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.
The iconic Marathon des Sables is entering a new phase, the past 37 editions have been under the aegis of Patrick Bauer, who, back in 1984, filled up a pack with food and water and trekked off alone into the Algerian Sahara to cover 350km’s on foot in a self-sufficient manner. Little did he know at the time, but this journey was the start of something incredible, the Marathon des Sables, or MDS as it is affectionately known.
Now under new ownership, the 38th edition taking place in April 2024 will see some significant changes while sticking to the main format and principles of the past 37-editions.
It is therefore timely, to update my Ultimate Guide to Marathon des Sables and acknowledge these key changes.
A recent podcast with one of the new co-owners, Cyril Gauthier, can be heard HERE.
Cyril ran the Marathon des Sables in 2009, created the brand WAA and is instrumental in the growth of the HMDS (Half Marathon des Sables) format. Moving forward, the HMDS format will no longer have the ‘half’ title, for example, HMDS Morocco will become MDS Morocco, HMDS Jordan will be MDS Jordan and the key, full distance race of the past 37-years will be called ‘LEGENDARY‘ – The Legendary Marathon des Sables.
Marathon des Sables offers more than just running, it offers a challenge, it offers something quite unique – the Sahara and the MDS strips the runner back to basics and deprives them of all luxuries so that they are stripped raw. Runners find themselves in the desert.
However, this challenge can often daunt a new participant with the challenge that is ahead and therefore, my Ultimate Guide to the Marathon des Sables is provided to settle nerves, provide initial information and provide a level of knowledge that you can use as a base from which to build your own plan and decide on what equipment to purchase and use.
Iconic balloons, landscape and early morning light.
You’ll have seen the images, two in particular appear everywhere when you do a search on the internet, one will be the unique fairy towers and the other, hot air balloons gliding over the aforementioned landscape with the glow of early morning light.
Running and racing is a wonderful double edged sword, we look for new destinations to practice our sport and then when in these locations, we get to explore them in the best way possible, by foot!
Hoodoo – an epic backdrop
Salomon Cappadocia Ultra Trail, now in it’s 10th edition provides the opportunity to mix the best of both worlds.
The races start and conclude in Ürgüp (closest airport Kayseri) in Nevşehir province. It’s the perfect hub for exploration. Located at 1044m, access to key tourist attractions and hot air balloon flights, are just a phone call away, particularly if you communicate with Argeus Travel, who also happen to be the team behind Cappadocia Ultra Trail.
Other than say Montserrat, Colorado and north America, the landscape of Cappadocia is unique. The ‘Hoodoo’ (fairy chimney) actually translates to tent rock or earth pyramid is in abundance and a key feature of the landscape here. Created by earth erosion, they typically consist of soft rock topped by harder rock. These Hoodoos became home to Troglodytes (cave dweller) who carved into the formations to create a place to live. Varying in size, Hoodoo can be up to 10 storeys high and they are unique with a conical shape. Today, there are no permanent settlements but Persians, Ottomans, Romans, Byzantines and others, over time, have used these Hoodoo as shelter. Notably, Christians fleeing persecution made their homes in Cappadocia and they built churches. This was a key phase in the development of the Hoodoo, they ‘added’ to the natural structure and also built a network of underground cities and caves.
And so, Salomon Cappadocia Ultra Trail offers a unique opportunity to run through history.
With three key races, CUT at 119k,, CMT at 63km and CST at 38km, there is a race distance for all. While CUT provides the full and immersive 360 experience, the CMT arguably provides the most spectacular and concise journey. The CUT and CMT cover the same trails starting in Ürgüp and passing on a circular route through key locations such as Ortahisar, Ibrahimpasa, Göreme and the Rose and Red valley, where surreal rock formations, pinkish-red colours, and ancient cave churches make this a highlight. Ürgüp follows and the CMT concludes, for the CUT they continue on for a tough and arduous loop passing through Mustafapasa, Damsa Dam, Cemil, Taskinpasa, Karlik, Egrim Tepesi and finally Ürgüp for the finish.
The CST passes through Ibrahimpasa, Göreme and concludes in Ürgüp and while the route has its moments, it’s less spectacular than the CMT.
With over 2400 runners from over 70 nations, Cappadocia Ultra Trail has become Turkey’s key trail running event. It sets the bar for how an event should be. Talking with the team at Argeus, they have a simple philosophy, they wanted to create an event for Turkish people that was of the highest standard and importantly, affordable. The growth of the event and the landscape on offer has made this one of the key events in the world to travel to and it’s easy to see why. Ürgüp in itself has grown through the tourism generated and as such, accommodation is in abundance and much of it with a boutique style, I for example stayed inside a cave at Deer Suites.
Racing was fast and furious and the presence of the Adidas Terrex Team certainly provided a new impetus to the racing with Dmitry Mityaev and Ekaterina Mityaeva winning the CUT, Ekaterina also 3rd overall. Kim Schreiber winning the CMT and placing 3rd overall! Martin Dematteis and Dion Gorla both placing 2nd in the CST. Full results HERE.
Dmitry Mityaev
CUT – Dmitry Mityaev completed the 360 degree journey of Cappadocia in a course record time of 10:59:32 with Farkhad Isakov and Mohammadreza Jelodar placing 2nd and 3rd, 12:14:25 and 13:12:15 respectively. Ekaterina Mityaeva also set a course record 13:00:23 and placed 3rd overall, a stunning run. Ksenila Avdeeva was 2nd in 14:23:45 and Sergio Baysal 3rd in 15:24:41.
Ekaterina Mityaeva
CMT – Kim Schreiber was the star completing the 63km in 05:38:39 and placing 3rd overall. Behind, the Terrex athlete was followed by Varvara Shikanova and Aysel Yalac Dolay. 06:02:58 and 06:24:50 respectively. Mestan Turban set a blistering pace for the men and set a convincing victory in 05:03:49 followed by Irem Can Ayaz in 05:17:40 and Ryan Farrugia in 05:42:15.
Mestan Turban passing through Ibrahimpasa
CST – Alejandro Forcades and Martin Dematteis had a hard fought battle for victory, Alejandro finally crossing first in 02:39:40 to Martin’s 02:41:34. Yury Shtankov rounded the podium in 02:48:29. The women’s race also had a tight battle for victory with Simone Brick edging out Dioni Gorla, 03:25:53 to 03:26:35. Tugce Karakaya placed 3rd in 03:31:24.
Hidden caves
In addition to the stand-alone races, the CUT, CMT and CST were also done in relay format. Results CUT, CMT and CST.
Ürgüp was a stunning location and hub for the 2023 Cappadocia Ultra Trail, in conjunction with excellent organisation from Argeus, many are now already looking ahead to 2024. See you there I hope!
Episode 238 of Talk Ultra – After 37-years, the iconic Marathon des Sables will move ahead with new owners, the legacy of Patrick Bauer is there for all of us to see. With new owners comes change and in this episode of Talk Ultra, we discuss these changes with co-owner and CEO Cyril Gauthier.
This in-depth podcast discusses the history and background of Cyril Gauthier and then organically follows through to discuss the brand WAA, the growth of HMDS and the future and changes for Marathon des Sables.
UPDATE – This was not addressed in my podcast, at the time, I did not have the facts. However, post podcast I have had questions raised by some who had concern about medical support and the Doctor team, so I reached out for an answer, and I quote:
“We will try to do better than with Doc Trotter. I have been contracted with DoK Ever since the beginning of HMDS. They were also the ones who managed MDS Peru. They are among the leaders in Europe and I believe we can increase the quality. We have the same number of doctors, podiatrists and nurses: 60. I am going to modify the management of vehicles by keeping the current system but adding a rapid intervention force with SSVs. Always with the helicopter as back up.” – Cyril Gauthier
It’s suggested you read this article written Jube 2023 in advance of this recording.
As I get deeper into my love for photographey, I want to speak to those whose work is not only technically profound but unique. Being unique is the key to unlocking a world of opportunities and experiences that others can learn from and see what is possible. That is why I reached out to connect with Ian Corless.
Photography enthusiasts, if you’ve ever scrolled through Ian Corless’s Instagram feed, you’ll understand why I was eager to connect with him. His extraordinary work stands out, but it’s not just his talent that sets him apart. Ian’s remarkable willingness to engage and network, both with clients and during this interview, is a testament to his character. He takes photography to the extreme, whether it’s capturing high-profile commercial assignments, scaling a mountainside for a passion project, or sharing as much knowledge with the photography community as he can. Check out his work and the words he shared with me about his journey in photography.
Over 1500 runners are celebrating 10-years of the Salomon Cappadocia Ultra Trail in 2023, the stage is set for it to be the best one yet. Offering three distances, 119km, 63km and 38km, what better way is there to experience the hills and valleys of this UNESCO world heritage site? A place of exceptional natural wonders and a peerless historical heritage!
Cappadocia is a semi-arid region in central Turkey, is known for its distinctive “fairy chimneys,” tall, cone-shaped rock formations clustered in Monks Valley, Göreme and elsewhere. Other notables sites include Bronze Age homes carved into valley walls by troglodytes (cave dwellers) and later used as refuges by early Christians. The 100m-deep Ihlara Canyon houses numerous rock-face churches. This unique cultural and morphological heritage site was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985 and today is one of the most visited regions of Turkey.
Three events and one unique experience.
CUT 119km 3730m+ (200 participants)
withAleksi Tolstenko, Dmitry Mityaev, Ekaterina Mityaeva, Alper Dalkilic, and Elena Polyakova.
CMT 63km 20230m+ (552 participants)
withTofol Castanyer, Erik La Puma, Dioni Gorla, Janosh Kowalczyk and Kim Schreiber.
CST 38km 1120m+ (833 participants)
withMartin Dematteis, Martin Anthamatten, Jeshrun Small, and Sven Koch.
Are you up for an adventure in an incredible part of the world?
If the answer is yes, Home Of The Giants is for you!
JULY 21ST TO JULY 28TH 2024
A multi-day adventure through the magical and amazing playground that is Jotunheimen, Norway. Unlike a race, this journey is a finely balanced exclusive trip for just 12 participants. A challenge at a more relaxed pace, taking in an amazing route whilst moving light in a semi self-sufficient mode.
The iconic ‘The Church’ we go to the summit on day 2
Spread over 5-days, our journey starts from Bygdin Fjellhotel with an overnight stay, the following morning we depart via the iconic M/B Bitihorn boat covering the length of Bitihorn lake to our start point at Eidsbugarden. A magical journey, on foot, covering 100kmand 4774m+
Snow fields, water crossings and morraine
You will encounter snow, water crossings, airy and exposed sections, plenty of climbing and descending and full days on the trail. Each day will conclude at a DNT cabin where you will have a bed, shower facilities, 3-course dinner and breakfast included.
Rock and snow transitions to lush green and single-track
WANT TO JOIN US?
Only 12 places are available for what will be a journey of a lifetime.
Episode 235 of Talk Ultra and we speak with Katie (Catherine) Young who placed 6th lady and 1st Brit at the 2023 Marathon des Sables in 34h 21m 18s.
The 2023 Marathon des Sables will go down in the 37-year history of the race as a tough one. With second longest stage in the race history (90km), a tough course and excessive heat, 30% did not make it to the finish.
Katie Young from the UK, running her first stage race had an incredible run placing 6th woman and 1st Brit.
Are you planning on running Marathon des Sables or a similar race in 2024 or beyond? Why not join us in January for our LANZAROTE TRAINING CAMP which runs from the 11th to 18th. More information HERE.
Marathon des Sables 2024 #MDS – The New Features Discussed
2024 Marathon des Sables entries are due to open on June 30th. Moving forward, some changes will be made to the race. Read a summary of points HERE.
NEED A NEW PACK?
Are you looking for a new pack that is suitable for fastpacking and stage racing? We are currently testing the Camelbak Octane 25 and it is proving a real favourite. It’s full of features, has great storage and is extremely comfortable. Check out our first impressions HERE.
Located 800 miles from Oslo and 95 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Lofoten is an archipelago in Nordland county, known as the land of the midnight sun, from the end of May to the middle of July sunset merges into sunrise, with no darkness in between. Majestic mountains, lush valleys, chalk-white beaches, seagull cries, the smell of sea and houses where you would not believe that anyone could live. It’s Lofoten in a nutshell.
Highlights are countless, especially for an enthusiastic tourist, however, as a runner, you are in an amazing position to explore. Off the beaten track you get to see the ‘real’ Lofoten that only the hardy get to see. Higravtind, 1146m is the highest peak, what Lofoten lacks in height, it more than compensates for with a plethora of mixed terrain and endless peaks connected via sea, beach, road, and trail.
The Arctic Triple isa series of races (skimo, ultra-trail and triathlon) that take place at 3 key points of the year, March week 11, June week 22, and August week 33. Created to showcase this stunning archipelago; the Ultra-Trail (and shorter races) takes place in June bringing endless days and nights of light.
Providing a perfect opportunity to sightsee while running, it comes as no surprise that the 160km, 80km, 48km, 24km and 12km races are extremely popular, 750 toed the line in 2023. In addition, there is a 160km relay competition and a 80km relay competition.
Passing through amazing scenery of mountain ridges, white beaches, green hills, and grey cliffs, the race routes are stunning and for almost the entire time, the ocean is in view. All the races conclude in Svolvær.
Reine, the classic picture postcard view of Lofoten, is a small fishing village located on the island of Moskenesøya, surrounded by towering mountains, this is where The Arctic Triple experience starts for 160km runners leaving by boat for Kirkefjord, the official start line.
Highlights come thick and fast, the peak of Kråkhammar towering the opening km’s to cp1 at Selford. The beach of Kvalvika is by far the loneliest beach in Lofoten on the way to cp2 at Fredvang. In previous editions, Unstad, Uttakleiv and Haukland beach have been part of the race route, but for 2023, changes were made to accommodate local farmers and livestock. A coastal section from Nesland to Nusjford providing rolling and at time technical trail.
Nusford, like Reine, is a picture postcard fishing village on the southern shore of the island of Flakstadøya. What follows is arguably one of the more challenging sections of the whole race route and the cp at Napp (56km) is a key aid station. The coastal trail loop of Offersøy leads eventually to Leknes, 73km covered and it is here that the 80km race starts.
Now, as the 160km route counts down to the finish in Svolvær, the respective 48km, 24km, and 12km races start. The route from Brustranda climbing up from the coastline into Grønbakkan being a highlight.
Torvdalshalsen and the 48km start leads to Vetten and some challenging terrain before climbing a steep wall of grass and a race highlight of Dalstuva ridge. Road miles follow and now, with approximately 20km’s to go, the route enters the whammy of Jordtinden, Nonstinden, Spisstinden and finally Tjeldbergtinden before finally arriving in Svolvær, exhausted!
Lofoten, on foot, is relentlessly beautiful and challenging and for 2023, even more so, with persistent rain, strong winds at time varying amounts of snow; the final section over Nonstind, Spisstind and Tjeldbergtinden providing an even greater challenge with recent snowfall, varying levels of visibility and cold temperatures.
“You run on some absolutely fantastic trail, and you are constantly surrounded by sea and lush mountains. It is a raw experience, steep mountain sides, narrow edges and 100% concentration is required. There are airy parts that offer a challenge and incredible views. Single-track, road, marshland, dense forest, mud and views to make my eyes sore – what a place Lofoten is!” – Abelone Lyng
Ultimately, Lofoten is a magical paradise that is waiting to be explored. There is so much to do and see that one trip will not be enough and it will only whet the appetite for future visits and plans.
However, if you need an introduction to this magical part of the world, signing up for one of The Arctic Triple races would be a great introduction. Of course, the 160km race provides the ultimate point-to-point immersive experience from Reine to Svolvær, for many though, this is too far and too challenging, but watch this space, new for 2024 (in addition to the 160km single-stage) the 160km race will be broken down in to four stages and offer Norway’s first multi-stage race (more info HERE), it will provide a full and immersive experience.
160km, 80km, 48km, 24km, 12km or the new stage race, running The Arctic Triple lets you experience the nature, views and atmosphere of Lofoten – there is no better way to experience any place!
Day 2 was tough. It was a challenging route, incredibly beautiful but the added technicality, vertical gain and intense heat took its toll with many DNF’s.
The organisation made a decision to bring the stage 3 start forward by 1-hour, 0700 instead of 0800. It maybe caused some logistical, admin and timing issues for all but it was a good call.
At 34km, stage 3 had less challenges than stage 2, but still a tough day.
With flat km’s to Cp1, the pace was high and Mathieu Blanchard was a main protagonist. He often pushed the pace, closely followed by Aziz, Mohammed and Rachid.
After Cp2 a resplendent area of green vegetation brought a different life to the Sahara. Camels, birds and reptiles, rare to see so much wildlife in one area.
As I expected, Mohammed attacked and not only took the stage but the overall lead. It’s what I expected. The ‘brothers’ have a plan for the long day, but, at 90km’s, anything can happen.
For the women, it was business as usual with Rgna leading. But, after Cp1 she went through a bad patch and Aziza El Amrany took over the front of the race with Ragna complaining of, ‘…feeling fine and lacking power.’
Maryline Nakache once again ran a strong and consistent stage to not only catch Aziza, pass her and put time into her, the duo finishing in 3:4104 and 3:42:36.
Tomorrow is the big day! It’s beautiful route with some MDS classics in the terrain. At 90km, it will be extremely tough for all. The race will start 1-hour earlier than planned, 0700. The top-50 will start at 1000.
IAN CORLESS 