A good nights sleep, no rain, and stage 6 was underway at 0540. Today, 35.9km’s for all racers.
Photo by Ian Corless
Stage 6 is arguably the Queen stage of the race, it manages to contain every aspect and highlight from all the previous stages and condense them into an incredible and beautiful route.
Photo by Ian Corless
Early gravel road km’s give way to a stunning waterfall crossing section. A run through farmlands and eventually the coast and beach arrives. The route then weaves its way to Bahía Drake and the finish line.
Photo by Ian Corless
For many, it’s a day to ease back and enjoy the trails and the views, the reward at the end, a medal.
Photo by Ian Corless
For much of the day, Pierre Meslet and Sergio Turull ran together, that is, until the final 4km’s when Pierre pulled away to secure the final stage and become TCC 2025 champion.
Photo by Ian Corless
Sergio was elated to have a good day. As the week has progresses he has acclimated and adapted to the heat, humidity and technical terrain, with victory on stage 5 and 2nd on stage 6, his week has been a huge success.
Photo by Ian Corless
Katie Young had a steady day running with the other top men, a day to relax and enjoy, confident the overall victory was secure.
The finish line is one of emotion and joy, each runner a story to tell, and experience lived and importantly, memories made to last a lifetime. TCC is so much more than a race, it is an adventure into an environment that so few get to see. It may be challenging, tough and difficult, but this is the reward of the journey.
There is always something special about a first edition race. Despite all the planning, despite tight schedules, despite ticking all the boxes, there is always an element of the unknown, a curve ball nobody expected or predicted flying in and causing a problem. Gladly, no curve ball arrived on the Atlantic Coast, on the contrary, the first edition of MDS Morocco Atlantic Coast was a huge success and without hiccup.
Morocco is obviously not a new destination for MDS, Legendary is in its 39th year and MDS Morocco, MDS Morocco Trek and Handi MDS have all happened previously, so, a new event in Morocco feels comfortable.
Close to Agadir, the MDS Morocco Atlantic Coast brings something new to MDS events in Morocco and obviously brings something special to the MDS line up.
Photo by Ian Corless
Like Fuerteventura and Peru, the ocean provides a backdrop to the race and this alone is unique. The juxtaposition of desert, dunes, beach and the roar of waves and the blue ocean make for a special environment for a race to take place.
LOGISTICS
As with all MDS events, the race is 3-stages taking place over 4-days with 3 distance options, 70km, 100km and 120km. Stage 1 and Stage 3 is the same for all participants and stage 2 is the one where a choice must be made, typically 20km, 40km or 60km. It’s a great format that makes MDS appealing for all ages and all abilities.
With 170 participants and 27 nationalities, the MDS Morocco Atlantic Coast was a great first edition. Notably, once again, female participation was around 50%. MDS are without doubt pioneering the way for female participation in their races and this must be applauded and encouraged.
Photo by Ian Corless
Travel to Morocco is easy and transfers were provided by MDS from Marrakech (appx 6-hours) or from Agadir, with just a 40-minute transfer to the race hotel, needless to say, most people flew to Agadir.
Photo by Ian Corless
A Saturday arrival and a Saturday departure, the race format had 2 nights in the hotel, 4-days and 3-nights in the desert and then a return to the hotel for 2-nights before onward travel.
The format provides an excellent opportunity to mix holiday and relaxation with sport.
THE EVENT
Saturday arrival was relaxed and with no commitments for the participants.
Photo by Ian Corless
Sunday mornning and the MDS admin protocols were in place between 0900 and 1200, this is a requirement for eah participant – equipment is checked, medical certificates are checked, GPX trackers are added to packs and race numbers are provided. The whole thing is efficient, seamless and fast.
The afternoon provided an opportunity for relaxation or sight seeing and then an early dinner and bed.
Departure time for day 1 was 0300 for a 5-hour journey to the desert. On arrival, the plan, as always, was to get the runner’s underway as soon as possible.
Highway to Hell finished and the participants departed under cloudy skies at approximately 0930.
Photo by Ian Corless
Day 1, stage 1 at 24km’s headed from an inland location and basically headed directly to the coast. The terrain was mixed, with some easy running to start the day, of course, sand featured heavily with a dune section coming just after CP1 and a final dune section concluding the race just before the finish. Temperatures reached a high of 25-degrees and it was a great first day. Bivouac awaited the runner’s and a first night in sleeping bags with self-sufficiency started. The wind blew and the temperatures dropped, a chilly night was expected. Stage summary HERE
Photo by Ian Corless
Day 2, stage 2, intermittent rain and wind blew in off the ocean and there was a sense of dread at what this day would bring, especially for those participants who would take on the 40 or 60km distances. A challenging start and just a few hours later the weather started to clear and finally, skies cleared and the sun came to make for a beautiful day, highs reached 28-degrees. The course offered an obvious challenge mixing the best of Moroccan terrain with tsome stunning dune sections. The latter km’s running parallel to the ocean to give an epic backdrop. The race wnt into the night with the final finisher arriving just after midnight. Stage summary HERE
Photo by Ian Corless
Day 3 was a welcome rest day. The skies were blue, the wind gentle and the warmth of the sun relaxing. It was a leisurely and relaxed start to the day. At 1130, blue and orange coats with participants walked to the beach and on the way cleared away rubbish and notably huge amounts of plastic. We race in these magical places and sadly, littering and pollution is high. The ocean obviously washing in debris daily. It was a huge campaign and yes, we may have only provided a small dent in what is a very big problem, however, it felt good and the difference afterwards was noticeable. The remainder of the day was releaxed, as per usual, mid-afternoon, a cold and refreshing drink was provided and as darkness came, most were already in sleeping bags gaining valuable rest before the final day.
Photo by Ian Corless
Day 4, stage 3 and what a start to the day, the wind was howling from the north bringing with it, at times, torrential rain. Runner’s were ready for the challenge though, with 2 starts, 0800 and 0930 for the top-25, the day got underway and gladly, by 0830 the rain stopped. However, the wind did not. The wind blew and blew, providing a constant headwind and relentless sand storms for the whole 27km’s. It was an epic and special day. Yes, it was hard but boy was it memorable. The joy, the emotion and the tears at the finish made the medal only more special. From the finish line, buses were waiting and as each was filled, they then departed back to Agadir for hotel comforts – shower, buffet dinner and a night in a bed with sheets and comfort. Stage summary HERE
Photo by Ian Corless
The following day was one of relaxation. Dinner was served at 1900 and then followed at 2000 hrs with a closing ceremony, awards and the showing of the MDS Morocco Atlantic Coast movie. The atmosphere was electric, the feedback incredible, the emotion high, it was a very memorable ceremony that only confirmed the success of the event. An outdoor DJ and dancing concluded the night and brought to a close this first edition.
Saturday and onward journies home.
NOTES AND CONSIDERATIONS
Photo by Ian Corless
MDS events are meant to challenge you both physically and mentally, some challenge more than others. MDS Morocco Atlantic Coast certainly falls in the latter category with challenging weather and varying temperatures. Having experienced 20 MDS events all over the world, my top-tip is ‘be prepared!’ Deserts are not always hot, they are not always dry and they are not always calm. Have with you a waterproof/ windproof layer, have with you a warm layer (lightweight down or primaloft jacket) and make sure you have eye protection. Trust me, those who did not have sunglasses or goggles for stage 3 suffered badly trying to move forward in a headwind for 27km’s.
Photo by Ian Corless
Be prepared with a variety of food choices and undesrtstand that what tastes good at home, may not taste good the desert. A balance of sweet and savoury s good and take note, as days pass, the demand for sweet becomes less.
Photo by Ian Corless
Prepare the mind for the challenge. Understand the WHY you are doing the event and be prepared for anything. The body is an amazing thing that could do incredible things, however, it needs to work in harmony and synergy with the mind to achieve your goals.
CONCLUSION
Photo by Ian Corless
MDS Morocco Atlantic Coast was a huge success. We were all tested by the weather but this only made the event more special and memorable. The MDS event team have called it the Viavaldi race as we had all four seasons. The Atlantic Coast brings something special to Morocco and in contrast to Legendary, MDS Morocco and MDS Trek, the terrain is different, unique and of course, the ocean as a backdrop is special. No doubt, this event will grow to become an MDS favourite. January is great timing, what a great way to start a year and globally, few races take place so early in the year making this an easy option for those looking for something special post Christmas.
Stage 2 of MDS Morocco Atlantic Coast and the option to choose the stage distance: 20km, 40km or 60km?
Photo by Ian Corless
One of the appealing factors of the MDS format is the stage 2 distance option, with stage 1 and 3 the same for all, the stage 2 option allows for an overall distance of 70km, 100km or 120km.
Photo by Ian Corless
The day started under heavy cloud and winds coming from the north . At 0845 as participants arrived for the start, rain started to fall. It was an ominous beginning for the day and the weather remained challenging with rain increasing in strength during the morning.
Photo by Ian Corless
Gladly, by midday, blue skies and sun started to appear, however, the wind increased in strength and continued to do so into the night.
Photo by Ian Corless
With epic landscape, stunning dunes, there was much to appreciate in this stage and despite the weather, runner’s were constantly smiling.
Photo by Ian Corless
With three distances, rankings change after stage 2, often considerably, for example, Listy Mazille, a clear winner on stage 1 is now the leader of the 1ookm and we have a new leader in the 120km category now.
It was a morning of relaxation in bivouac, today, stage 4, has the participants starting at staggered times based on ranking. The first departure 1400, the second 1500 and lastly, the fast group at 1700.
The start times are designed to allow all participants to experience the Oman Desert under darkness.
The 30km stage starts with 6.8km’s of dunes and then after a left turn, the route takes a direct line to the finish line and final bivouac night before the final stage tomorrow.
Aziza – Photo by Ian Corless
In the 1500 departure, the top women raced head-to-head and unsurprisingly, Aziza Raji once again dominated in 03:59:21 followed by Lydia Oldham, 04:20:23 and today Tanja Schoenenborn, 04:46:13, had a very strong day finishing 30-minutes ahead of Sally Ford.
Tanja – Photo by Ian Corless
In the men’s race, it was all guns blazing from the off with Rachid El Morabity setting a super fast pace. It came as a surprise as he has taken the first three stages very relaxed.
Rachid – Photo by Ian Corless
He pushed ahead and at cp1 had an 8-minute lead. He continued the charge and crossed the line in 02:37:43.
Photo by Ian Corless
Behind, Saleh Alsaidi and Mohamed El Morabity chased both pushing each other hard. The elastic eventuall snapped and Mohamed pulled away to cross in 02:44:22, 6-minutes 39-seconds behind his brother. Saleh secured third in 02:50:06.
Photo by Ian Corless
The final and fifth stage tomorrow will have the participants run a 21km stage. It’s a flat and fast stage with just a short section of dunes to start the day.
Stage 1 was a tough day, the talk in bivouac was all about the relentless sand and how the final 10km was relentlessly tough.
It was an early sleep for most and the night was a cold one. Temperatures plummeted, especially in the early hour of the following morning.
Tired! – Photo by Ian Corless
Bivouac came to life around 0500 and stage 2 eventually started at 0700.
Rachid – Photo by Ian Corless
The early km’s were relatively easy and cool. So cool that Rachid wore a windbreaker and gloves… He actually did not remove them all day despite the temperatures rising to 27-degrees.
Photo by Ian Corless
The highlight of the day was a dune section with sunrise. Pure magic with high views of the surrounding landscape.
Photo by Ian Corless
While there is no ‘easy’ running here in Oman, the km’s after the dunes were relatively flat and easy.
With Mohamed taking victory on stage 1, a slender 4-seconds ahead of his brother, Rachid, all the action would be around the Moroccan.
Photo by Ian Corless
The local Omani runner’s, especially Salah Al Saidi did all they could to put him under pressure but Mohamed is too strong. In the final 10km’s he made his move and opened a gap for the stage win in 3:05:54.
Mohamed – Photo by Ian Corless
Rachid did an amazing job to finish 2nd, 3:09:26 and Saleh 3rd in 3:10:01.
Rachid – Photo by Ian Corless
Rachid by contrast was taking it easy, with 20km’s covered he was 5-minutes behind the leaders, however, the attack came and he closed the gap effortlessly and then forged ahead with on of the Al Said.
Aziza – Photo by Ian Corless
For the women, Aziza Raji was once again making the sand and the dunes look easy. Lydia Oldham, Sally Ford and Tanja Schoenenborn are all close together, but they are fighting for second.
Lydia – Photo by Ian Corless
Tomorrow is another 40km stage, followed by stage 4 which starts late afternoon and goes into the night.
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.
The 2024 and 38th edition of Marathon des Sables is here! MDS The Legendary, the longest edition in the history of the race, 252km’s over 6 timed stages.
Close to 900 participants will toe the line, exact numbers will be confirmed at bivouac 1. With 60 countries represented, France and the UK lead the with 267 and 178 participants respectively.
From the 900 starters, 27% are women; a record. The youngest participant will be Lionel Schneider (16) and the oldest, Harry Hunter who has just turned 75 on April 15th.
Runner’s will arrive in Morocco on April 12th for a transfer to the desert.
Saturday 13th is admin day and then the race schedule is as follows:
April 14 – STAGE 1 – Departure 0700 31.1km and 282m+
April 15 – STAGE 2 – Departure 0700 40.8km and 550m+
April 16 – STAGE 3 (The Long day which will go through to April 17) – Departure 0600 and 0730 for the top 50. 85.3km and 1154m+
April 18 – STAGE 4 – Departure 0630 and 0800 43.1km and 390m+
April 19 – STAGE 5 – Departure 0700 31.4km and 252m+
April 20 – STAGE 6 – Departure 0630 and then transfer back to Ouarzazate 21.1km and 160m+
April 21 – Ouarzazate
April 22 – Home travel
THE ROUTE
Unlike previous editions of MDS, the 2024 route will concentrate on one key area of the Sahara. It makes sense, it is the most beautiful. Therefore the race will not be a point-to-point but a series of journeys and participants will stay in the same bivouac on multiple occasions.
Importantly, Jebel El Otfal, Jebel Joha Baba Ali and the oasis of El Maharch will feature on the ‘long day’ however, there will be no Merzouga dunes during the race.
In summary:
Stage 1 B1 to B1 31.1km and 282m+
Stage 2 B1 to B2 40.8km and 550m+
Stage 3 Is an elaborate series of tracks, B2 back to B2 85.3km and 1154m+
Stage 4 B2 to B3 43.1km and 390m+
Stage 5 B3 to B3 a looped route that makes a heart shape 31.4km and 252m+
Stage 6 B3 to finish 21.1km and 160m+
ONES TO WATCH
MEN
MOHAMED EL MORABITY
As in any MDS, there are the front contenders who will do battle for overall honours, in the men’s category, three obvious names are stand out: Mohamed El Morabity, Rachid El Morabity and Aziz Yachou. All eyes will be on Rachid, he is looking for a 10th MDS title and after the disaster in 2023 when he received a 2-hour time penalty, Rachid will be looking to make amends and make history. Mohamed, Rachids brother took the reigns in 2023 and won, but will this be allowed in 2024? Aziz Yachou gets stronger and stronger every year, he has a battle against the brothers though.
Petter Restrop, Yoann Stuck, Roberto Mastrotto, James Miller, Alessio Zambon, Ahmed Ouikhalfen, Stéphane Ricard,Mérile Robert, Hamid Yachou, Anthony Ginter, Romain Laguigner Abdelhadi Elmoustahli are also ranked as the top contenders, as always, there will be surprises.
WOMEN
AZIZA RAJI
Aziza Raji and Aziza El Amrany fly the Moroccan flag and are of course, top contenders for the podium. The UK’s Gemma Game is returning, she has placed 3rd twice in 2018 and 2019 – is this the year?
Lai King Chan, Adriana Moser, Saskia Plaucheur, Marie Houdusse, Amélie Ginter, Ninette Banoun, Magdalena Kalus, Alexandra Bailly, Annę Godefroy, Nina Stein and Katherine Beckingham are all in with a shout of top-10 and maybe the podium.
STORIES
AMY PALMIERO WINTERS
The MDS is always a place for stories, challenges, inspiration and adventure and the 38th edition will be no different. Often, these stories unfold as the race happens.
Mr MDS, Christian Ginter is back for his 36th edition, yes, his 36th! Rory Coleman from the UK return for his 16th and in and amongst these two highlight names, we will have new stories to follow and inspire us.
INTERESTING FACTS
In an effort to reduce the environmental impact of such a huge race, the MDS has taken some key measures.
In 2023 50 lorries were used, for 2024 this will be 20. In 2023 157 4×4 vehicles have been reduced to 78. A helicopter as per usual will be available for emergency use only. This equates to a 47% reduction I carbon emissions.
In addition, chartered flights were reduced to just 3 planes with an encouragement for participants to choose commercial options.
The use of local services has been increased using local staff, vehicles, trophies made in Morocco, and the catering team for staff will be all Moroccan with 100% of produce local and a reduction in chicken and beef.
In addition, checkpoints will have solar power and all communication relays utilise solar too.
Waste management has been improved and a key move has been to eradicate 1.5ltr bottles and replace with 5ltr.
Safety has always been a key concern and for 2024 there is an increase in medical staff, 65 up from 56, there 9 SSV rapid response vehicles, up from 4 in 2023. There will be 9 4×4 vehicles and new for 2024, 3 MTB riders and 9 runner’s who will participate on the race route offering immediate medical response. A medical point will be in the centre of bivouac so that immediate attention can be given if required.
ADVENTURE AWAITS
The 38th edition is now waiting to unfold. It’s a new era for the race. Let the adventure begin, MDS The Legendary makes history.
You can receive daily updates and reports on this website. Follow on IG @iancorlessphotography and @mdslegendary
The day starts by crossing the Sierpe River via ferry, ahead one of the most ‘runnable’ days with an abundance of gravel road interspersed with technical trails.
The crossing
It’s an iconic stage where a boat crossing is required in the final 5km’s transporting runners from one land section to another before the run in towards the iconic Drake Bay.
Cody cooling off
A delayed start due to problems with the ferry meant the runner’s started 1-hour late. Sometimes, situations happen and there is nothing to do than say, Pura Vida and carry on.
Pierre
Once underway, the race split at the front with Pierre Meslet deciding no matter how bad the ankle, let’s give it a go. Cristofer Clemente Mora followed and then Cody Lind and Jean Francois Cauchon.
Cody and Jean-Francois
It was only a matter of time before Cody and Jean-Francois took control of the race and the duo finished together in 4:28 (time tbc due to a delay at the boat crossing).
Cody, Jean-Francois and Cristofer
Cristofer finished 3rd.
Katie
For the women, Katie Young well and truly sealed the 2024 TCC with an outstanding performance in 5:55. All day, she smile, ran fast and smooth and dare I say, made it look easy! This TCC is a breakthrough performance for Katie, especially coming after a top-10 at MDS in 2023.
Katie
Lina El Kott Helander finished 2nd in 6:14. Lina could very easily have pulled out of the race early in the week after damaging her right arm. She has fought on and impressively so, chapeaux!
LinaMarlene
Marline Côté finished just ahead of Sanna El Kott Helander, 6:33 and 6:41 respectively. But it was Janina Beck from Germany who finished 3rd in 6:31.
Pierre Meslet full of life
The racing is now done! Stage 6 tomorrow and it would take an absolute disaster to change the ranking, so, expect a victory loop. And let’s face it, a fun loop is well deserved, despite the fact not many would call 35.9km an easy loop…
My recent podcast interview with Cyril Gauthier (available HERE) discussing the new development and progression for Marathon des Sables has now been transcribed and translated in to French. Superb job by Emmanuel Lamarle.
It is available on the marathondessables.com website by following the link HERE.
Make sure you you click on the flag (top right) as the copy will be inFrench or English.
IAN CORLESS 