These Omani nights are cold. Dare I say that last night was colder than the night before? It’s tough for the runner’s, especially those that are minimum with kit, particularly lightweight sleeping bag and no down jacket.
Stage 3 at 40km is the second longest of the week and arguably the toughest, compensated for with incredible beauty.
Saleh – Photo by Ian Corless
The Oman Desert Marathon is very much a sand race. Every step is on varying decrees of soft-sand and stage 3 adds the spice of a rollercoaster of dunes. There is even a dune section to the finish line.
Lots of sand – Photo by Ian Corless
Starting just after sunrise, the early morning light and views in the first and second dune sections were spectacular. Up high, you really get to see the enormity and expanse of the sand here in Oman, it is relentless.
A tough day – Photo by Ian Corless
Early km’s of the day saw many wearing a windbreaker, trying to get warm after a cold night and chilly start. The heat soon came though and it would keep rising to a high of 27-degrees.
Rachid feeling the chill – Photo by Ian Corless
The top male contenders ran much of the day together, nobody seemed particularly eager to push the pace. Rachid took it very easy wearing a windbreaker and gloves for the whole day, he was a long way back early on and then little by little he moved up the field as the race progressed.
Mohamed playing a waiting game – Photo by Ian Corless
Mohamed and Saleh are inform and the duo finished first and second on the stage just 11-seconds apart, 4:14:39 and 4:14:50 respectively. Rachid moved up to third by the finish line crossing nearly 10-minutes behind his brother.
Aziza Raji – Photo by Ian Corless
For the women, Aziza finished 11th overall in 5:52:44 and a long way ahead of Lydia Oldham in second, 6:30:49. Sally ford was third nearly 50-minutes behind second.
Tomorrow is the penultimate stage of 30km. With three starts, 1500hrs, 1600hrs and 1700hrs, the participants will go into the night and finish in darkness.
January 15th 2025 12:00pm (cet)three MDS events go on sale for the 2025 calendar.
MDS Fuerteventura – September 20the to September 27th.
MDS Morocco – October 10th to October 18th.
MDS Trek Morocco – October 19th to October 28th.
FUERTEVENTURA – September 20th to September 27th.
2024 was a significant year for the MDS, it saw the return of MDS Fuerteventura exploring a new part of the island and with a capped entrant list it was not only a sell out but a huge success.
You can read daily summaries of the 2024 edition and explore the route via images:
With an isolated bivouac close to the ocean, Fuerteventura brings something very special to the MDS portfolio. In many respects it can draw comparisons to MDS Peru, however, it does not have the epic dunes that the Ica desert provides. With stunning cliffs, runnable terrain and epic views, this is one race that must be experienced.
MDS Morocco follows in the footsteps and the history of The Legendary. Taking place in the same area of the Sahara, this race is ultimately a mini Legendary and as such holds a special place for all participants. The 2024 edition was notable for two reasons… Freak weather – believe it or not, rain and flooding in the Sahara! It made for a unique and special edition with some unforgettable visual stories. Secondly, the Handi category which saw wheelchair athletes take on the Sahara with the help of a team.
The 2025 edition of the race will once again pave the way for the MDS brand and the history of the race.
TREK – October 19th to October 28th.
MDS Trek was new for 2024. Combining much of what we see and experience in a normal MDS event, the TREK format added more comfort (2-person tents with mats,) no self-sufficiency (in regard to food,) showers, and after the stages, you will have the opportunity to relax with a daily massage* for better recovery, enjoy cold drinks* from the available bar, and share convivial moments in the social areas.
*extra charge locally
Combining mental enrichment with workshop conferences, the TREK still offers the classic MDS distances of 70-120km but at a more relaxed pace and a slightly different format due to the very special ‘star night!’
Here’s the approximate breakdown of distances:
Stage 1: 14 or 24km
Stage 2: 12 or 15km
Stage 3 – day 1: 19 or 31km
Stage 3 – day 2: 19 or 26km
Stage 4: 13 or 24km
A perfect event for those looking for an introduction to stage racing, an active holiday or just an escape with a loved one or friend. An opportunity to experience the DNA of the MDS, the 2024 edition was a huge success and returns for 2025, bigger and better! Accessible to everyone, this format is perfect for those who want to explore the desert, make new connections, push their physical limits, and all while maintaining a level of comfort.
To differentiate the full distance race of 250km’s, Marathon des Sables will now be known as 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.
The MDS events are a one-week sporting adventure that combines discovery, travel, meeting new people and physically challenging yourself in a self-sufficient manner.
MDS TREK was introduced in 2024 and is a 10-day adventure at a more relaxed pace with extra comfort, perfect for an active holiday, training or as an introduction to desert stage racing.
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.
MDS Jordan brought to a conclusion the 2024 season of MDS events. It has been quite a year and since Fuerteventura in September, the events have followed one after another, MDS Morocco, MDS Trek Morocco and now MDS Jordan.
Jordan has become so popular as a destination, two events now exist in a year, May and November. Dates for 2025 are May 9-16 and November 1-8.
For the 4th edition, concluding on the 8th November 2024, 599 participants were signed up from 25 different nationalities. Once again, MDS pioneer the way with more women participants than men, 55% to 45%.
Come race day, 520 toed the line over the 3 race distances.
249 in the 120km distance.
190 in the 100km distance.
81 in the 70km distance.
Full race results are available HERE via LiveTrail.
Jordan is not the easiest place to get to and typically, it will require two flights. Istanbul being a popular connecting point but many other options exist. Long haul travel always has potential problems and for the MDS Jordan, participants and staff had several problems with delays, gladly, everyone arrived on time. However, there is some general good advice here for future participants, allow yourself some time flexibility for arriving in Jordan, delays of 12-hours or even 1-day existed for some! Use reputable airlines with good track history, the cheapest option is not always the best!
Photo by Ian Corless
The current Israel – Hamas war quite obviously was on the minds of participants and some were concerned about travel. However, while the general advice from most governments was to ‘exercise caution,’ there was no reason not to travel. Having spoken to participants post-race, nobody at any time felt safety or security was at risk. The war however ‘may’ have had some impact on travel, it’s difficult to know?
Photo by Ian Corless
The MDS team do a fantastic job of facilitating everyones arrival in Amman and they provide a bus transfer to the Crowne Plaza hotel which is located on the Dead Sea. The journey takes under 90-minutes.
Photo by Ian Corless
The hotel is huge with excellent facilities, a good restaurant, bar, meeting rooms, multiple pools, spa, gym and of course, the Dead Sea is on its doorstep. It’s the perfect place pre and post-race. Another great benefit is that its size allows all competitors and MDS staff to stay at the same location. A great bonus for admin day and the post-race awards and gala dinner.
The Dead Sea is obviously an iconic place, located -430m below sea level. It is land locked between Jordan and Israeli occupied west bank in the west and Israel in the south. It is called the Dead Sea due to high levels of salt that make it impossible for any life form to live.
Photo by Ian Corless
With admin day done, the race got underway with a very early departure on Monday Nov 4th with an approximate 4-hour journey to Wadi Rum.
Stage 1 was scheduled to start at 0930am with 27.4km and 980m+ with arrival at bivouac. A point-to-point day with two Cp’s and a cut-off time of 2000hrs.
Photo by Ian Corless
The day was a shock for many! It’s a day of stunning views, epic vistas, remarkable landscape and a great deal of soft sand making the journey very hard work. If you are signed up for a future MDS Jordan, be prepared for a tough day 1.
Photo by Ian Corless
In bivouac, as per all MDS events, individual tents are in circular pods of 8. This is great for group friendship but also allows some privacy.
Photo by Ian Corless
While MDS events operate on the same formula: 3-stages over 4-days with full self-sufficiency, the exemption coming with rationed water provision and a place to sleep provided by MDS. I cannot emphasise enough that participants need to be prepared for the challenge they are undertaking. Weather and environmental condition vary from event to event and year on year. Just because Jordan was hot at one edition, it does not mean it will always be hot! Look at MDS Morocco in October, rain, thunderstorms and flooding. The 4th edition of MDS Jordan had a very cold first night. For those who did not bring a warm jacket, a warm sleeping bag or additional layers, they had a very cold and troubled night. My TOP TIP is always bring a windproof jacket such as the WAA wind running jacket as an absolute minimum and my high recommendation is to bring a light weight down jacket. Many down jackets exist these days and the top quality products are well under 200g, the Nordisk Y Strato is 165g for example. The advantage of a down jacket is warmth and comfort while sitting around post-race and in addition, on cold nights, you have a very warm layer to wear inside your sleeping bag should it be required. Make sure you have a Buff and cover your head, most heat is lost here!
Photo by Ian Corless
One advantage of the tent pods is the creation of a communal fire place, in Jordan, most pods created a fire place and this was used for cooking and warmth.
Photo by Ian Corless
Stage 2
Photo by Ian Corless
With a troubled night for many, stage 2 would prove a challenge. However, the great thing about MDS events is the possibility to choose how easy or how hard you want the adventure to be. Of course, all things a re relative based on individual ability and desires. The stage had two starts, 0700 and 0800, the top runner’s in the latter start.
Photo by Ian Corless
At two key points, participants can have a choice, the first option is to choose 20km’s. The second option to choose 40km’s. At the second option point if you choose not to take 40km’s, you must do 60km’s.
Photo by Ian Corless
249 chose to take the 60km route, 190 in the 40km and 81 the 70km distance.
Photo by Ian Corless
It was a challenging day, once again a great deal of soft-sand but considerably less vertical gain. For those who took the 60km route, they were treated to some additional technical terrain. At all times, the impressive Wadi Rum landscape was mind-blowing irrespective of the distance chosen.
Photo by Ian Corless
The day proved to be a long one for some with the last competitor arriving at 0300am the next day and many of the MDS team there to welcome.
Photo by Ian Corless
Rest Day
Photo by Ian Corless
It was a welcome day of rest and an opportunity for everyone to get some rest and recovery.
Photo by Ian Corless
Competitors as per usual, looked after feet, ate as much as possible, slept and took advantage of the local terrain to get some high viewpoints to take in the amazing landscape.
Photo by Ian Corless
TOP TIP – space blankets that are gold/silver provide excellent options for keeping tents cooler in the day, silver side out. And at night, if required, use them gold side out to keep a tent warmer.
Photo by Ian CorlessPhoto by Ian Corless
In the afternoon, local fisherman gave a music show and then ice cold drinks arrived for every participant via a camel.
Photo by Ian CorlessPhoto by Ian Corless
Of course, Born To Be Alive was played and bivouac turned into a desert rave.
Photo by Ian Corless
Stage 3
Photo by Ian Corless
Once again, two starts, 0430am and 0630am. Ahead, 26km’s and 733m+ on a point-to-point route that would provide everyone some of the best views that Wadi Rum has to offer. The large dune and the views from the top a highlight.
Photo by Ian Corless
Once at the finish, tears, joy and laughter, a hard earned medal the reward.
Photo by Ian Corless
A transfer to Petra post-race for an opportunity to experience one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
Photo by Ian Corless
Everyone was back at the Crowne Plaza for around 2000hrs. Of course, it’s all about priorities, several showers, fresh clothes and then dinner in the restaurant.
Final Day
Photo by Ian Corless
Was relaxed, a lazy breakfast, time by the pool, a swim in the Dead Sea and then at 1600hrs the awards ceremony took place followed by the MDS Jordan movie.
Photo by Ian Corless
Dinner followed outside with remarkable night time views of the Dead Sea. DJ Robin as per usual played some banging tunes and the party and disco went on into the night and the early hours of the morning.
Another MDS Jordan complete.
Finally, while many things are transferable between all MDS events: clothing, pack, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, food etc, one thing is important and it cannot be emphasised enough, be prepared.
Plan for the best and worst case scenarios, plan for intense heat, plan for the cold, imagine your worst case scenario and have a solution. MDS events are self-sufficient for a reason, they bring a challenge and dynamic that is not present at other races, how you deal with it is very much part of the event.
Looking ahead!
Photo by Ian Corless
Now is time to recover, recoup and plan ahead for 2025. There are no shortage of events. Here is hoping we get to share more time at a MDS event soon:
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.
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.
Photo by Ian Corless
Wadi Rum is a very special place that rivals Cappadocia for it’s uniqueness.
Photo by Ian Corless
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.
Photo by Ian Corless
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.
Photo by Ian Corless
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.
Photo by Ian CorlessPhoto by Ian Corless
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.
Photo by Ian Corless
Full results for each category distance can be viewed at LiveTrail HERE.
Photo by Ian Corless
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.
Photo by Ian Corless
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.
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.
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
A rest day made all the difference for the participants of MDS Fuerteventura and stage 3 was eagerly anticipated.
An early departure from bivouac and then a bus transfer to the start at Sotavento Beach, ahead 26.3km with 587m+ to La Pared.
A beautiful day of sand and path passing through Jandia National Park and concluding with epic coastal cliffs and an ocean backdrop.
Today, was all about the medal gladly, all achieved there goal finishing before the cut-off time of 16.45, a huge success.
After the bad weather in 2022 and the missing 2023, MDS Fuerteventura is well and truly back!
In the 120km race, SANTANA FERNÁNDEZ was crowned the winner with an elapsed time of 9:36:35. FOULQUIÉ PADILLA and ROGER PÉREZ placed 2nd and 3rd, 9:40:37 and 9:48:15 respectively.
For the women, DEL RIO VALLES, BOLLENGIER and NACHARD placed 1, 2 and 3, 13:54:20, 14:47:42 and 15:47:08 respectively.
PÉREZ DE LA CRUZ 10:23:12 and MUJICA GONZÁLEZ 11:53:49 were the male and female winners of the 100km and RODRÍGUEZ MORENO 9:02:44 and MAHIQUES 8:47:49 were the male and female winners in the 70km class, with MAHIQUES the outright winner.
Full results are available HERE for 120km, HEREfor the 100km andHERE for the 70km.
Now it is time for a shower, fresh clothes, a good dinner and bed with clean sheets. Tomorrow is a day of relaxation and then a gala dinner with awards ceremony.
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.
Stage racing, multi-day running and fastpacking all require a very specific pack. With the growth of multi-day running, many major brands now produce a pack or packs that are specifically designed for the task at hand. However, choosing a pack can be a daunting process due to many variables.
First and foremost, spend some time and sit down with a piece of paper and make notes of all the equipment that you need to carry. This may sound obvious, but there is a great difference in needs and demands.
For example:
Are you running in a hot or cold environment?
Do you need to carry food for the adventure or will you be able to get food on the route?
What spare clothing do you need?
What safety equipment do you need to carry?
Do you need a tent?
Do you need a sleeping bag and sleeping mat?
How much liquid do you need to carry and do you need immediate access to that liquid?
And the list goes on, so, take time to sit down and plan. This also helps you look at weight.
An excellent website to help facilitate this is Lighterpack– You can see an example HEREof all the contents I used when testing theInstinct XX20Lwhen I went fastpacking with a tent.
Recently I went fastpacking in Norway running from cabin-to-cabin. I did not need food (other than run snacks,) did not need a sleeping bag, just a sleeping bag liner and I could be minimal on clothing. I used the Camelbak Octane pack and the contents were as listed below:
You can see an example of my pack below and the details are as follows:
Camelbak Octane Pack 600g
adidas hat 32g
adidas gloves Infinitum 52g
Hestra waterproof gloves 53g
adidas gloves 41g
Devold merino base top 193g
Devold merino base bottom 166g
Buff 43g
Haglofs down jacket 163g
adidas waterproof pant 125g
adidas Gore-Tex jacket 272g
Rab bivvy bag 110g
Underwear 98g
Gels 81g (for emergency)
Silk liner 126g
Blindfold/ earplugs 22g
Earphones 44g
Ricoh GRIII camera 251g (a luxury)
Sunglasses 18g
Bottles x2 90g
Katadyn water filter 52g
Toiletries 196g
Power supply 138g
Phone 136g
Garmin InReach 108g
Leki poles 250g
3379g
As you can see, my pack weight was low. This allowed me to move faster and lighter for less effort.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHOOSING A PACK
Once you have worked out what you need to carry, you can then decide what size pack you need. The best recommendation here is that it is better to have a pack that is maybe just too small. That way you will be strict on what you take and what you do not take. Of course, this decision should never be at the compromise of safety. Simply, if you have more room, you tend to take more because you can.
When doing a stage race, multi-day or fastpack, weight is the enemy, so, you need to be as light as possible.
WAA has a waist belt and optional front pocket for food/snacks and water bottle.
Comfort is obviously hugely important and just like shoes, packs need to fit you, cause no rubbing or irritation and feel like a piece of clothing. What works for one person will not work for another. A great example being, the needs and requirements for 152cm tall woman weighing 55kg is very different than a 182cm tall male weighing 85kg. It’s great to ask and take advice BUT you need to try packs, see how they fit and importantly when trying, add weight so you can feel how it sits on your body. Many brands do different sizes now such as S/M or L/XL and one or two brands do male/ female versions: Ultimate Direction, Osprey and Oxitis being good examples.
Aiziza El Amrany winner of the 2024 MDS with a Raidlight pack.
Many packs now use a ‘vest’ like system, however, when you have 8kg in the pack, does that fit and feel good? You need to know this. Look at pressure points, such as on top of the shoulders, this area can get very sore if you do not have enough padding. Also feel how it sits on your bag and check for bounce/ movement. A pack that moves too much causes friction, friction equals irritation and blisters.
A waist belt is often a great addition to help secure a pack to your body and distribute the weight load. Some love waist belts, others dislike them. I personally am a fan.
You must choose what is correct for you and don’t be afraid to go against the norm to use what is correct for you. A prime example being that a hiking pack may be the best solution for YOU. Trust this and ignore what others say. The only key things to consider: Be careful of the pack weight and make sure it is not too large in capacity.
Instinct pack in action at MDS
Access to water is important, many packs now have the capacity and option to carry bottles up front. This makes drinking and refilling easy. However, this may not work for you. If that is the case, do what is right for you, if that means using a bladder, do so. The only consideration with soft flasks and bladders are the risk of puncture, but, I have used a bladder on countless adventures with no issue. Good admin is key.
Osprey Talon Velocity and Camelbak Octane fastpacking in Norway.
If doing an adventure that is self-sufficient (such as MDS,) remember that as days pass, pack contents will become less due to eating food. So, the option to tighten, compress and make the pack smaller is a potential key consideration to stop or reduce bounce.
Finally, pack weight is important, BUT, do not go for the lightest pack if it has no durability. You need the pack to be strong, durable and reliable.
BRANDS TO CONSIDER
As mentioned, many brands now make packs or packs suitable for stage racing, multi-day or fastpacking.
If you have a brand missing from the list that you feel needs to be added, please make a comment below.
WHAT ARE THE BEST PACK OPTIONS TO CONSIDER
Remember, we are all individual. Every pack on the list below I have looked at, played with and tested in some capacity.
They are ALL applicable for stage racing, multi-day or fastpacking.
You may well be asking, but which do I prefer? Well, I could answer that, but if I do, am I then influencing your decision and thought process? So, for now, I will refrain from giving an opinion.
As you can see above, there is no shortage of options for packs. The main problem is testing and trying packs. Today, the internet and online purchasing provides us all great options and ease for shopping, but, I cannot emphasise enough, with a pack, go to a store, try them on, add weight and play around. Ideally, go to a store that sells many options so you can compare.
The first edition of MDS Cappadocia took place in June 2024. A unique race in a unique landscape. We speak with 71-year old Liz Ward who achieved her first MDS bling after multiple attempts.
Liz crossing the finish line to get a hard earned medal.
You can read about the stage of MDS Cappadocia below:
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.
IAN CORLESS 