COUNTDOWN TO MDS LEGENDARY 2026 – ISSUE THREE

Posted on March 16, 2026 by talkultra

Marathon des Sables: What a Week in the Desert Really Looks Like

The Marathon des Sables has always been legendary. In 2026, it becomes something even more special.

This edition marks the 40th anniversary of the race. Four decades of runners crossing the Sahara under their own power. Forty years of stories, struggle, and unforgettable moments. To honour that history, the 2026 race will be longer, tougher, and designed to celebrate everything the event has become.

As we move through March, I’m sharing a short series of weekly articles to help sharpen your preparation. This is the third of four. The goal is simple: remove uncertainty.

When you arrive in the desert, you should know what to expect.

For many runners, especially first-timers, the unknowns can feel overwhelming. What happens when you arrive in Morocco?

How does the bivouac work?
What does a typical day look like?
And how do the logistics of such a remote race actually function?

Let’s walk through it together.

The Evolution of the Race

The Marathon des Sables has changed over the years, and many of those changes focus on reducing environmental impact.

Past participants will notice significant differences. Charter planes have been removed. More transport now happens overland. The race increasingly relies on local staff and local produce. Media presence has been reduced. A storage centre in Morocco limits the need for shipping equipment every year. Transport trucks have been reduced, and power-saving measures are everywhere, including solar energy.

Water management has also evolved. In the past, runners received 1.5-litre bottles. Today, the race distributes 5-litre bottles, dramatically reducing plastic use during the event.

Behind the scenes is a large support structure dedicated to safety.

• Around 120 medical staff, known as the Orange Jackets, monitor runner safety 24 hours a day.

• The Blue Jackets focus on runner relations. They are present in the bivouac, on the course, and at checkpoints. If you have a question or concern, they are your first point of contact.

Out on the course, SSV vehicles provide rapid access across the route and carry medical professionals for immediate response. In addition, there are 12 support 4×4 vehicles and a unique system of 40 camel patrol teams. These local teams monitor specific zones and report any issues quickly.

Add to that 20 medical patrol staff on the course and another 25 blue and orange jacket team members, and you begin to see how carefully the race is supported despite its remote setting.

Arriving in Morocco

Your journey begins in Ouarzazate, the meeting point for the race.

Plan to arrive at least one day early. This gives you time to settle in and avoids unnecessary stress before the adventure begins. Hotels are your responsibility to book.

The organisation provides free transfers from Marrakech to Ouarzazate, usually departing from the airport and a designated hotel. Always check official timings before travelling.

On Day 1, buses depart from Ouarzazate for the first bivouac. The journey takes roughly six hours across spectacular desert landscapes. A lunch pack is provided, but it’s wise to bring extra snacks and drinks.

When you arrive at the bivouac, you’ll be assigned a tent number. Remember you are self-sufficient in regard to food, water is provided. For the moment, you still have access to your luggage. The following day, after administrative checks, you will deposit that luggage and begin the self-sufficient part of the race.

From this point forward, the desert becomes your home.

Life in the Bivouac

Bivouac life is simple. Very simple.

There are no showers and no power. You live under traditional desert tents with seven other runners. It can feel crowded when everyone is organising gear, so respect each other’s space and keep things tidy.

There are a few practical rules that quickly become important:

• Toilets are installed throughout the bivouac and at checkpoints.

• Some toilets are designated women-only or mixed-use, and it’s important to respect those arrangements.

• Biodegradable hygiene bags are provided and waste is separated into organic and sanitary bins.

Phones are strongly discouraged in camp. The bivouac is meant to be a place for rest, conversation, and disconnection. If you need to make an emergency call, move away from camp out of respect for others.

There is also an IP phone available for emergency calls, costing €2 per minute.

Another change from previous years is the removal of the email message system. This reinforces the race’s self-sufficient spirit and saves thousands of sheets of paper that were previously used to print messages.

Instead, runners can use Emotion Boxes to record short video messages that are sent to loved ones. You need to designate before the race who these messages will be sent to.

At the centre of camp sits the Info Tent, where Blue Jackets are always present. This is where you:

• collect your daily water

• ask questions

• check rankings

• access medical support if needed

Additional facilities include women’s changing cabins and sanitary products available both in the bivouac and at checkpoints.

A few other important bivouac rules:

• Never light a fire within 50 cm of tents

• Do not walk barefoot

• Drop empty water bottles at designated recycling points

• On bivouac move days, return containers to the Info Tent

It may sound strict, but these rules keep the camp safe, clean, and functioning smoothly.

The First Administrative Day

Administrative day begins at 9:00 AM.

This is when everything becomes official.

You will go through administrative, technical, and medical checks, while the MDS shop opens nearby. At the shop you can purchase WAA apparel, fire bricks and any other last-minute things you may have forgotten or need.

Each runner receives one 5-litre bottle of mineral water, which must last until the first checkpoint of the race.

Before heading to the checks, prepare the required documents:

• Passport

• Completed technical control form

• Medical certificate

• Resting electrocardiogram (ECG)

During the admin process you will:

1. Deposit your luggage (it will later be returned to you in Ouarzazate).

2. Present your documents and mandatory equipment.

3. Have your race pack weighed.

4. Undergo medical verification.

5. Receive your GPS beacon.

6. Submit your technical control form and receive two race bibs.

If you need to discard a personal item listed on your form later, you must inform the organisation or risk a penalty.

Later in the day:

• 4:30 PM – Stage briefing

• 6:00 PM – 40th anniversary photo session

The race is now very real.

A Typical Day in the Desert

Every stage day follows a similar rhythm. Wake up will typically be around 0400 to 0500.

Breakfast is self-sufficient, using the food you’ve carried with you.

Stage tart times vary, but be prepared and ready for 05:30. If temperatures are high, the start may move earlier. Plan for at least 90 minutes of preparation before the start.

Thirty minutes before the stage begins, you must be ready. The race starts on time and no one is held back.

Out on the course, each checkpoint typically between 8-10km’s provides:

• water distribution

• medical presence

• toilets and hygiene supplies

At the finish line, you receive a 5-litre bottle of water, which must last until the first checkpoint the following day. To clarify, you need to drink, cook dinner, wash (if you can spare the water), make breakfast and fill bottles ready to last to CP1 all from the 5ltr bottle.

Each evening the Info Tent and medical clinic are open.

Safety in the Desert

Despite the race’s self-sufficient nature, medical support is extensive. Assistance is available before, during, and after every stage. However, runners are expected to understand basic foot care, which is essential during multi-day desert racing.

For more serious problems, the Dokever medical team takes over.

If you must withdraw from the race, you must notify the organisation. In emergencies, medical evacuation will occur. For non-emergency withdrawals, transport will be arranged back to Ouarzazate, but hotel and food costs will be your responsibility.

At night during a stage, headlamps are mandatory.

Navigation and Desert Conditions

The course is marked clearly and all checkpoints are mandatory. Cutting across the course is forbidden.

Compass headings in the road book are provided as guidance if visibility becomes poor. Know how to use a compass and take a bearing!

Sandstorms

If a sandstorm arrives:

• protect your eyes – you need good glasses and ideally goggles

• cover your nose and mouth typically with a Buff or similar

• stay close to other runners

If visibility drops, stop moving and immediately remove compass and take a bearing for the direction of travel. When conditions improve you can move again relying on the compass bearing to ensure you are going in the correct direction.

If you stray from the course, the organisation will receive an alert from your GPS beacon and locate you.

If You Become Lost

It is highly unlikely that you become lost at MDS, however, it is possible to stray of course and feel disorientated. If you cannot see course markings for ten minutes:

1. Stop and assess your position.

2. Climb a small rise if possible to scan the horizon.

3. Backtrack for up to ten minutes if necessary.

Remember, you have a tracker, so, MDS organisation will know where you are and will be able to find you – do not panic.

As a last resort, activate the SOS function on your GPS beacon.

Distress signals can also be made using whistle blasts or torch flashes at night

To alert SOS with a whistle, the internationally recognized distress signal is three short, sharp blasts, followed by a pause, and then repeated. While the full Morse code for SOS is three short, three long, and three short blasts, the simplified “three blasts” method is more commonly used in disaster preparedness to call for help.

To alert SOS with a torch, flash the light in a repeating pattern of three short flashes, three long flashes, and three short flashes.

Medical Requirements

All runners declare medical information during registration.

During race checks, you must present:

• an original medical certificate

• a resting ECG

Failure to provide these documents results in disqualification, though emergency testing may be available on site for a €200 fee.

Medical staff specialise in sports and tropical medicine and operate throughout the race.

They also have the authority to withdraw any runner deemed medically unfit to continue.

The Stages

The 2026 race covers approximately 270 kilometres +/- across the Sahara. Total elevation gain will be around 2500m +/-

Confirmed distances will be in the road book, anticipate the following +/- km’s.

Stages include:

• Stage 1: 37 km

• Stage 2: 41 km

• Stage 3: 29 km

• Stage 4: 100 km (You have two days to complete this stage.)

• Stage 5: 42 km

• Stage 6: 21 km

To complete the race properly, runners must carry enough food to provide at least 14,000 calories. Remember, this is the minimum, you may well need more than this, so, balance calorie requirement and weight carefully.

The runner is self-sufficient and must carry ALL they need for the whole race, water the only exception.

After Each Stage

Once you reach the bivouac again, recovery begins immediately. You will receive a 5ltr water allocation which must last to CP1 the next day. Stage 4 an exception due to the rest day where extra water will be allocated.

Start with a recovery drink before preparing food.

Important – take off your shoes and socks right away. Let your feet breathe and inspect them carefully while you are waiting for water to boil or, you are waiting for a meal to hydrate.

Eat a meal within 1-hour of finishing the stage.

Changing into clean or warmer clothing can make a huge difference. It allows running gear to dry and gives a mental reset for the next day. However, you also need to balance weight – keep ‘extras’ to an absolute minimum.

Sleep and rest is another priority. A sleeping mat helps enormously for rest, relaxation and sleep comfort. Your sleeping bag must be light but warm enough for desert nights. We are all different, so know what you need.

Be meticulous with your gear. Eight runners share each tent, and it can quickly become cluttered. Keep your bag packed and store items immediately after using them. Desert winds or sudden sandstorms can easily carry equipment away, especially lightweight items like sleeping mats.

A Buff around your neck is invaluable. It lets you cover your nose, mouth, eyes, and ears quickly when conditions change.

Many tent groups also create a simple cooking area using stones and small branches for fire. Often the first runner back begins preparing the cooking area for everyone else.

Over time, these small routines become part of the experience.

And the bivouac itself becomes something special.

You will share the tent with people from all over the world. You will go through highs and lows together. Some moments will be difficult. Others unforgettable.

Many runners say the friendships formed here last a lifetime.

That is the spirit of Marathon des Sables.

After the Finish on Stage 6

Cross the finish line of the final stage and you will receive your medal, water allocation, and a packed lunch.

Then you board a bus back to Ouarzazate. Buses leave as soon as they are full, so, no need to hang around and wait for ages.

The bus will take you to your specific hotel and your luggage will be waiting at your hotel.

What comes next is simple but glorious:

a shower…
then another shower…
and maybe one more.
Clean clothes.
A real bed.
A proper meal.

The following day is free to relax and explore. Remember the MDS shop! Later in the afternoon there is a dinner, awards ceremony, and celebration party.

After that, the journey home begins.

But the memories of the desert tend to stay with you far longer.

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

THE COASTAL CHALLENGE 2027 – ENTRIES OPEN

Posted on March 1, 2026 by talkultra

The Coastal Challenge – February 13th to February 20th, 2027

The Coastal Challenge Costa Rica is a six-stage, six-day race along Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline. It’s tough, humid, beautiful, and unpredictable in the best possible way. You’ll run through rainforest trails, cross rivers, climb steep hills, and move along stretches of tropical beach where the ocean feels close enough to touch.

This is not a single-day effort. It’s a week of managing energy, staying consistent, and adapting to changing terrain. Some days feel fast and flowing. Others demand patience and grit. By the time you reach the final stage, you’ll have covered ground that most visitors never see.

Two Race Options: Expedition and Adventure

You can choose between two distances: Expedition and Adventure. Both events run over the same six days and share the same start and finish week. Stages 1 and 6 are almost identical for both races, so everyone begins and ends the journey together.

The difference lies in Stages 2, 3, 4, and 5.

The Expedition race is the full challenge. Longer stages, greater cumulative distance, and a bigger daily physical demand. It’s designed for experienced endurance runners who want the complete test.

The Adventure race offers considerably shorter stages on days 2 through 5. That adjustment makes the event accessible to a much wider range of participants. It’s ideal for runners who prefer a steadier pace, and especially for those who plan to hike or walk sections of the course.

‘Adventure gives the best of both worlds, I got to race in Costa Rica and see the awesome trails, views and terrain, but I also got more time to relax and enjoy camp and the Pura Vida lifestyle.’ – Abelone Lyng

Adventure doesn’t mean easy. The terrain and climate are the same. But the shorter distances allow more time for rest, recovery, and simply taking in the surroundings. You’ll have space to soak up the Pura Vida lifestyle, connect with other runners, and enjoy the unique atmosphere that makes this race special.

Whether you choose Expedition or Adventure, you’ll experience the same wild coastline, the same supportive race community, and the same sense of achievement at the finish.

Ready to Sign Up?

The 2027 race entry is $3,050.

Using the link below, Ian Corless is able to offer a $200 discount, bringing your entry down to $2,850.

REGISTER HERE

If you’ve been thinking about a multi-day race but weren’t sure which one, this is a strong place to start. Six days. A world-class course. Two distance options that make the challenge accessible without losing its edge.

We’ll see you on the start line in February 2027.

More reading

THE COASTAL CHALLENGE COSTA RICA : A 2026 PERSPECTIVE ON ONE OF THE WORLDS TOUGHEST RACES – HERE

You can read daily summaries from the 2026 edition HERE

Race results https://www.webscorer.com/

Follow Ian Corless

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

facebook.com/iancorlessphotography

Web – www.iancorless.com

Web – www.iancorlessphotography.com

The Coastal Challenge Costa Rica 2026 – Stage 6

Posted on February 13, 2026 by talkultra

Stage 6 of The Coastal Challenge Costa Rica was always going to be special. It wasn’t just another race day. It was the closing chapter for the Adventure and Expedition categories. A loop that began and ended in the wild beauty of Corcovado and Bahía Drake. A day of waterfalls, gravel roads, jungle trails, river crossings, single track, beaches, and some of the most stunning light the Pacific coast can offer.

For many runners, this stage wasn’t only about time. It was about finishing what they started days ago. It was about earning the medal. It was about emotion.

The route delivered everything Costa Rica promises. Thick jungle that swallowed sound and forced focus. Gravel roads that tested tired legs. Technical single track winding through roots and rock.

River crossings that cooled sore muscles for a brief moment. Beaches that stretched endlessly under a rising sun. Waterfalls tucked deep in green corridors. Every turn seemed to offer another view, another reason to pause, another reminder of how far everyone had come.

And the light. Early morning gold over the ocean. Sun filtering through canopy leaves. The kind of light that makes even exhausted runners smile.

At the front of the Expedition men’s race, Alejandro Muñoz (#1) delivered a commanding performance, crossing the line in 3:54:46.1 to take the Stage 6 win. He ran with control and strength, managing the varied terrain with precision.

Martin Alonso Mena Jimenez secured second in 4:21:29.0, followed closely by Jon Shield in 4:22:43.9. Both men pushed hard through the jungle and across the beaches, knowing every minute mattered on this final day.

But while Stage 6 had its winners, the greater story in Expedition belonged to Erick Agüero.

After eight participations in The Coastal Challenge, Erick Agüero finally claimed the overall Expedition title. Eight times he stood on the start line. Eight journeys through heat, humidity, hills, rivers, and long lonely stretches of trail. Eight times chasing the dream.

And this year, he did it.

At the finish line there were tears. Real ones. The kind that come from years of effort, setbacks, persistence, and belief. You could see the weight lift from his shoulders as he crossed under the arch. Joy mixed with relief. Pride mixed with exhaustion. Winning after one attempt is impressive. Winning after eight shows something deeper. Commitment. Patience. Heart.It was one of those moments that reminds everyone why this race matters.

Denise Zelaya led the Expedition women home on Stage 6 in 4:24:35.1. She ran strong and steady, handling the technical sections with confidence and finishing her week on a high note.

Janina Beck followed in 5:11:18.6, while Floribeth Pérez (#38) completed the podium in 6:27:05.8. Each of them faced the same rugged loop and found their own way through it.

For the women’s field, the final stage was about resilience. By this point in the week, everyone is carrying fatigue. Legs are heavy. Feet are tender. Yet they kept moving forward. Through river crossings. Along sunlit beaches. Into the final stretch.

There were hugs at the finish. Long embraces. Shared smiles. The understanding that something meaningful had just been completed.

The Adventure category also closed its journey on Stage 6, and the racing at the front was sharp.

Sammy Francis (#35) took the stage win in an impressive 3:49:24.0, the fastest Adventure male time of the day. He attacked the course with confidence and made the most of the gravel roads and flowing single track.

Emerson Ulloa Avila (#61) finished second in 4:25:00.7, with Roberto Solano Rivera (#60) taking third in 4:32:05.3. All three demonstrated how much strength remains even at the end of a multi-day challenge.

But beyond podium places, the Adventure field showed something just as powerful: joy. Runners crossing the final beach stretch with arms raised. Friends waiting at the line. The relief of knowing the journey was complete.

In the Adventure women’s race, Laura Zúñiga Alcázar claimed the Stage 6 win in 4:23:00.4 with a composed and determined effort.

Behind her, Toni Clarke and Kristel Polet (#34) finished in an exact tie at 4:26:27.0. A rare and beautiful result. Two athletes, side by side on the final day, sharing the moment.

That image said a lot about this race. It is competitive, yes. But it is also shared. Shared struggle. Shared laughter. Shared relief.

Stage 6 is always emotional. It marks the end of something intense and rare. Days of running through one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Corcovado’s wild heart. The raw coastline of Bahía Drake. The rhythm of waves and jungle birds.

This final loop captures everything the Coastal Challenge stands for. Variety in terrain. Beauty in every direction. Difficulty that forces growth. Moments that stay with you long after the medal is packed away.

The waterfalls cool the body. The jungle humbles you. The beaches test your patience. The gravel roads demand grit. The single track rewards focus. The water crossings refresh and surprise. And the views remind you why you signed up in the first place.

By the time runners reached the finish line on Stage 6, medals waiting, there was a mix of tears and laughter. Some sat quietly, absorbing it. Some embraced teammates. Some looked back toward the ocean.

Happiness doesn’t always arrive loudly. Sometimes it comes in a deep breath after days of effort. In the simple act of standing still after so much forward motion.

For the Adventure and Expedition categories, the journey is now complete. The miles are done. The jungle has been crossed. The beaches have been run.

And for Erick Agüero, after eight attempts, the dream has finally been realized.

Stage 6 wasn’t just the end of a race. It was the celebration of persistence, community, and the unforgettable experience of running through one of the most beautiful corners of the world. Medals were placed around tired necks. Eyes were wet. Smiles were wide.

The Coastal Challenge once again delivered more than a competition. It delivered a journey.

Expedition Overall Ranking

Erick Aguerro 31:46:30
Jesus Cerdas Padilla 32:58:06
Jon Shield 33:41:20

Denis Zelaya 36:54:34
Janina Beck 41:53:37
Floribeth Perez 47:36:05

Race results https://www.webscorer.com/

Follow Ian Corless

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Twitter – @talkultra

facebook.com/iancorlessphotography

Web – www.iancorless.com

Web – www.iancorlessphotography.com

The Coastal Challenge Costa Rica 2026 – Stage 4

Posted on February 11, 2026 by talkultra

The Coastal Challenge Costa Rica pulled runners away from the coastline and into the high farmlands of the country’s interior. It was a bruising day, 37.7 kilometers with 2,613 meters of climbing for the Expedition category.

No hiding from it. The terrain rolled relentlessly, climbing and plunging through rough rural tracks and exposed hillsides before dropping toward the finish in Palma Norte. It was a stage built to test already tired legs, and it did exactly that.

Men’s Race

Erick Aguirre ran smart. With a solid overall lead, there was no need to take risks. He spent the day alongside Jesus Cerdas, the pair moving steadily across the harsh terrain. They crossed together in 6:05:43, controlled and composed.

Behind them, the real battle unfolded.

Jon Shield fought all day. For much of the stage he sat in fourth, but he never let the gap grow. Gradually he reeled in Martin Alonso Mena. The two arrived at the line almost inseparable after more than six and a half hours of racing. Shield edged it by just three seconds, 6:38:26 to 6:38:29. A long day decided by the smallest of margins.

Women’s Race

Denise Zelaya continues to run her own race. Calm, consistent, and completely dominant, she finished in 7:29, well clear of the field.

Janina Beck followed in 8:27, with Floribeth Perez completing the podium in 8:59. On a day that punished everyone, Zelaya once again showed control and strength.

Adventure Category

The Adventure course was shorter at 12 kilometers, but still far from easy. Sammy Francis ran solo again, crossing in 3:39:22 with another composed performance. In the women’s race, Laura Zuniga finished in 4:13:45, gaining more time on Toni Clark and steadily building her advantage.

*Please note – Adventure times need to deduct 1:49 from the times

With four stages complete, fatigue is real. The coastal humidity has been replaced by exposed climbs and rolling farmland. Every step now carries the weight of the days before.

The Boruca region of southern Costa Rica feels different from the postcard version of the country. This is not manicured resort coastline or dense jungle trails pressed flat by tourists. It is rural, working land, shaped as much by history as by weather.

The Boruca people, one of Costa Rica’s remaining Indigenous communities, have lived here for generations, known for their hand-carved masks and fiercely preserved traditions.

Around their villages the land rolls outward into open pasture and patchwork farmland, where cattle graze on steep green hills and small family plots cling to uneven slopes. The terrain is restless. Long climbs rise without rhythm, dirt roads bake under the sun, and sharp descents cut down into river crossings and humid low pockets before rising again.

It is a landscape that looks soft from a distance, all green folds and misty ridgelines, but up close it is rugged and unforgiving. The soil can be loose, the heat heavy, and the gradients relentless. In the high farmlands near Palma Norte, you move through open exposure rather than forest cover, feeling the scale of the land around you. It is beautiful, but it demands respect.

Race results https://www.webscorer.com/

Follow Ian Corless

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facebook.com/iancorlessphotography

Web – www.iancorless.com

Web – www.iancorlessphotography.com

MDS THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Posted on July 17, 2025 by talkultra

The MARATHON DES SABLES is a unique adventure of 250km’s spread over 6-stages of self-sufficiency, shared by thousands of enthusiasts, in 2026 it celebrates 40-years. In 2017, another format, HMDS was born with 70 to 120km distances, spread over 3-stages and 4-days.

Since 2024 there has been a significant changes for the MDS brand. The ‘HMDS’ format while still following the same protocols and format has now dropped the ‘half’ title and moving forward, events will be called MDS 120 Jordan, MDS 120 Morocco, MDS 120 Cappadocia and so on.

To differentiate the full distance race of 250km’s, Marathon des Sables will now be known at MDS Legendary, reflecting the legendary status of this iconic event and its long history as a pioneer of the stage racing and multi-day format.

Cyril Gauthier, a new era for the race ©iancorless

All the races are now owned by the same team and while many may be familiar with the format and protocols for the shorter distance races, MDS Legendary since 2024 has had some significant changes.

Camp life and the desert, it is special. ©iancorless

Since 2024, MDS has expanded beyond its roots with MDS 120, the exploratory MDS TREK, the demanding MDS RAID, the mind-bending MDS Crazy Loops. and MDS ULTRA – Morocco. And the inspiring, MDS HANDI. Each one a new take on the same promise, to push the limits of what a runner can handle.

MDS EVENTS

MDS The Legendary
MDS 120 Atlantic Coast Morocco
MDS RAID Namibia
MDS 120 Cappadocia
MDS Crazy Loops – currently 2 locations in France.
MDS 120 Fuerteventura
MDS 120 Morocco
MDS Trek Morocco
MDS Handi Morocco
MDS 120 Jordan
MDS 120 Peru*
MDS ULTRA – Morocco

* Every 3-years.

WHAT IS MDS?

MDS is a self-sufficient race taking place over 3 to 6-stages.

MDS Legendary is the iconic 6-stage race (over 7-days) with a distance of 250km (+/-) based on the route, terrain and difficulty. There are no options available on distance and participants are self-sufficient for the entire race, the only exception is the provision of water and a shared tent (bivouac) with 7 other participants. An example of 2024 distances:

Stage 1 : 31.1 km
Stage 2 : 40.8 km
Stage 3 : 85.3 km (over 2 days)
Stage 4 : 43.1 km
Stage 5 : 31.4 km
Stage 6 : 21.1 km

MDS 120 events start at 70, 100 and 120km for the shorter race format, depending on the race destination, there are 2 or 3 distances available. To clarify, this is not 2 or 3 different races, but the same race with the option to choose what distance you run or walk. As an example, the route is divided into 3 stages (4-days), to be completed at your own pace: walking or running.

– 70 km
– 100 km
– 120 km

Here is a breakdown of each stage:

– Stage 1: 25km – 30km
– Stage 2: 20, 40 or 60km
– Stage 3: 25km – 30km

The choice of the format is made at the registration. However, you can adjust it until the time of MDS.

MDS RAID follows a similar format to MDS 120.

MDS TREK is not self-sufficient and while similar to other MDS events, the format is much more a holiday experience, ideal for first timers or those who are looking for an active travel/ relax experience. Read more HERE.

THE MDS FORMAT

MDS The Legendary and MDS 120 events follow a similar format, however, there are key differences:

MDS The Legendary is a 10-day experience

MDS 120 a 7-day experience

In both scenarios you arrange travel to the relevant destination, arriving with adequate time to meet the MDS team at a designated meeting point and time. This may mean you need to arrive one day in advance to ensure you are able to meet the schedule as stipulated. From here, the MDS team then transport you to the start of the race.

For MDS Legendary this will be a flight to Marrakech and free transport is offered to Ouarzazate.

For MDS 120 / TREK / RAID and ULTRA events, the meeting point will be a specific airport for transfer to hotel.

MDS The Legendary use classic Nomad tents that hold 8-participants. By contrast, MDS 120 events use individual tents organised in cells of 6. TREK has upgraded tents, RAID combines solo tents and a star night, MDS ULTRA will be hotels except when racing.

Post-race you will be transported to a hotel and an awards ceremony and gala dinner will take place.

EVENTS

MDS LEGENDARY the iconic 6-stage, 250km race celebrating 40-years in 2026.

MDS 120 (used to be HMDS) this is 3-stages over 4-days with distance options of 70/ 100 or 120km.

MDS TREK this is similar to the MDS 120 format, however, there is no self-sufficiency, more comfortable accommodation and additional facilities, an excellent introduction to the MDS.

MDS RAID an event for more experienced athletes that is undertaken in teams of two, over approximately 90-120km’s, typically, two distance options are provided. The format is similar to MDS 120 with 3-stages over 4-days. One night will be undertaken under the stars with no bivouac.

MDS ULTRA new for 2025, a 100-mile or 100km single stage race with a 40-hour cut off.

MDS CRAZY LOOPS three new events for 2025 undertaken in ski resorts, the format is to run as many loops as possible in 24-hours. The loops will be typically, 3-5km’s in length.

MDS HANDI an inspiring inclusive event to provide wheel chair athletes an opportunity to participate with team members.

THE RACE CONCEPT

You carry all you need for the race. ©iancorless

Both race formats, MDS Legendary, MDS 120, MDS RAID and MDS ULTRA require participants to be self-sufficient for the whole race.

What does this mean?

Quite simply, you must wear and carry all you need for your race experience with the exception of the tent / bivouac. MDS ULTRA will not require a bivouac or same kit requirements as MDS Legendary, Raid or 120.

It may sound daunting but it is not, it’s actually quite simple. You need to address the following points:

What you wear.
Equipment you need to participate.
Sleeping.
Food.
Cooking equipment. (You can purchase fuel blocks in bivouac)
Water.

WHAT TO WEAR

Hat to protect from the sun with optional neck protection.
Shirt (short or long sleeve) with adequate protection from the sun.
Shorts, skort or similar.
Socks.
Shoes with appropriate protection and durability for a desert environment with a gaiter (typically sewn on) to keep sand out of the shoe.

WAA is a partner for MDS have specific equipment for desert/ stage-racing.

Because you have entered a MDS event, there is no need to buy new apparel and shoes. Quite simply, if you have items that work, are comfortable, cause no problems or irritation, there is no need to change them. If it aint broke, don’t break it. Shoes always create a huge debate and please find what works for you. If you ask on any forum, you will get countless recommendations but none of those recommendations are specific to you and your needs. Read an article HERE and HERE.

EQUIPMENT

Always remember that with MDS events you are either wearing or carrying everything you need for the race duration. Therefore, it is imperative that you purchase the lightest options available (based on budget) and you keep luxuries to a minimum.

Keep it simple!

MDS specify ‘mandatory’ equipment for participation as specified below:

The Road Book provides all the info about the race and route ©iancorless

A pack with enough capacity to carry all your equipment, food and water – eg: WAA Ultra Bag 20L
Water carrying capacity of 1.5L minimum.
Sleeping bag read HERE
Headlamp (which must be turned on after dark) + 1 complete set of spare batteries or battery. Make sure it has a ‘red’ mode for night.
10 safety pins
Lighter
A whistle
Metal blade knife
Skin antiseptic
Signaling mirror
Survival blanket
Soup cubes (2 per day) to help the rehydration
Tube of sunscreen
100 / 200 euros in cash
Passport or identity card (depending of the destination)
Official MDS medical certificate completed by a doctor (form available 3 months before the race).
Road book

Each runner has a tracker for safety ©iancorless

What else do you need?

A sleeping mat is highly recommended to protect from the ground, insulate and provide comfort.
A jacket is highly recommended (lightweight down) for cold morning and chilly nights. Many products exist. An excellent combination item is offered by PHD but it does come at a price – HERE.
Poles are for many 4-wheel drive in stage races, Leki are highly recommended.
Stove – if you plan to have hot water, you will need a cooking system like those provided by Esbit. Please note, you cannot use any gas stoves in the desert, you must use fire bricks which you can purchase at bivouac.
Pot – if you are using a stove, you will need a pot/ mug.
Spoon with long handle for eating. Such as a Spork.
Buff or neck roll.
Sunglasses are essential and think about protection in sand storms, goggles may be required.
Spare socks and Injinji are highly recommended.
Flip flops or similar. Many use the weight free slippers from hotels, however, they rarely withstand the desert.
Watch / GPX
Personal items: Tooth brush, toothpaste, hand gel, wipes, toilet paper, ear plugs, blind fold etc.
Emergency – Things can happen during a race, so, be prepared with some essential items such as needle and thread, superglue, zip ties, monkey tape etc. If something rips or breaks, you need to repair it.

Luxuries

MDS is and should be simple in format. Remember, you must carry everything, so, keep luxuries to a minimum. Many consider a small MP3 player, look for something small, light and with great battery.

Phones are an essential part of our daily lives, do yourself a favour and leave it at home. The liberation is extremely rewarding. Please note, phones are allowed, however, it is prohibited to telephone on the bivouac or on the course. If you want to make a phone call, you will have to move away from these places so as not to disturb anyone.

SLEEPING

A sleeping bag is mandatory, so, there is no discussion here. The combined weight of your food is the heaviest and bulkiest item, however, a sleeping bag is next. These days there are many options available and quite simply you want the lightest possible, with the smallest packing size with required warmth at a price that you can afford. Not all sleeping bags are the same, so, consider this. Down is the best filling as it is the lightest, warmest and packs small. However, ‘fill power’ is a key element of down, fill power tells you how much volume a 30-gram, or one-ounce, sample of down will take up. So, the higher the fill power, the warmer the bag will be for less weight, because that one ounce of down has larger down clusters that provide more loft and have the ability to trap more heat. These bags will be more expensive.

Brands to look at: Nordisk, Seat to Summit, Rab, PHD, Western Mountaineering, Wilsa, Lightwave and so on.

Note here, that you will also probably be taking a down jacket for warmth. This can be used as extra warmth and insulation in a sleeping bag. So, it is possible to think about getting a lighter, less warm bag and supplementing warmth with a jacket.

UK brand PHD has come up with the perfect solution with an Ultra Jacket and Desert Race Half Bag but is does come at a price. However, it is comparable with the costs of jacket and bag by Nordisk.

Sleeping mat is highly recommended. When you are not running or walking, you are sitting or lying down, comfort is key. Two options exist, inflatable or not. Inflatable provides the greatest comfort but with poor admin does have the risk of puncture. Sea to Summit provide excellent inflatable options with low weight and pack size. Exped have excellent closed-cell foam.

FOOD

The MDS 120 events (TREK not included) are self-sufficient adventures. You need to bring your own food and carry it in your bag for the duration of the race.There is a requirement that you must have 2000 calories minimum per day. Please remember that from 2024, catering is not provided at MDS The Legendary and therefore you must have enough food and calories before the race starts.

Food is the heaviest item you will carry and is essential. Don’t skimp on food. Lay food out per day addressing key items:

Breakfast (be careful they are not too sweet)
Snacks while running (bars, nuts, dried meat etc)
Post-run recovery (usually liquid form is ideal)
Lunch if applicable (this could be another meal such as cous cous)
Dinner (dehydrated meal)
Evening snack (a bar)

Where possible, repackage food to make them smaller and lighter. However, make sure you keep nutritional information for the admin day. Pack food in day bags, that way it is easy to know what you have and importantly, you don’t take food you need for the next days. Keep doing this and you will be short of food at the end of the week.

Be organised with all your items ©iancorless

Food is personal and you must find out what works for you. Remember taste chances when fatigued and in hot environments, often, sweet becomes less palatable with a preference for savoury. Dehydrated meals will often be used for key meals such as breakfast and dinner, some hydrate well with just warm water, others need hot water. So, if you are not taking a stove, test this. Basecamp food is a good website that shows what options exist. After many tests, highly recommended products are Firepot, Lyo, Tentmeals and Adventure Menu. Personally speaking, Firepot produce the tastiest meals I have tried.

Make sure you add some treats to spice up your palette.

A food list for MDS The Legendary could look like this:

Dehydrated Meals x6 672g
Dried Mango 93g x 4 372g
Porridge 59g x 7 413g
Coffee 1g x 10 10g
Peanut Butter 33g x 5 165g
Honey 21g x 8 168g
Mini Salami 10g x 10 100g
Tropical Mix Bag 194g
Sesame Bites 27g x 6 162g
Dried Banana Block 270g
Mixed Nuts 200g x 2 400g
Macademia Nuts Bag 153g
Cranberries Bag 175g
Pitta Wraps 296g

Total Weight 3550g

WATER

Water provision, particularly at MDS The Legendary and MDS 120 has changed. In past editions, water was rationed and provided at key checkpoints in bottles, typically, 10km’s apart.

In 2024, the new organisation changed this and arguably, water is now available, as required whilst racing. It is poured from jugs by MDS staff.

In addition, intermediate water stations are added when deemed necessary to ensure competitor safety.

At key checkpoints, iced water is supplied and poured by MDS staff on the heads and neck to aid cooling.

Post-race, each runner is provided with a 5L bottle of water, this is used for evening cooking, breakfast and up to CP1 the next day. If you wish to wash or freshen up, this comes from the same water ration. So, prioritise food and drinking before washing.

THOUGHTS AND CONSIDERATION

MDS is available for all, be that racing snake or someone who is looking for the adventure of a lifetime. So, keep that in mind. A top runner will have his or her pack at the absolute minimum weight and will look to survive the week racing as fast as possible. They will spend the week hungry. You, for example, may wish to carry a little more weight and have some comfort during the week. Just don’t carry to much extra weight!

The pack you wear is a crucial item that not only must fit everything you need, but it must also be comfortable and allow easy access to drink. There is no one-stop solution here. We are all different sizes and have different body shapes, so, make sure you try options.Also remember, at the beginning of the race, your pack can be around 8kg, this adds extra pressure on the shoulders, so, make sure you have enough padding and comfort. Many packs now come with waist belts and this, for many, is a great solution not only for extra storage but weight distribution. WAA have the ultra bag which has been specifically designed for the job. Osprey have recently released the Talon Velocity 20 which in testing has been superb. Don’t be tempted to get a bag that is too large, remember, the more space you have, the more you may take.

Bottles are the obvious way to carry water, typically 2x 750ml on the chest straps. I personally really dislike this format, I find it uncomfortable and unpleasant. So, find your own solution. Bladders have always been considered a NO for MDS but I personally find the solution ideal for my multi-day adventures. If you are a ‘racer’ this is not the best solution, but for most, it is ideal. As always, bladders can puncture, so, think about this.

Correct shoes and gaiters are essential. ©iancorless

Shoes will always be a debate and point of discussion. Shoes are personal and must be suited to you, the individual. Consider your gait (neutral, supinate or pronate), consider time on feet, consider your weight, consider how much you will walk (and then double it) also consider shoe drop and how much cushioning you need. It’s impossible to recommend any one shoe because of these variables. You will see top runners using a lighter shoe, remember, these shoes only need to last 20-30 hours. However, you may well need a shoe for 40, 50 or 60-hours. Do you need a trail shoe? No, you don’t need a trail shoe but I would say that many trail shoes are more durable as they are designed for the rough and tumble of variable terrain. Do you need an aggressive outsole? No, you don’t, but I do think some grip is better than none and therefore I would use a trail shoe over road. Protection? Toe box protection is a good idea as deserts include lots or rocks, far more than you may think. Do I need a size bigger? Shoe sizing does depend on what is ‘normal’ for you. I always recommend a thumb nail of space above the big toe, you don’t need any more than this. Recommendations of going a size is bigger is bad advice in my opinion. A shoe that is too large allows your foot to move, a moving foot causes friction, friction causes blisters and the rest is the same old story that I see at desert races all over the world. However, I would recommend a shoe with a little more width in the toe box, this will allow for some comfort as the days progress. If you are prone to feet swelling, discomfort, blisters and so on, get a strategy sorted before you head out to your chosen race. You will need a gaiter and while not always the case, sewing velcro on a shoe can change its shape, so, consider this. There are specific desert racing shoes now available by Salomon and Raidlight.

Poles are a godsend, buy some and learn how to use them. They are 4-wheel drive.

You can be creative with food prep ©iancorless

Food is essential, make sure it works. Hot or cold water is a consideration and make sure if using meals that need rehydrating that they work with water at desert temperature. Never assume that water will always be warm because you are in the desert, just as we get hot years, we also get cool years.

Salt is needed to keep you in balance. Many foods contain salt so look to supplement that with the mandatory food cubes. Be careful here, for example, OXO works considerably better than Knorr. Do you need alt tablets? Do your research,, find out what you personally need and come up with a plan. Listen to a podcast HERE.

Feet – make sure you look after them. With the correct socks and correct shoes, there is no reason to get blisters and despite what some people say, the majority of people do not get blisters. Read Healthy for Running and Walking.

Heat is difficult and without doubt, it’s better to adapt to heat before the race. Read about Heat Acclimation by Dr Jodie Moss.

Hygiene is crucial and difficult when self-sufficient. But set up a protocol not only for your benefit but for those around you.

Luxuries keep them to a minimum.

Toilet paper is essential, make sure you have enough and compressed towels are brilliant to freshen up when you add a little water.

Take essentials on the plane and wear your run apparel and shoes. That way, should a baggage disaster happen your chances of racing improves.

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.

FINALLY

You signed up for the challenge, you wanted to be on the start line and therefore you are responsible for the outcome. Believe me, the ‘you’ that leaves the Sahara is not the same you that entered. Arguably, you change the moment you pay the deposit, the transformation process begins. Embrace the journey and apply yourself. Keep perspective, the MDS journey is an enhancement of you as a person. It’s easy to become obsessed, ultimately the majority of runners at MDS are enthusiasts, if you keep that in mind the journey will be a complete one.

Plan ahead, formulate a long term plan and don’t rush. The sooner you start this process, the greater your chance of success and the less chance of injury. Plan stepping stone races and don’t be fooled into thinking that you need to run marathons day-in and day-out. You don’t! Training is about ALL the training you do and not about anyone run.

Commitment, training and dedication. ©iancorless

If we exclude the top 50-100 runners (who will also walk sometimes) the majority of the MDS field spend a huge amount of time walking. Learn to walk! Believe me, it’s a huge tick in the MDS box and rest assured that if you are able to walk at a good consistent pace (barring injury or dehydration) you will finish MDS.

MDS is an inclusive experience ©iancorless

You are going to share bivouac with other people and you are going to have some serious highs and lows. These tent mates will pull you through and motivate you. They will become friends for life.

Legs, lungs, heart and feet will only get you so far. The mind is what will get you to the finish. Despite the hardships and pain, embrace the journey and mentally prepare for the challenge.

MDS is a magical and life changing journey, it really is a true challenge of mind and body to race over many days, irrespective if you complete or compete. It’s 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, eating, resting and sleeping and then doing it all again.

You can read a SUMMARY of the 2024 MDS The Legendary HERE

MDS 120 events HERE

MDS The Legendary HERE

Further reading:

How to choose a Sleeping Bag HERE

Fastpacking Guide HERE

Winter Fastpacking HERE

Walking with poles HERE

Walking efficiency when climbing HERE

Long Term Goal Setting HERE

This article was updated, July 17th 2025.

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ANSWER THE CALL OF THE HIMALAYAS – EVEREST TRAIL RACE 2025

Posted on June 11, 2025 by talkultra

If you’ve ever dreamed of running in a place that feels otherworldly, where every breath reminds you you’re alive, and every step tests your limits, the 2025 Everest Trail Race is your chance. Happening this November, 10th to 22nd, 2025.

This is not just a race, it’s a life changing experience stamped into your muscles, your memory, and your soul.

The Everest Trail Race is a semi self-sufficient, multi-stage ultra that pushes you across roughly 160 km (100 miles) of raw Himalayan terrain.

You carry your own gear. You fuel yourself. You keep going. Over six days, you’ll face steep ascents, grinding descents, suspension bridges, narrow trails, and thin air all at altitudes between 2,000 and 4,100 meters.

This is not a race for comfort. It’s a race for people who crave discomfort, who see sweat and struggle as part of something bigger.

This is trail running in its purest form. Technical sections, single tracks carved into mountainsides, ancient stone paths connecting remote villages. One moment you’re running through a pine forest; the next, you’re skirting a cliff with views that stop you in your tracks.

The race route threads through the Solukhumbu region, home to the legendary Sherpa people, along the same trails used by mountaineers heading to Everest Base Camp.

November in the Himalayas is cool, crisp, and clear, perfect for trail running. Daytime temps are mild, with intense sunshine at altitude.

But the nights get cold. You’ll wake up to frosty mornings, and every breath will be visible. It’s the dry season, so the skies are often brilliantly blue, framing the snowcapped peaks like a postcard that never ends.

This is the kind of race where you learn to respect the air. The oxygen gets thinner, and your body feels it. It’s a slow grind uphill, and then a fast, careful descent. Pacing becomes survival. Acclimatisation is your secret weapon. But when you’re out there, breathing hard, moving slow, you realise something: you don’t need speed. You just need grit and determination.

You’ll meet Sherpa families offering you tea from tin cups in smoky kitchens. Kids will run beside you, barefoot and beaming.

The camaraderie among runners is real, forged in pain, sweat, and shared awe. You’ll finish each stage beside people who were strangers, now teammates.

The Everest Trail Race is small and personal. It’s not about crowds. It’s about connection — to the land, to each other, and to something deeper inside yourself.

You’ll see Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other giants of the Khumbu up close. But it’s not just the mountains — it’s the prayer flags flapping in the wind, the monasteries perched on hillsides, the layers of ridge upon ridge fading into the horizon. Every day looks like a screensaver. Every sunrise feels earned.

If you’re waiting for the “perfect moment,” this is it. You don’t need to be the fastest or the strongest. You just need to show up ready to push, adapt, and feel everything this place throws at you. The Everest Trail Race is not about conquering the mountain. It’s about discovering who you are when the mountain pushes back.

Transcontinental flights Barcelona/ Kathmandu / Barcelona and transfer to the Hotel.
Domestic Flights. Manthali/Lukla/Manthali and transfer to the hotel.
4 nights hotel in Kathmandu 4 * (according to local tourist category) with breakfast, double occupancy.
Overnight in lodge (hostel) during the trek in full board. Not beverages included.
Dinner the second night in a hotel in Kathmandu. Not beverages included.
Dinner and awards party. Not beverages included.
Allowances and staff insurance.
Trekking permit.
Entry into the National Park

SIGN UP FOR ETR 2025 HERE

Official Everest Trail Race website here

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Chasing Horizons – The Second Edition of MDS Cappadocia Redefines Adventure

Posted on June 9, 2025 by talkultra

The MDS Cappadocia returns for its second edition, bringing trail runners back to one of the most visually surreal landscapes on Earth.

Set across three demanding stages over four days, this is not your typical desert race, on the contrary, it’s a technical, high-impact trail event through ancient terrain steeped in history and visual splendour.

Runners choose between 70km, 100km, or 120km of total distance, stages 1 and 3 are the same for everyone, stage 2 participants choose 20/40 or 60km.

Each course is carved through a landscape that feels pulled from another planet.

This isn’t a race of endless dunes, Cappadocia stands unique in the MDS format with no sand. It’s a test of grit over rock, gravel, and dust trails, winding through steep valleys, high plateaus, and narrow chimney-like formations.

The terrain shifts constantly. One moment you’re powering up a canyon, the next you’re cruising past thousand-year-old cave dwellings.

Cappadocia’s late summer weather is unpredictable. Days can scorch above 30°C (86°F), while nights drop sharply in temperature. As with all MDS events, participants will sleep in individual tents in a stunning location set within an amphitheatre of rock.

The sky, often cloudless, fills at dawn with dozens of hot air balloons, silent giants drifting above the rock spires and carved cliffs. Arguably, one of the most unique and memorable sights in any MDS event.

Whether you’re going for the 70km or pushing through the full 120km, MDS Cappadocia strips away distractions and puts the challenge squarely on participant versus the trail: raw, remote, and unforgettable.

More information on the MDS website HERE

Interested in another MDS event? Go to marathondessables.com

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MDS THE LEGENDARY 2025 : RACE SUMMARY

Posted on April 17, 2025 by talkultra

The sand is settling, the 2025 and 39^th edition of Marathon des Sables The Legendary is over.

Quite simply, a hugely successful edition with 95% completion rate and good time vibes felt throughout the Sahara and beyond.

OVERVIEW

Cyril and Olivier with Michael from the USA – Photo by Ian Corless

The transition from 2023 to 2024 was not an easy one. The take over of MDS from Patrick Bauer and into the hands of Cyril and Olivier had created some concern and anxiety. Most certainly, the build up to the 2024 (38^th) MDS had many concerns for participants that were vocalised on social media. However, after the 2024 event, all these worries and concerns were extinguished with an incredibly successful event and high finish rate. You Can read Marathon des Sables – The Legendary : 2024 Summary HERE should you wish.

Nothing like a MDS start – Photo by Ian Corless

From May 2024 to April 2025 the build up to the 39^th Legendary edition was seamless. The successful running and completion of MDS (3-stages over 4-days at 70/100 or 120km) events in Cappadocia, Fuerteventura, Jordan, Morocco, Atlantic Coast and the introduction of Trek and Handi only confirmed the growth, development, upward learning curve and the MDS team bonding and progression.

All of the concerns and worries for the 38^th edition of Legendary played out on social media were not present for the 39^th edition. There is a couple of reasons for this I believe:

The 38^th edition had been a huge success and therefore worries and concerns were answered.
The pro-active communication from the MDS team improved considerably.
Runner testimonies from the 2024 event confirmed that the ‘new’ MDS team and the changes made were all positive.
Evolution, not revolution was the quote that Cyril Gauthier had used in 2023 this was played out in 2024 and then consolidated upon in 2025.

Arrival in the desert – Photo by Ian Corless

THE 2025 EVENT

Welcome to the Sahra – Photo by Ian Corless

Post-race questionnaires are extremely important for the MDS team. Cyril and Olivier very much take all the comments, absorb them, digest them and then move forward with new plans. If a new plan does not work and the participants confirm this, then it is changed. If a new plan works, it is retained. There are no one-stop easy solutions, MDS is an ever-growing and ever-changing event that must constantly be a chameleon to the ever-changing demands and needs of participants.

TRAVEL

A key change for 2025 was in transportation. Two key points:

The core MDS team, based mostly in Paris, travelled to Morocco via train, boat and coach, taking 3-days and not using airplane travel. For 2025, this was a one way journey, a test, to see how feasible and practical this form of travel is. The general consensus from those who did it is/ was extremely positive. General comments were around this being an adventure in its own right, a brilliant opportunity to share more time with colleagues, a great opportunity to work while travelling and so on… I think we may well see this grow into something bigger for 2026!
In 2024, plane travel arranged by the MDS organisation was reduced to a minimum. For 2025 it was eradicated all together. Therefore, participants could no longer take the option of a MDS charter plane but had to arrange flights themselves. This is no big deal with so many flight options available, especially with MDS offering a free transfer coach service from Marrakech to Ouarzazate and post-race, a free transfer service back to Marrakech.

SELF-SUFFICIENCY

Catering by the MDS organisation once in the Sahara was removed in 2024, this was reasoned for 2025. To clarify, when the buses leave Ouarzazate for the desert, self-sufficiency begins for the travel day, the fist night in bivouac, the following day (admin day), the evening and then, the following day, the race starts and ‘race’ self-sufficiency begins. There is a difference between the two forms of self-sufficiency as the travel day and admin day you can bring as much or as little as you like. Quite simply, it’s not part of the mandatory race minimum requirement of 2000 cal minimum per day. You can bring tinned food, drinks, wine, beer, caviar…. Whatever you wish! It’s a no brainer to be able to look after your own food requirements and quite simply it greatly reduces the possibility of food related health issues that could potentially ruin a race.

ADMIN DAY

The procedures for admin day were changed for the 2024 edition and they were a huge success. This system was retained for 2025 making the process seamless, fast and considerably less painful than the procedures that had gone before.

BIVOUAC

In principle, it may well look the same, however, there are changes for the very observant. Firstly, the circles that make bivouac are smaller and tighter making the camp much more of a community. In 2025 there were new ‘women only’ tents for those who would prefer this option. On some days, in the middle of bivouac, yoga/ stretching was possible, circle of legend talks and yes, even a big fire.

WATER

The provision of water was drastically changed in 2024 and this was retained for 2025. During the race there is no rationing of water. As you arrive at a CP, water is decanted into your bottles via MDS blue jackets who pour the water from jugs. This water comes from large 5ltr bottles. Quite simply, you can have 2x 750ml bottles filled, you can then drink one and it will be refilled if required – a game changer.

Post-race you are provided with 1 large 5ltr bottle, the is rationed. So, this water must provide hydration post-race, be used for dinner/ breakfast and it must be used to fill your bottles to take you to CP1 the following day.

ICED WATER

CP’s have MDS orange or blue jackets who will pour iced water over your head to enable cooling. It’s a small simple step that makes a huge change that ultimately helps facilitate completion of the Legendary.

ORANGE AND BLUE JACKETS

The MDS would not happen without this amazing team of people. The energy, the enthusiasm, the constant good vibes make the runner the number one priority and YES, these people make the difference between finishing and not finishing. They are 100% switched on with the sole purpose to get every runner across the line. You can get a feeling of how important the blue and oranges are by taking a look HERE on Facebook.

Orange jackets are the medical team who make sure that participants are looked after 100%. They are there for you, no matter what the issue. You will see them on the course at CP’s, in fast response vehicles, in 4×4’s and of course in the medical tents in bivouac.

SAFETY

Any MDS event has risks associated with it. We are often in harsh environments, in challenging conditions, we have varying climate conditions and of course, we have runner’s and staff pushing the limit of what is humanly possible. Safety is taken very seriously and how safety is managed is an ever-changing and developing process.

Legendary had more fast response vehicles, more medical professionals on course, there were 10 medical professional runner’s who did the course and there was a new mobile medical unit for 2025 which is state of the art. There was also the inclusion of the ‘Orange Squad’ – a medical team who do the course the opposite way so that they are able to see runner’s coming toward them and should there be a problem, they can help immediately.

Each runner is issued with a Spot Tracker and this allows the MDS team to monitor each runner on the course and importantly, they have an SOS button which if pressed, will receive a medical response vehicle in minutes.

Feet are always an issue and of course, the medical tent is there to facilitate foot repair in bivouac. It’s important to be self-sufficient and look after your feet yourself, however, as and when necessary, a medical professional is always there to help.

RACE BRIEFINGS

Race start times are very important and pre 2024, the race start time was somewhat unpredictable. This changed in 2024 and was upped to another level in 2025 with every stage starting exactly on time! It may sound like a small thing, but knowing you will be underway as scheduled makes planning so much easier. If it says 0600 start, you know it starts at 0600.

Another change was the addition of an English speaking announcer – yes, it was me! This was the idea of Cyril and we instigated and tested this at Atlantic Coast in January, it worked. So, for Legendary and moving forward, an English briefing will take place and then be translated into French and not the other way around. Stage 6 race briefing may well go down in history as the best. Mood was already high with the final stage ahead, nut hen we had participant, Reujen Lista join us on stage for a ‘live’ version of Highway to Hell – it was epic!

Highway to Hell ‘live’ – Photo by Florian

WEATHER

As always, weather plays a key part in any MDS event. However, we are most definitely feeling the impacts of ever changing climatic conditions. It was always assumed that MDS will be hot and unbearable, history is showing that is not the case. Recently, particularly in Morocco, we have experienced difficult weather: MDS Morocco in October had torrential rain and flooding, the recent MDS Atlantic Coast in January had cooler temperatures, some rain and the last day had full-on sand storms. The 2025 Legendary started calmly and tranquil, it was looking to be a classic race, it was sunny, hot, but not too hot and the winds were relatively calm. That all changed come stage 4 (the long day) with cloudy skies and cooler temperatures in the day. During the night the winds increased, rain came and without doubt, from 2100 hrs the conditions were difficult and challenging. Especially for those who were moving through the night looking to get the long day done. CP’s had cold participants taking shelter looking to get warm and continue the journey. This weather continued through the rest day. Stage 5 had a mix of everything but the heat never came and stage 6 was cloudy, cool and with intermittent rain. There is a very big lesson that needs to be learned, I did say this before Legendary, but now, post-race, I can only say it more, you need to be prepared for bad weather! A good jacket is now essential, so much so, I do think that it should be added to mandatory kit. I also think it wise to make sure that you are able to keep key items, such as sleeping bag, dry during bad weather. Many had wet sleeping bags during the long day which can effectively make them useless, depending on what filling is inside.

THE ROUTE

Legendary is now 6-stages over 7-days and this is a huge difference. Pre 2024, the race was 5-stages and stage 6 was a non-times ‘solidarity’ stage for charity. It’s hard to argue against the charity side of this, however, a non-timed 6^th stage was pointless.

The race is now 6-stages timed and raced.

For 2024, the ‘long day’ was moved to stage 3. For 2025, it was moved back to stage 4. The main reason for this was due to the course and the start/ finish point.

2024 participants, as always, tried to stress that the 2024 edition was/ would be harder than 2025. Of course it’s nonsense. Comments like, ‘Argh, but here was more vertical gain in 2024!’ were unfounded as the people who made these comments had obviously not done due diligence, the reality is the 2024 Legendary was 252.9km’s and the 2025 event was 250km. Vertical gain was almost identical, 2024 was 2788m+ and 2025 was 2710m+

In many respects, the 2025 edition was more ‘classic MDS’ with a marathon after the rest day.

The route was notably different for some key reasons. The Sahara is vast and of course, needs to be explored more. Due to runner demand and logistical reasons, certain features have become almost ‘essential’ when running Legendary. However, Cyril and the team wanted to change that and therefore, there was no Jebel El Otfal in 2025, there was a return to Merzouga Dunes and while the route travelled in similar areas of the Sahara, the track was approximately 80% new. There were some great ‘new’ additions such as the huge dune on stage 4 and the stage 5 route was very special.

THE RACE

Rachid El Morabity once again took victory securing his 11^th and in the process he set a record for the most victories. It’s an incredible achievement to have this level of consistency over so many years. It’s fair to say, the level of competition at the front end of the race was less in 2025. The only real person who could upset Rachid was Hamid Yachou, he unfortunately withdrew mid-race with injury. We could argue all day if Mohamed El Morabity could beat Rachid, the simple fact is, it would not happen. However, as we look ahead to 2026, will Mohamed take over the Rl Morabity reigns? Mohamed is 10-years younger than Rachid and therefore, he has great potential ahead. Also, the inclusion of the 3^rd and younger El Morabity, Mbark, should not be looked over.

For the women, 2023 Legendary champion, Maryline Nakache returned and she was on fire. No, she was untouchable. For perspective, Maryline finished 3^rd on GC for the long day and at the end of the race, was 4^th on GC with the closest time to Rachid, by a woman, in the history of the race. Quite incredible. Aziza El Amrany won the race in 2024 and for 2025 she was 2^nd, she looked great throughout, despite an arm injury, however, she was no match for Maryline. Tomomi Bitoh placed 3^rd, she has placed 3^rd before. However, Annelies Brak would have placed 3^rd had she not received a 2-hour time penalty for non-compliance of mandatory kit.

Rachid completed the race in 20:55:47 and Maryline in 23:57:20. A total of 847 participants crossed the finish line, the last male Tomohito Hirai in 75:49:27 and the last woman, Nemoto Yuzuki in 74:31:01.

Results HERE

POST RACE

Reujen Lista rocking the awards – Photo by Ian Corless

Transfer back to Ouarzazate was easy and seamless with coaches filling with participants and leaving asap. Of course, a hotel, many showers, buffet food and a nice clean bed always feels amazing after the Sahara. The awards dinner turned into an impromptu rock concert with a participant, Reujen Lista, singing 3 songs on stage, the last, of course, was Highway to Hell. It was a fantastic way to end what was a legendary LEGENDARY.

DAILY 2025 SUMMARIES

MDS The Legendary Stage 1 HERE

MDS The Legendary Stage 2 HERE

MDS The Legendary Stage 3 HERE

MDS The Legendary Stage 4 HERE

MDS The Legendary Stage 5 HERE

MDS The Legendary Stage 6 HERE

Image Gallery HERE

Marathon des Sables Website HERE

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Twitter – @talkultra

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Web – www.iancorless.com

Web – www.iancorlessphotography.com

MDS The Legendary 2025 – Stage 5

Posted on April 11, 2025 by talkultra

The rest day allowed participants an opportunity to relax, look after their bodies and recharge ready for stage 5. However, sand storms throughout the day caused consistent problems, gladly, they eased when darkness came.

With 2 starts for stage 5, 0630 and 0800, bivouac awoke early with the eagerly anticipated marathon stage.

Enthusiasm was high with the long day done! It may sound crazy, but the minds of the runners now think, ‘it’s only a marathon today!’

The early part of the day was cloudy and cool, allowing for some great running temperatures.

Around 0900 the sun started to appear but was constantly arriving and disappearing and on occasion, small amounts of rain would fall. As the day progressed, once again the winds increased for some challenging conditions.

The route, new for MDS took participants through 3 key sections, Znigui Dunes, a mountain pass j. el Beg’e and finally a return to Znigui Dunes.

The men’s race was as expected, not a race. The top-3 contenders ran together for much of the day. It was only in the latter stages that Rachid and Mohamed pulled away from Ahmed to finish in 3:26:15 and 3:26:55 with Ahmed 4:26 later for a finish of 3:30:41.

For the women, Aziza pushed hard from the front, constantly fighting and never giving up.

However, Maryline looked calm and relaxed, she is in incredible form this year. Eventually she caught and passed Aziza to open up a gap of 03:37 to finish in 03:45:27.

Aziza crossed the line in 03:39:04 and as expected, Annelies Brak charged looking to get back time after a 2-hour penalty and regain the 3rd position. She finished 3rd on the stage in 04:14:22.

Tomomi Bitoh who is in 3rd overall finished 6th losing time to Annelies and 4th place on GC, Francesca Canepa had a tough marathon stage finishing 12th in 05:00:08 which has now moved Annelies to 4th on GC.

With 21.1km’s tomorrow, Tomomi has a substantial 40-minute lead over Annelies. Can Annelies do something remarkable?

Full results are HERE

Men ranking HERE

Women ranking HERE

Marathon des Sables Website HERE

Follow Ian Corless

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facebook.com/iancorlessphotography

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Web – www.iancorlessphotography.com

MDS The Legendary 2025 – Stage 2

Posted on April 7, 2025 by talkultra

The mood in bivouac was incredible after stage 1. Many happy runners felt relaxed with the race started and one completed stage. With nerves and anxiety settled, everyone was eager to continue the journey with stage 2.

With 40km’s and 614m+ the day was going to be a considerably harder challenge with 8km’s extra and almost double the vertical of stage 1. For the front of the race this would equate to one extra hour, for those towards the back, considerably more time on the feet.

Wiyh an 0700 start and a slight wind from the east, the runner’s were treated to cooler temperatures for the first 3-hours and then heat started to rise and by mid-afternoon, the temperatures hovered around 30-degrees.

Early action came from Mohamed El Morabity for the men and Aziza El Amrany for the women. Of course, the main protagonists were not far behind.

Maryline Nakache, Ragna Debats and Gemma Game followed Aziza.

For the men, Hamid and Amed ran side-by-side and then Rachid was in 4th just a minute back.

Passing through the early CP’s it was between CP2 and CP3 that Rachid made a move for the front and he pulled away.

Behind, Hamid was in a Mohamed and Amed sandwich, he was marked constantly and of course, Rachid continued to move ahead, reclaim lost time from stage 1 and win convincingly to provide enough margin to lead the race.

With 2-stages covered, the top-3 men are ranked:

Rachid El Morabity 05:54:35
Mohamed El Morabity 05:55:53
Hamid Yachou 05:59:40

Maryline Nakache is on fire this year, the 2023 champion started slowly but once in gear she was on fire, so much so she dominated the stage for the women and finished 6th overall and is now 6th on GC too – impressive.

Aziza El Amrany, the 2024 champion, battled hard, but it was impossible to match the pace of the French woman.

Previous MDS champ, Ragna Debats was in 3rd place ahead of Annelies Brak and Gemma Game.

With 2-stage complete, the women’s top-3 is as follows:

Maryline Nakache 07:07:27
Aziza El Amrany 07:48:31
Ragna Debats 07:58:51

Full results are HERE

Men ranking HERE

Women ranking HERE

Tomorrow, stage 3 is 32.5km’s and no doubt, for the majority, will be a day to move easily and efficiently saving as much energy as possible before the intimidating long day for stage 4.

Marathon des Sables Website HERE