The 2024 MDS Jordan concluded with 26km’s and 733m+ of stunning views and terrain that confirmed Jordan and the Wadi Rum as one of ‘the’ most essential places and experiences to add to your to bucket list.
Wadi Rum is a very special place that rivals Cappadocia for it’s uniqueness.
After a rest day, the participants were ready for the final day. Two starts, 0430 and 0630 would allow all competitors the opportunity to complete the stage before midday and in the afternoon, a visit to to Petra before finally returning to a hotel, shower, restaurant meal and a night in a bed.
A point-to-point route, stage 3 had several key highlights, but the large dune climb and descent, with stunning sunrise views was without doubt a key moment of the day.
The 360 panorama here is stunning and the MDS route weaves among monstering towers of rock making participants small and insignificant within such an impressive landscape.
The race at the front was fast and furious for the men, with Theo Detienne winning the stage with a short margin ahead of the 2024 MDS Jordan champion, Rachid El Morabity. For the women, Sylvaine Cussot was a clear champion ahead of Marine Canas and Pauline Thinus.
Full results for each category distance can be viewed at LiveTrail HERE.
The finish line, as per usual was a place full of tears, emotion and release. The medal and t-shirt a reward for a tough adventure.
Post-race, participants were treated to an excursion to the iconic Petra, an opportunity to relax, sightsee and soak in this iconic wonder of the modern world.
Marathon des Sables website HERE
Since 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has crossed the world’s most stunning deserts with several unique concepts: the MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY (252 km in the Sahara Desert in Morocco), the MARATHON DES SABLES (70, 100, or 120 km spread over 3 stages), and the new 2024 concept, the MDS TREK (4 stages with a total distance of up to 120 km), offering an accessible adventure with optimal comfort. These international events have seen over 50 editions in various countries such as Morocco, Fuerteventura Island, Peru, Jordan, Turkey, and offer adventures that combine running/hiking in the desert with tourism.
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IAN CORLESS 