions in various countries such as Morocco, Fuerteventura Island, Peru, Jordan, Turkey, and offer adventures that combine running/hiking in the desert with tourism.
Bivouac in the distance towered by the ominous weather
The 2024 MDS Morocco officially got underway after a day of strong winds, sandstorms and rain through the night.
With the glow of fires in bivouac, the sky was ominous and the flashes of light and sound in the distance was a warning of what was to come.
A river runs through it
Stage 1, 24.7km and 507m+ was in theory, an easier day passing through very familiar MDS territory. With 2.5km´s of easy terrain before a short sand climb and descent before a long flat section to cp1.
Climbing the early pass before the rain came
Cp1 to Cp2 contained more soft-sand and soft-sand followed as the runners climbed to the highest point via a mountain pass and then a descent all the way to bivouac.
Making a splash
The story of the day was the weather, the ominous clouds and distance sounds moved to bivouac and then reached the first mountain pass just as the last runner came through.
The fagility of nature
What followed was nothing short of a biblical downpour turning certain sections of the stage 1 route into a mud bath of flooding, rivers and streams. Cp2 was hit hard, but participants embraced the challenge. Everyone was smiles, fully understanding that they were experiencing a very unique moment in MDS history.
As quickly as the storm came, it disappeared and as the day passed, by midday, skies were blue, the sune was once again beating down and all was resumed for a typical MDS day!
Full MDS Morocco results are available to be viewed HERE
El Morabity after cp2 in the rain
Top 3 for stage 1 came as no surprise for the men with Elmouaziz and El Morabity playing a game setting up Rachid for the long stage tomorrow.
The HANDI race started with the masses and proceed for 1km before transferring via vehicle to Cp1. They then move from Cp1 to Cp2, km8.5 to km12.2 in ´race mode.´ A tough and arduous challenge moving a special wheelchair through the soft sand of the Sahara. One pushes, the other pulls. It’s incredible to see these 10 pioneering teams pave a new way in Morocco.
Inspiration from the Handi teams
Tomorrow, stage 2, which is the theoretical long day. Athletes can choose, 20km, 40km or 60km. However, after the heavy rains of today and localised flooding, there may be a change of routes.
Since 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has crossed the world’s most stunning deserts with several unique concepts: the MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY (252 km in the Sahara Desert in Morocco), the MARATHON DES SABLES (70, 100, or 120 km spread over 3 stages), and the new 2024 concept, the MDS TREK (4 stages with a total distance of up to 120 km), offering an accessible adventure with optimal comfort. These international events have seen over 50 editions in various countries such as Morocco, Fuerteventura Island, Peru, Jordan, Turkey, and offer adventures that combine running/hiking in the desert with tourism.
Following on from MDS Fuerteventura, the MDS team quickly transition to Morocco and the 2024 edition of MDS Morocco that will take place in the heart of the Sahara. MDS Morocco offers an adventure accessible to all kind of walkers and runners. A unique journey, where you will cross breathtaking landscapes. Far from any form of civilization, this is a unique opportunity to refocus on yourself and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
This 3rd edition, 12th to the 19th October will see 600 participants arrive for the adventure of a lifetime in the place where the Marathon des Sables story started over 37-years ago, Morocco.
Participants will arrive in Ouarzazate on Saturday October 12th for technical and medical checks followed by a night in a hotel.
Admin and medical checks
The following day, Sunday, is the journey, via bus, to the desert (approximately 6 hours) with arrival in bivouac and the start of self-sufficiency.
Bus transfer to the desert
Day 3, 4, 5 and 6 will have participants follow the classic MDS format of racing, 3 stages spread over 4-days.
Day 1 / Stage 1 25-30km.
Day 2 / Stage 2 choose 20km, 40km or 60km.
Day 3 Rest day
Day 4 / Stage 3 25-30km followed by transfer to hotel.
Importantly, MDS Morocco will see the addition of the NEW category, HANDI MDS which will cover 51km and 867m+
The following day provides the opportunity to visit the iconic site of Aït-Benhaddou(one of the locations of the film Gladiator). On arrival back at the hotel, time to relax and prepare for the awards ceremony and gala dinner.
Saturday 19h October is departure day.
Three sublime stages which will transport participants in the most beautiful places of the Moroccan Sahara, sleeping 4 nights in the MDS bivouac, this is the start of one of the adventures of a lifetime.
What is the MDS?
The MARATHON DES SABLES is a unique adventure, shared by thousands of enthusiasts since 1986.
To differentiate the full distance race of 250km’s, Marathon des Sables will now be known at MDS The Legendary, reflecting the legendary status of this iconic event and its long history as a pioneer of the stage racing and multi-day format.
The ‘HMDS’ format will still follow the same protocols as before but has now dropped the ‘half’ title and moving forward, events will be called MDS Jordan, MDS Morocco, MDS Cappadocia and so on.
MDS always an adventure
The MDS events are a one-week sporting adventure that combines the discovery, travel, meeting new people and physically challenging yourself in a self-sufficient manner.
Since 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has crossed the world’s most stunning deserts with several unique concepts: the MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY (252 km in the Sahara Desert in Morocco), the MARATHON DES SABLES (70, 100, or 120 km spread over 3 stages), and the new 2024 concept, the MDS TREK (4 stages with a total distance of up to 120 km), offering an accessible adventure with optimal comfort. These international events have seen over 50 editions in various countries such as Morocco, Fuerteventura Island, Peru, Jordan, Turkey, and offer adventures that combine running/hiking in the desert with tourism.
MARATHON DES SABLES 2025 events are already open:
MDS Morocco – Atlantic Coast: January 25 to February 1, 2025
Gaiters for a desert race are an essential item. Quite simply, sand and feet are NOT friends. So, you need to do everything you possibly can to keep sand out of your shoes and keep your feet healthy and trouble free.
In 2024, Raidlight, the legendary French brand released the first mass produced desert specific shoe supplied with velcro sewn on and gaiter provided. I have tested them extensively and they are a great option if you want a one-stop and no hassle solution, my review isHERE – Raidlight Ultra Desert 4 Protect Shoe Review
In addition, Salomon joined the desert market with the Ultra Dust – review HERE – This shoe has increased in use in the last year or so and is extremely popular. From a personal point of view, the Salomon Ultra Dust would be the shoe I use.
Photo by Ian Corless
However, many of you (most of you) will be using your favourite run shoe and will need velcro sewn to your shoe. Let’s get one thing clear, do not ask, “What shoe shall I use?” We are all individuals with different body weights, gaits, needs and speed. Shoes are very specific to the person. Read an articleHEREHow to Find Your Running Shoe Size and Fit.
Every year, the same question gets asked, “Where can I get my gaiters attached to my run shoes?”
So here is a list of current resources, this list will be added to as more names/ contacts become available.
UK
Kevin Bradley is the man. He has been sewing gaiters on shoes for years. He has probably done 1000’s. Very experienced and he knows his stuff. Alex Shoe Repair, 103c Lavender Hill, London, SW11 – Telephone +44 207 2223 4931
Following on from the huge success of MDS Cappadocia, MDS add a new event to the 2025 line-up, the MDS Morocco – Atlantic Coast.
This makes three events now in Morocco, MDS The Legendary, MDS Morocco and the new MDS Atlantic Coast which only confirms that Morocco, really is a perfect destination for a desert adventure.
The Atlantic Coast brings something very new, white dunes, endless beaches and of course, the juxtaposition of the ocean as a backdrop bringing something very new and different to a Moroccan adventure.
The event will take place from January 25th to February 1st 2025 and as with all other MDS events, it will follow the same format, a three day race over 4-days with the option to run/ walk 70, 100 or 120km’s.
MDS events bring a very unique challenge and with the distance options that are available, you can make these events as hard or as easy as you wish. With a considerable line-up of events and destinations, MDS are now offering a great opportunity to visit new places as a run tourist.
The Atlantic Coast for sure will be a highly anticipated destination.
The Schedule:
Participants will need to arrive in Morocco (Marrakech or Agadir) on Saturday January 25th (or before) to meet the MDS team at a designated point for onward travel to the race hotel.
Day 2 will have technical and medical checks with a day at the hotel.
Day 3 participants will transfer from the hotel and the start of stage 1 which will be 25 to 30km. Night in bivouac.
Day 4 stage 2, the ‘long day’ of 20, 40 or 60km. Night in bivouac.
Day 5 rest day. Night in bivouac.
Day 6 stage 3 25 to 30km and then transfer to hotel. Night in bivouac.
Day 7 day at the hotel, awards in the evening and gala dinner.
Day 8 onward travel home.
Desert and ocean, a stunning mix.
Culture, adventure, tradition and relaxation, the Moroccan Atlantic Coast brings something new to the MDS line-up.
Registration opens July 17th at 12pm (UTC+2 / Paris Time) and the first 100 participants can save €300.
Episode 247 of Talk Ultra and we catch up with competitors from the 2024MDS The Legendary for thoughts and feedback with Cecilie Lehmann Gianneri, Natalya Platanova and Nicki Marsh.
The 2024 MDS The legendary was highly anticipated, after 37-years, the race came under new ownership and while the core structure of the race remained the same or similar, many changes did take place. We catch up with Cecilie, Natalya and Nicki, all three first time competitors to get their thoughts and feedback.
If you’d like a re-cap of the 2024 edition, please see below:
Marathon des Sables, today, announce MDS TREK MOROCCO which will take place from October 20th – 29th 2024.
Registration opens June 12th.
Building on the format of MDS – The Legendary, the MDS Trek brings a new concept to the desert with 10-days of disconnection from the noise, clutter and chaos of the modern world.
A 10-day adventure, spending 7-nights in the desert, the trek course will cover between 70 and 120km’s divided into several stages. The distance will be for you to decide based on your personal desires and ability. Unlike MDS – The Legendary, this is not a self-sufficient experience, therefore, participants will only need to carry a light pack with essential items.
But this experience is more than just a trek, it’s 360 experience of escape that will include workshops in the evening on physical and mental well-being in sport, for example, “Athletic Fasting – Its Strengths and Weaknesses”, “Glucose and Blood Sugar Management” or “The Power of Breathing”.
Staying in double tents with mattresses provided, at the end of each stage you will be able to have a Berber shower and buffet dinner. For a small extra charge, massages will be available and in the evening, the option to purchase cold drinks to relax, share experiences and unwind in social areas.
Following the route of the Marathon des Sables, the MDS Trek Morocco will have 4 timed stages, as previously mentioned, you choose the distance. There are no cut-offs, so, pace can be relaxed and should you have any difficulty, you can be repatriated to camp and still able to start the following day.
Water stations will be available along the route, and you will need capacity to carry 1.5 ltr of water, some food/ snacks and nothing more. The rest of your equipment will stay in bivouac.
There is an exception, the **long day, split over 2-days will require a sleeping bag as you will spend a night under the stars in a Nomad camp with a buffet dinner.
This new format offers an opportunity to be active both in mind and body, without the stresses of a more demanding self-sufficient race. It’s a trekking holiday that can be used as a unique stand alone experience or as a stepping stone to another MDS event.
Day 1 – The experience will last 10-days with the need to meet in Ouarzazate on day-1 for transfer to the desert.
Day 2 – Will have technical checks, workshop and a night in bivouac.
Day 3 – Stage 1
Day 4 – Stage 2 and in the evening, workshop.
Day 5 – Stage 3 part 1 with Nomad star night and buffet.
Day 6 – Stage 3 part 2 with return to bivouac and completion of the ‘long day.’
Day 7 – Rest day with workshop.
Day 8 – Stage 4 followed by night at a hotel.
Day 9 – Relaxation day, gala dinner, night at hotel.
Day 10 – Onward travel.
FEES
It will be possible to sign up for this experience from June 12thand the price will be 1950 euro for the first 100 participants and then increasing to 2050 euro.
Done MDS before? Maybe you’d like to return to the Sahara with a loved one or with friends and enjoy a more relaxed trek holiday? The price will be 1750 euro for the first 100 and then increasing to 1850 euro.
The meeting point will be in Ouarzazate on Sunday morning, October 20th, 2024, to join the organisation and take transfers to the desert.
To get to Morocco and Ouarzazate, you can arrive at different airports:
Ouarzazate airport Take a flight for Ouarzazate before the adventure and spend one or more nights at the hotel (at your own expense) then come to the meeting point on the morning of October 20th. We recommend that you arrive before October 19th so as not to miss the shuttles in case of a delay at the airport on Sunday, October 20th.
Marrakech airport Shuttles will be organised on Saturday April 19th in the morning, between Marrakech and Ouarzazate (5 hours journey). You can either: • Book a flight for Marrakech airport and on arrival, take one of our shuttles directly to Ouarzazate. • Spend one or more nights in Marrakech and take a shuttle on April 19th to Ouarzazate.
The return journey at the end of the MDS Trek follows the same logic.
If you wish, you can take advantage of the bus organized between Ouarzazate and Marrakech. These buses will leave Ouarzazate on the morning of October 29th, therefore you’ll need to book a return flight from Marrakech in the afternoon.
If you take a return flight from Ouarzazate, in this case you are free in the hotel-airport transfer and you can book a flight whenever you prefer.
Following on from the success of the 38th (2024) edition of Marathon des Sables – The Legendary (summary here), today the dates for 2025 are announced:
April 4th to 14th 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.
Rajaa HAMDAOUA placed 4th in 2024.
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.
Susan Grimes from the USA.
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.
A unique experience
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.
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 Legendaryan extraordinary race and adventure.
The elation of the finish
Taking place in the southern Moroccan Sahara since 1986.
Raidlight as a brand have been synonymous with desert racing for over 20-years, it was the brands USP and even today, it is a the core of the business founded by Benoit Laval in 1999.
It was around 2006/ 2007 when the ‘Olmo’ pack was created for Italian legend, Marco Olmo. A ground-breaking ultralight pack designed to carry many items with bottle holders on the front. From here, the rest is history with a range of packs and apparel that are specifically designed for stage and multi-day racing in hot environments such as the Sahara. A range of specific products can be seen HERE.
Ultralight packs, front packs, desert hats, gaiters, sun protect long-sleeve tops, tyvek top and pants and now a DESERT SPECIFIC SHOE.
In 2019, Raidlight created their first shoes. A bold move in a market that is saturated with choice, especially when one considers the R&D and manufacturing costs.
The recent Ultra 4 shoe with 6mm drop, 4mm outsole and increased cushioning has now been developed to provide the ultimate, one-stop shoe for desert terrain. The ULTRA 4 DESERT PROTECT.
What is a specific desert shoe?
Running in a desert, sandy or harsh environment, even snow, brings a challenge for a shoe. Shoes are designed to be comfortable but also breathable. The downside of breathable is that while it allows hot air to escape the shoe, this also allows sand and debris to enter the shoe. This is not a good idea in a desert environment. For many years, the best option has been to have velcro sewn and glued to your preferred shoe and then add a gaiter /such as THIS) to not allow sand to enter the shoe – it works.
There is a cost involved to this:
Shoe 150.00
Gaiter 25.00
Sewing/ glueing velcro: 60.00
Total cost 235.00+/-
For countless editions of desert races all over the world, this system is tried and tested. It really does work. The only downside, one needs to be careful that the addition of velcro to a shoe does not alter alter its shape and feel, so, once you have velcro added ALWAYS test and make sure the fit is the same.
ULTRA 4 DESERT PROTECT
Many brands have played with the idea of producing a specific desert shoe and notably in the last 5-years I have seen brands such as Salomon, Hoka, Merrell and La Sportiva specifically adapt existing shoes to make prototypes for elite athletes. We have seen this work specifically for Julien Chorier (Hoka), Mathieu Blanchard (Salomon) and Ragna Debats (Merrell).
Why have the brands above not released a shoe to market?
I guess the simple answer is, a desert running shoe is a very specific market and in real terms, it’s a small market. So, financially (maybe) the figures just don’t add up?
Raidlight on the other hand already produce gaiters, they also already offer a velcro stitching service (here), so, by adapting an already existing shoe with the addition of velcro and a specific gaiter makes sense.
Especially when this is all offered for 150.00 euro in the ULTRA 4 DESERT PROTECT.
I received my shoes in advance of Marathon des Sables, perfect timing. I wasn’t running the race but I was in Morocco before the race running everyday and in addition, I was working everyday during MDS in the same environment as the runners. Ideal.
THE SHOE
My first surprise was the weight of the shoe, they look heavy but they are not! For a standard UK8/EU42 they were 280g, for my UK9.5/ EU44 they were 295g with the velcro and 325g with the gaiter.
Not knowing how the shoe fit was my biggest concern, especially for a desert/ sand shoe. There is no need for ‘bigger’ shoes just because you are going to a desert (read a article HERE). Quite simply, if a shoe is too big your foot moves inside the shoe, a moving foot creates friction, friction equals blisters. A thumb nail of space above your longest toe is ideal, and when I say longest, this may not be the big toe! One consideration is width, make sure you have enough room for toe splay. Feet may go wider in the desert, so, be considerate of this.
The ULTRA 4 DESERT PROTECT were true to size and I therefore went with my standard UK9.5/ EU44 based on advice from Raidlight and they were perfect.
The colour way of red/blue/black really works, I like them. The red/black gaiter is also a nice touch.
If you have velcro sewn/glued on a normal shoe, the velcro will go completely around the perimeter of the shoe, this ensures sand/ debris can enter at no point. The downside of this is that the velcro can get damaged at the front when hitting rocks or on challenging terrain.
Raidlight have got around this by bringing the velcro up the shoe to just below the laces. This I love.
To combat sand entering the shoe where there is no gaiter, Raidlight use MATRYX material. In a way, this is similar to Gore-Tex, keeping debris out while allowing the foot to breathe. It works, I had no sand enter my shoe on any occasion.
The gaiter attaches as standard and comes higher up the leg with velcro fastening and the option to adjust how tight at the top of the leg. I actually never opened mine. I fastened them together the first time and then removed and added them like socks when in use. This worked for me and ensures the velcro has a longer life. You just simply need to remember to put the gaiter on first, then socks, then shoes and then fit the gaiter.
The lacing works really well providing plenty options for great foot hold and the storage pocket at the top of the tongue is great for keeping laces out of the way. Once tied I had no reason to adjust them when in use and they never came undone, partly due the laces being flat and not round.
A neutral shoe, sliding them on, there was an instant comfort feel. These are not bouncy shoes but they are cushioned and comfortable with notable excellent grip at the heel. When running, there is good propulsion from behind the metatarsals and notably there is excellent protection from rocks and debris. The addition of elastic (M-lock band) on the tongue allows for flexibility and support.
The toe bumper is solid and offers great protection from rocks and debris.
The outsole with 4mm lugs offers a great middle ground and works exceptionally well. I have not tried them on wet ground or rocks.
With 19mm cushioning at the front and 25mm at the rear, the 6mm drop sits, once again in the middle ground and is ideal for long distance running.
IN USE
Have to say, I was surprised. My first sand run felt very comfortable and the shoe performed perfectly. They provided excellent comfort, great protection, plenty of toe splay and the gaiter with the Matryx upper allowed no sand to enter.
The downside? They were warm! To be fair though, comparing to my other shoes (Hoka) with sewn velcro and the addition of a Raidlight gaiter, the differences were comparable.
The more runs I had in them, the better the feel cam and I would recommend looking to put 30-50km’s in them before using them for your chosen race or adventure. I do caveat that by saying they were great out of the box, but certainly several runs did allow them to just fit and conform to my foot.
I have no negative comments. With 150km’s now in the shoe and a complete battering in the Sahara, the shoes offered all day comfort without a trace of sand entering the shoe.
I will also add, this is a new shoe. They only came available just before the 2024 MDS. Despite this, I saw many pairs out ion the Sahara. I spoke to everyone I could and the feedback was the same, perfect shoe, great comfort and no sand inside.
CONCLUSION
Shoes are personal and the most important thing in any adventure or race is a shoe works for you and causes no problems or issues. This is especially important in a race like MDS when so many other factors and variables come in to play. The ULTRA 4 DESERT PROTECT offers a one-stop solution to a problem and if this shoe works for you, it comes highly recommended. It will certainly be a highly recommended shoe of choice for this environment in the future.
“Unrivalled comfort, cushioning and dynamism. Designed and engineered to go the distance, making them the shoe for ultra trail runners. The midsole incorporates dual density technology, offering a perfect balance between cushioning and responsiveness. The lightweight design reduces fatigue while providing protection and support. Comfort over longer distances, while maintaining optimum stability over a wide range of terrain.”
MDS Legendary 2025
11-day adventure
April 4 to 14, 2025
Sahara Desert, Morocco
IAN CORLESS 