MDS Peru returns in 2025. I was at the original full-distance event in 2017, it was clear then that Peru and the Ica desert was a very special place.
The race returned in the ‘HMDS’ format in 2028, 2019 and 2022. Now, all HMDS events rebranded as MDS, we eagerly anticipate the 2025 MDS Peru that will take place from November 29th to December 6th, what better way to kick-off early Christmas celebrations and end a year!
Participants will arrive in Lima on November 29th (or before) and then stay in Lima for 2 nights at an official race hotel.
November 30th will have technical and medical checks, the protocol identical to other MDS events.
On the morning of Dec 1st, an early morning transfer to the start of stage 1.
As with all MDS events, the race will take place over 3 stages will last 4 days.
- Day 1/ Stage 1 will be 25 to 30km.
- Day 2/ Stage 2 offer three distance options, 20, 40 or 60km.
- Day 3 is a rest day.
- Day 4 will see the commencement of the race with Stage 3, again, 25 to 30km and then two overnight stays at Hotel Paracas.
The following day is a day of leisure and then the awards ceremony and gala dinner.
Dec 6th will see participants return to Lima and onward travel.
A key consideration for participants, if Peru is on your wish list, due to the complexities of travel and logistics, Peru will not be a yearly MDS destination, so, now is the time to sign up and experience the magic this destination offers.
The Ica desert is unique, isolated from any civilization, this is a week of total disconnection. As bivouacs go, the one at MDS Peru is arguably the most impressive and unique, located on the edge of the Pacific Ocean.
Should you require to arrive before or extend your Peru adventure, there will be the option to explore Machu Picchu, the historic city of Cusco and the Mountain of 7 Colours with MDS partner Coltur.
MDS Peru will open for entry on Dec 11th at midday CET. Importantly, MDS have stipulated that a minimum sign-up of 200 participants will be required for the 2025 event to proceed, so, don’t hesitate to join this unique adventure of a lifetime. For the first 100 to sign-up, a discount is available, 2350 euro instead of 2650 euro.
What is the MDS?
The MARATHON DES SABLES is a unique adventure, shared by thousands of enthusiasts since 1986.
To differentiate the full distance race of 250km’s, Marathon des Sables will now be known at MDS The Legendary, reflecting the legendary status of this iconic event and its long history as a pioneer of the stage racing and multi-day format.
The ‘HMDS’ format whill still follow the same protocols as before but has now dropped the ‘half’ title and moving forward, events will be called MDS Jordan, MDS Morocco, MDS Cappadocia and so on.
The MDS events are a one-week sporting adventure that combines the discovery, travel, meeting new people and physically challenging yourself in a self-sufficient manner.
Read MDS THE ULTIMATE GUIDE HERE
Since 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has crossed the world’s most stunning deserts with several unique concepts: the MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY (252 km in the Sahara Desert in Morocco), the MARATHON DES SABLES (70, 100, or 120 km spread over 3 stages), and the new 2024 concept, the MDS TREK (4 stages with a total distance of up to 120 km), offering an accessible adventure with optimal comfort. These international events have seen over 50 editions in various countries such as Morocco, Fuerteventura Island, Peru, Jordan, Turkey, and offer adventures that combine running/hiking in the desert with tourism.
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IAN CORLESS 