RACE REGULATION 2024

ART. 1: ORGANISATION

The 38th MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY is organized by ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE (“AOI”) and will take place from the 12^th to 22^nd of April 2024 in southern Morocco. This 38th annual event will take place under the aegis of the MOROCCAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM and will bring around 1 000 participants.

ART. 2: DEFINITION OF THE COMPETITION

The 38th MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY is a foot race, open to runners and walkers, with several stages, free style, and with food self-sufficiency over a distance of about 250 Km. Each participant must carry his/her own backpack containing food, sleeping gear and other material.

ART. 3: GENERAL CONDITIONS

The 38th MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY will be administered according to the general race regulations and their amendments (road book, etc.) as well as to the General Terms and Conditions of Sale, to which all participants agree when they register. The General Terms ans Conditions of Sale may be viewed on the institutional website https://www.marathondessables.com/en and on the registration website https://inscription.marathondessables.com/en

ART. 4: CONDITIONS OF ADMISSION FOR PARTICIPANTS

Anyone meeting the following conditions will be accepted: over 18, any citizenship. Participants must hold a medical certificate issued by the organization stating their ability to participate and a resting ECG report.

Teenagers over 16 may participate in the 38th MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY subject to prior consent from ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE and written permission from a parent or guardian. They will have to meet the same requirements as adults.

Due to the specific nature of the course of the race (food self-sufficiency, race regulations) no accompanying person will be accepted on the event.

ART. 5: CATEGORIES OF PARTICIPANTS

CATEGORY A: INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION

Each male or female participant enters the general classification without distinction of age or degree of professionalism. However, regardless of the general classification, the following classifications are established:

• Female,
• Veteran M1 (aged 40 to 49),
• Veteran M2 (aged 50 to 59),
• Veteran M3 (aged 60 to 69),
• Veteran M4 (aged 70 to 79),
• Veteran M5 (from 80).
• Veteran F1 (aged 40 to 49),
• Veteran F2 (aged 50 to 59),
• Veteran F3 (aged 60 to 69),
• Veteran F4 (aged 70 to 79),
• Veteran F5 (from 80),

Classification is based on year of birth.

CATEGORY B: TEAM PARTICIPATION

A team is made up of at least three runners. To remain in the race, all three members of the team must complete the race. However, each member is recorded as an individual in the general ranking.

ART. 6: PROGRAM OF THE RACE

12 April: Arrival in Morocco, transfer bivouac. Distribution of a lunch package for lunch and start of food self-sufficiency at the bivouac.

13 April: Technical, administrative and medical formalities. 

14 April: Stage 1, timed.

15 April: Stage 2, timed.

16 & 17 April: Stage 3, known as “long” stage, timed.

18 April: Stage 4, timed.

19 April: Stage 5, timed.

20 April: Stage 6, timed. Bus transfer to hotels and distribution of a lunch package. Dinner at the hotel included in the price (drinks not included).

21 April: Free day. Breakfast. Lunch not included. Diner at the hotel included in the price (drinks not included). Award ceremony and gala evening.

22 April: End of the MDS adventure, participant departure. Breakfast at the hotel.

ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION Internationale reserves the right to modify:

• the regulations of the 38th MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY,
• the aspect of the course (see ART. 21),
• the place, the date and initial destination in case of forces beyond our control: weather, cataclysm, armed conflict, invasion in any form, hail, lock-out, pandemy, epidemic…

ART. 7: TECHNICAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND MEDICAL VERIFICATIONS

The checks will take place on 13 April 2024.

Each participant must present themselves to members of the organization, responsible for carrying out these verifications. He or she must imperatively have fulfilled his or her technical, administrative and medical obligations (see ART. 24, 25, 27 & 28) before departure. At the control point, an exact list of each participant's equipment must be established (i.e., compulsory items, personal belongings, food and caloric value, etc.).

Members of the organization are authorized at any time to check and supervise the participants' backpacks. Individual items of the participant's equipment as referred to in the above list is strictly personal. Any items missing from the list, whether thrown away, lost or stolen, shall be penalized. All participants are responsible for their own equipment and they must therefore inform the organization of any missing item, failing which penalties could be levied (see ART. 27 and 28). Any found objects that remain unclaimed after 24 hours shall be disposed of, except for valuable items.

During the race, none of the items in participant's backpack will be looked after by the organization.

ART. 8: IDENTIFICATION MARKS RESERVED BY THE ORGANIZATION

During the administrative and technical registration, the organization will provide each participant with:

• 2 breast plates bearing a number, approx. 18 cm x 16 cm
  • one above the navel
  • one for the back, to be attached to the backpack,
• A distress beacon SPOT
• ChronoTag

These ID marks must be worn by the participants throughout the race and positioned according to the organization’s indications, failing which penalties will be issued. The organization may carry out checks at any time. It is formally forbidden to cover the organization’s race numbers with any other lettering. Each participant must ensure his/her ID marking is clear, entirely visible, in good condition and in the proper place, under pain of penalty (see ART. 27 and 28). The organization will provide participants with spare tags in case of damage or loss. The distress beacon must be handed in at the end of the race. The loss of the distress beacon will incur a penalty of 100 euro (see ART. 27 and 28)

Each participant agrees to adhere strictly to this rule, subject to serious penalty in the case of violation (see ART. 27 and 28)

ART. 9: SPACE RESERVED FOR INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS

In addition to official ID markings, participants may use other available clothing space for individual sponsors e.g. T-shirts (apart from the chest area exclusively reserved for race number) shorts, socks, caps, backpacks, etc.

However, the organization reserves the right to prohibit sponsorship considered to be oversized or in direct competition with the organization’s partners or for any other reasons and which the organization does not have to justify. The race organizers will be very strict about where the ID is placed. Therefore, think carefully about where to position your advertising and publicity on your tee-shirts and backpacks.

ART. 10: STAGE START

Stage starts are grouped, except for:

• the 3, known as "long" stage, where the leaders of the general and women's classification will start in a second wave.

• for other stages according to the constraints of the organization, the last in the general ranking will start first.

Each participant must attend a briefing session with the race Direction before the stage starts.

Participants must imperatively start at the time indicated by the organization, subject to penalties (see ART. 28).

ART. 11: TIME BARRIERS

A maximum allowed time will be defined for each stage according to its physiognomy.

Check points (CP) closing times are indicated in the road book. Anyone who has not reached a checkpoint before the deadline will be disqualified (see ART. 27 & 28).

ART. 12: LONG STAGE

Stage 3, known as “long” stage - between 75 and 90km, to be held partly during the night and within a maximum authorized time.

From CP4 onwards, participants may set up bivouac where they like as long as they are on the route axis and clearly visible.

Headlamp turned on from 7 pm.

ART. 13: CHECK POINTS (CP)

CP are located throughout the course of each stage of the race. There are two to seven CP depending on the length of the race and each participant must go through them, if not penalties will be applied (see Art 27 and 28). This allows the organization to record times and distribute water (see ART.16). Medical assistance will be available at each CP.

The closing times for each CP will be indicated in the road book.

ART. 14: AT EACH ARRIVAL POST/BIVOUAC

On arrival, the water distribution point is mandatory.

The bivouacs will be pitched each day on previously chosen sites transformed into camping grounds for the participants; Tents numbered by 8 participants booked on their online account by country of residence and validated by the organization. Failure to adhere to these numbers will incur a penalty (see Art. 27 and 28).

Participants may use their free time to prepare for the night and get medical care, if necessary.

ART. 15: RANKING

Each participant's time is recorded in hours, minutes and seconds.

CATEGORY A: INDIVIDUAL

The daily race ranking is calculated by adding the time taken to run that stage of the race plus penalties, if applicable.

CATEGORY B: TEAM

Each team's time will correspond to the average time taken by its members, including penalties.

CATEGORIES A and B:

General ranking is calculated by adding together times for each stage of the race. Any claims must be made in writing at the race and handed over to the members of the organization (see Art. 27).

ART. 16: WATER SUPPLY

The organization takes charge of supplying water to each participant.

On each CP, participants can refill their bottle or water bag at the tanks provided. At the end of each stage, each participant is given 5 liters of water for the night and until the first CP of the next stage.

Each participant must manage his/her daily water needs according to the distribution of the CP and at no time will he/she be able to source by his/her own means.

For the sake of respect for the environment, on the bivouac, all the cans of 5 liters will be numbered and a penalty will be assigned to the one whose can has been found (see ART. 27 and 28).

Never leave without water. Should participant get lost in the desert, water reserves could be vital.

ART. 17: MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

A specially chosen medical team, specializing in sports and tropical medicine will be present throughout the race with the use of assistance vehicles. It will be posted at CP and at the finish line each day and will ensure that any participants who are suffering from physical or mental exhaustion are brought back to the base camp. The medical team is allowed to remove ID plates and to eliminate any participant they feel physically unfit to continue the race and/or having received vital medical care. (See ART.27 and 28).

ART. 18: NO FINISHERS/ELIMINATION

In no circumstances (and at the risk of having to pay the search costs involved) must any participant leave the race without informing the organization and signing an official discharge provided by AOI. If a participant abandons the race, he/she must notify the organization as soon as possible and give to the organization his/her identification marks.

A team which has more than 3 members and where one member drops out or is disqualified will result in the team receiving a one-hour penalty (see Articles 27 and 28).

In the case of a serious physical condition, repatriation may be arranged immediately.

If the participant's physical condition is satisfactory, he or she shall be taken to Ouarzazate within 48 hours maximum, after signing an official disclaimer supplied by AOI. While awaiting transferral to Ouarzazate, the participant shall automatically be taken care of and must hand over his or her food to the organization.

In Ouarzazate, the organization will give the participant his or her personal bag and provide assistance to reserve a hotel if necessary. Accommodation and food shall be paid for by the participant.

A doctor will be available for consultations and referral to hospital or a nurse for treatment.

ART. 19: GROUND ASSISTANCE

The organization reminds all participants that the 38th MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY is a race through the Sahara where climatic and ground conditions can be extreme. Any outside assistance is strictly prohibited. Replenishment during the race shall incur a minimum penalty of 3 hours and possibly exclusion. If a participant goes far off the race route, necessitating a lengthy search, he or she will be excluded from the race and pay a € 200 fine (see ART. 27 and 28).

ART. 20: INSURANCE

An insurance policy covering medical evacuation is arranged by the organization for all participants.

The policy covers the following:

GUARANTEE TABLE

* by 1st class train or economy class airliner

All participants take part in the full knowledge of the risks that may be incurred in this kind of competition. Since participants participate of their own free will, the organization is not responsible for any incident or accident.

Participants are strongly advised to take out their own accident and death insurance.

ART. 21: WEATHER AND TERRAIN CONDITIONS

Average temperature in April:

• daytime 30° C - night time 14° C.

Temperatures are indicative and may vary, up to 50° C. 
The route (approx. 250 kms) covers a wide variety of terrain. In the event of sand storm lowering visibility to zero, participants must stop in their tracks and wait for instructions by the organizers.

ART. 22: MARKINGS

The participants in the 38th MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY must follow the route as marked by the organizers, failing which penalties may be applied according to the particular stage. 

For each stage, the course will be marked approximately every 200 meters with retro reflective night lighting.

ART. 23: ROAD BOOK

A road book will be compiled from the survey reconnaissance missions. The exact course will remain secret and will only be revealed at the time of distributing the road books during the transfer to the bivouac. It will include various items of interest on the stages, support, etc.

Participants shall be penalized if they do not have their road book during the race (see ART. 28). Each morning a briefing will be held relating to that day's stage by the organisers in French and in English.

ART. 24: COMPULSORY EQUIPMENT FOR PARTICIPANTS

All of the obligatory equipment and personal belongings for each participant (food, survival equipment and Marathon kit, waist pouch...) should weigh between 6.5 kg and 15 kg. This minimum/maximum weight does not include the daily water supply of the participant.

Each participant will have to fulfil the above obligations during the administrative and technical checks in Morocco (see ART. 27 and 28).

Random spot checks may be carried out at any time during the event on any participant with no justification required.

Food:

Each participant must provide his/her own food from April 12th evening to April 20th lunch included. He/she must select the type of food best suited to his/her personal needs, health, weather conditions, weight and backpack conditions. 

Between April 14th and 20th, during timed stages, each participant must have 14,000 k/calories, that is to say a minimum of 2,000 k/calories per day, otherwise he/she will be penalized (see ART. 27 and 28). Any food out of its original packaging must be equipped, legibly, of the nutrition label shown on the product concerned. Any food out its original packaging must be equipped, legibly, of the nutrition label shown on the product concerned. The first 4 meals will not be subject to inspection.

Gas stoves are strictly forbidden.

Mandatory equipment:

• a backpack WAA ULTRA BAG 20L or equivalent,
• a minimum capacity of 1.5 litre of water (gourd, water bag, etc.),
• a sleeping bag,
• a head torch and a complete set of spare batteries or spare batteries with external/solar charger,
• 10 safety pins,
• a compass, with 1° or 2° precision,
• a lighter,
• a whistle,
• a knife with metal blade,
• a tropical disinfectant,
• a signalling mirror,
• an aluminium survival sheet,
• 14 cubes of broth (2 per running day). The use of these cubes effectively replaces salt tablets,
• a tube of sun cream of 50 ml minimum,
• 200 euro or 2,000 dirhams,
• the passport or for Moroccan residents, identity card valid at least until the end of the stay in Morocco. BUT for security reasons, it is strongly recommended to have a passport valid at least one month later; failing this, AOI declines any responsibility in case of problem,
• the original medical certificate provided by AOI, filled in and signed by the doctor,
• the original ECG and its tracing.

Marathon Kit:

It is supplied by the organisation and will include the following:

• a road book issued during the transfer to the bivouac,
• Identification marks (see list ART.8),

This Marathon kit will be issued during the technical and administrative checks in Morocco. The distress beacon must be given back to the organization at the finish line.

ART. 25: REGISTRATION, ENTRY FEES AND ADMINISTRATIVE OBLIGATIONS

CATEGORY A: INDIVIDUAL - 3,540 euro

OPTION 1 : Without flight

Valid for all except residents of the UK, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and the British Isles.

The total cost of the entry fee includes:

• bus transfers,
• catering,
• bivouac,
• hotel accommodation (2 days half board),
• water throughout the race,
• repatriation insurance (see Art. 20),
• technical support,
• medical assistance,
• air and ground support,
• marathon kit,
• medal for “Finishers”,
• tee-shirt,
• award ceremony and gala evening,
• certificate for “Finishers” (downloadable 3 months after the race),
• official film of the race (downloadable 3 months after the race).

OPTION 2 : With flight from London - € 5,280/person

Valid only for residents of the UK, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and the British Isles.

The total cost of the entry fee includes:

• air transport London/Morocco/London,
• bus transfers,
• catering,
• bivouac,
• hotel accommodation (2 days half board), with superior benefits,
• water throughout the race,
• repatriation insurance (see Art. 20),
• technical support,
• medical assistance,
• air and ground support,
• marathon kit,
• medal for “Finishers”,
• tee-shirt,
• award ceremony and gala evening, 
• certificate for “Finishers” (downloadable 3 months after the race),
• official film of the race (downloadable 3 months after the race).

OPTION 3 : Without flight - € 4,680/person

Valid only for residents of the UK, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and the British Isles.

The total cost of the entry fee includes:

• bus transfers,
• catering,
• bivouac,
• hotel accommodation (2 days half board), with superior benefits,
• water throughout the race,
• repatriation insurance (see Art. 20),
• technical support,
• medical assistance,
• air and ground support,
• marathon kit,
• medal for “Finishers”,
• tee-shirt,
• award ceremony and gala evening, 
• certificate for “Finishers” (downloadable 3 months after the race),
• official film of the race (downloadable 3 months after the race).
   

CATEGORY B: TEAM, per person 3,640 euro (Price for resident other than French)

Participants who wish to set up an official team to be part of the team ranking system must pay the registration fee plus 100 euro.

The entry fee covers the same services and obligations as for CATEGORY A, and also:

• mention of the team in the press pack,
• the team's official ranking,
• official ranking of each member of the team.

The name of the team and its members must be given at the time of registering.

ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS AND TEAMS

Given that the total number of participants is limited, the organization will only accept applications by order of registration and depending on places available.

The organization reserves the right to organize, in addition to the prices indicated above, preferential rates or exceptional promotions to enable participants to benefit from special rates during a given period.

The prices indicated in the present regulations are expressed in Euros, inclusive of all taxes, at the rate in force on the day of your registration. 

Registration fees can be paid as follows:

1. PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Payment in 1 instalment by credit card:

The total amount of the chosen offer is paid by credit card at the time of registration.

Payment in 2, 3, 4 or 5 instalments by credit card:

When registering, select the 2x or 3x free of charge method by credit card, the amount is then calculated automatically and debited automatically every month on the anniversary date for 2 or 3 months, depending on the method selected - the last debit to be made no later than 30 days before the start of the event.

Payment in 4x and 5x by credit card is only available for registrations made before a certain date. Direct debits are made automatically every month on the anniversary date.

2. WAITING LIST

If the number of seats for the 2024 edition is reached, the organization will set up a waiting list on the registration site AND will disseminate this information. This will require the participant to have created an account and made at least one payment. It will not be systematically implemented, this will depend in particular on the closing date of registrations.

Participants featuring on this list have two possible options:

1. If a place on the 2024 edition becomes free, his or her participation shall be validated, provided the conditions for definitive registration are complied with (see ART. 25 of the race regulations)

2. If no places become free on the 2024 edition, the application will be postponed with a priority to MDS 2025 following the conditions of the 2024 edition. 

In order to feature on this waiting list, participants must:

• Create an account on the online applications page
• Validate and make the first installment: payment by credit card or payment by bank transfer within 8 days.

3. IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING APPLICATIONS

By registering for the event, the participant acquires the status of "sympathetic member" of the association Solidarité MARATHON DES SABLES (SMDS). His/her financial contribution in support of the association SMDS will be deducted by the MDS from the amount of his/her registration and will be returned to SMDS.

All late payments shall be subject to a surcharge of €150.

All payments should be made to ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION Internationale. For bank transfers, any bank charges shall be at the payer's expense.

The organization reserves the right to refuse a participant's application without giving any reason.

In case of cancellation, participants partially or fully registered on the current edition may not be replaced by another individual. Applications are name-specific.

ADMINISTRATIVE FILE

Mandatory documents to transfer to the organization via the MDS online applications system:

• All information regarding the participant's identity, contact details, etc.,
• photocopy of current valid passport, in .jpeg or .png format. It must be valid at least until the end of the stay in Morocco. BUT for security reasons, it is strongly recommended to have a passport valid at least one month later; failing this, AOI declines all responsibility,
• 1 ID photo (3,5 cm wide and 4 cm high) in .jpeg or png format,
• In case of long-term treatment for chronic illness, a letter addressed to the Medical Manager, sent by post to:
  AOI - 3 route de Verrières - ZA LES GREVOTTES - 10450 BREVIANDES - FRANCE or by email to inscription@marathondessables.com,
• Hotel form.,
• Press form.

MEDICAL FILE

The organization’s medical certificate (to download from your online account from March 11th 2024) and the resting electrocardiogram (ECG) report plus graph, dated less than 30 days before the start of the race, i.e. from March 12th 2024, are to be presented during the administrative, technical and medical checks on 13th of April 2024. Only the original documents, dated and signed, will be accepted (unvalid photocopy). Failure to present these documents will incur penalties (see ART.27 et 28). The signature and the stamp of the doctor must be applied on them.

The electrocardiogram of effort is advised for participants over 40 years. It is not compulsory and does not replace the ECG at rest and its plan. This can be joined to the medical certificate and presented in Morocco.

ART. 26: FORFEITURE CANCELLATIONS

26.1 : General condition

Enrollment cancellations and requests for refunds must be made in writing by registered post in order to avoid any misunderstanding.

Cancellation refunds will be made on the following basis:

• Up to and including July 31, 2023, participants are entitled to a full refund.
• Deposit of 600 euro will be retained for processing fee in the event of cancellation between August 1st and September 30th, 2023.
• 20% of the full enrolment fee will be retained by the organization in the event of cancellation between 01/10/2023 and 31/10/2023.
• 40% of the full enrolment fee will be retained by the organization in the event of cancellation between 01/11/2023 and 30/11/2023.
• 50% of the full enrolment fee will be retained by the organization in the event of cancellation between 01/12/2023 and 31/12/2023.
• 60% of the full enrolment fee will be retained by the organization in the event of cancellation between 01/01/2024 and 31/01/2024.

Beyond 31/01/2024 midnight no request for reimbursement will be honored.
It is specified that the Competitor has no right of withdrawal in accordance with Article L.221-28 of the French Consumer Code.

Important: regarding cancellation insurance, we remind you that any cancellation of participation is a case of force majeure and that it is therefore strongly advised to take out a policy.
In the event of cancellation of your registration, AOI will not be able to take your claim into account, whatever the reason. Refunds will be made according to the established scale (see Art. 26 of the race regulations).

26.2 : Condition for the postponement of registration

It is possible to carry over a registration from the MDS 2024 to the MDS 2025 edition, according to the following schedule and conditions:

• Up to January 31, 2024, deferral to the next edition possible without charge.
• From February 01 to February 29, 2024, included: €600 fee for a deferral.
• From March 1, 2024: no deferral possible.

Requests for postponements must be made by e-mail with acknowledgement of receipt to inscription@marathondessables.com. 

If the registration is postponed or transferred to a more expensive offer, the participant must pay the difference in price. In the opposite case, the organization will not refund the difference.

26.2 : Condition for the postponement of registration

In case of cancellation by the participant of a postponed registration, the cancellation refund schedule will be as follows:

Requests for postponements must be made by e-mail at inscription@marathondessables.com. The date of reception of the e-mail will be used for the calculation of the cancellation fee for a postponed registration and consequently for the amount that can be refunded by the Organizer.

Finally, it is not possible to postpone an already postponed registration. Only one postponement per participant of his or her initial registration is allowed.

ART. 27: MISCONDUCT AND PENALTIES

Administrative process

Any participant whose information is incomplete in the online applications process on 15/12/2023 will incur a 30-minute penalty (see ART. 28). After 15/01/2024, the application of participants who have still not provided complete information will be cancelled (see ART.26, ART.28).

Technical and administrative checks

If a participant is more than 30 minutes late for these checks on 12 April he/she will be penalized by the length of time of his/her lateness.

If a participant does not submit proof of having all his/her mandatory equipment, he/she will be penalized or disqualified.

Failure to respect the minimum or maximum weight of equipment will also result in a penalty (see ART. 28).

Medical file

At the medical check-ups in Morocco on 13 April 2024, participants must present the organization’s medical certificate and his or her resting electrocardiogram with tracing. These 2 documents must be signed and dated at least 30 days before the start of the race, i.e. from 12 March 2024.

If these documents are not completed and signed correctly, they will not be accepted. However, such participants shall be able to participate after an examination by the organizations’ doctors and subject to their approval. Each of these documents can be produced in the bivouac for a fixed penalty of 200 euro to be paid in cash on the spot.

A penalty of one hour per missing document shall be applied too (see ART. 28).

List of personal belongings

Participants abandoning one or several elements of his or her personal equipment should inform a bivouac marshall.

Participants who cannot justify at any check point the absence of any personal item will be severely penalized (see ART. 28).

Food

14,000 compulsory k/calories. When spot-checks are made, any participant unable to present and justify the minimum 2,000 k/calories per day during the race will receive a 2 hours penalty (see ART. 28).

ID markings

In the event of loss or damage to ID markings, members of the organization must be informed immediately, or a penalty will be applied.

Participants failing to wear their ID marking may risk disqualification from the race (see ART. 8, 9 and 28).

The loss of distress beacon will incur a penalty of 100 euro (see ART. 28).

Tampering with ID markings will result in the participant's immediate disqualification (see ART. 28).

Start of race

Participants who fail to be present at the starting line when each stage begins will be penalized by the time equivalent to the delay. Exceeding 30 minutes, the participant will be disqualified, and his/her ID markings will be handed over to the members of the organization (see ART. 28).

At the non-stop stage, if the start order is not respected, a three-hours penalty will be given.

Check posts/Time-checking

At each stage the finish line, and on the route, time-checking is obligatory at the CP and is the responsibility of the participant. The first infraction will result in a one-hour penalty, the second infraction a two-hours penalty and the third time elimination from the race (see ART. 28).

Maximum authorized time

Any participant who exceeds the maximum authorized time for each stage shall be disqualified and must return his/her bib to the steward. Any participant who arrives at a CP after the deadline shall be disqualified (see ART. 28).

Distress beacon/Torch/Luminous signal sticks/Bibs number

The following penalties apply during the stages (see ART. 28):

• 1 hour for the use of a distress beacon without a valid reason,
• 30 minutes for a headlamp not turned on after 7 pm,
• 30 minutes for lack of luminous signal sticks after 7 pm.
• 30 minutes for number bibs not visible.

Withdrawal / Elimination

Any participant withdrawing from the race must notify an organization official as soon as possible.

Withdrawal by one team member in a team of more than 3 members will result in a one-hour penalty for that team, provided of course that at least 3 people remain in the race (see ART. 28).

Doping

Any use of illicit drugs by a participant noted by the medical team will result in the elimination of that person from the race (see ART. 28).

Behavior

Any inappropriate or harmful behavior may incur serious penalties (see ART. 28).

Mobile phones must not be used in the bivouac or at the CPs (see ART. 28).

Land and medical assistance

Any form of outside assistance is strictly forbidden.

Fraudulent outside assistance supplying food or drink to a participant shall incur a penalty ranging from three hours to expulsion from the race. Any long searches brought about by excessive deviation from the route will lead to exclusion from the race and a € 200 fine (see ART. 28).

The use of transportation, either with 2 or 4 wheels will result in elimination from the race.

The receiving of extra water in particular instances (due to lack, loss or leaking bottle), and with the agreement of the members of the organization, will result in a 30 minutes penalty the first time, one hour the second time and disqualification from the race on the third occasion.

Vital medical assistance (i.e. rehydration, plaster cast etc.) will result in a two hours penalty the first time, and elimination from the race on the second occasion.

Water and environment

Any water container found on the bivouac will incur a penalty (see ART. 28). The throwing away of any food packaging or other items on the race route is strictly forbidden and will be penalized (see ART. 28).

Bivouac

Tents are numbered and attributed by country of residence.

Competitors must, without fail, stay in the tents reserved for them. Failure to adhere to the numbers attributed will incur a penalty (see ART. 28).

Complaints

All complaints from participants must be addressed to the Race Direction in writing:

• During the race, it should be handed over to the members of the organization on the bivouac of participants. Replies issued within 24 hours.
• After the race, on 21 April, at Ouarzazate, to the participants information point (see road-book)
• After 21 April and until 5 May, to AOI - 3 route de Verrières - ZA LES GREVOTTES - 10450 BREVIANDES - FRANCE or by email: contact@marathondessables.com

ART. 28: SUMMARY TABLE OF PENALTIES

ART. 29: PHOTO COVERAGE

ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE reserves all exclusive rights for photo coverage of the 38th MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY. Participants must agree that ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE may have exclusive use their identity and individual or collective pictures for anything related directly or indirectly to their participation in the MARATHON DES SABLES. Any still camera, video or movie coverage done during the MARATHON DES SABLES cannot be used by participants, their entourage or trainers for any use other than personal, unless by prior authorization or accreditation from ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE. As a result, any book or film (short, feature) project must obtain ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE 's prior authorization. Email: news@marathondessables.com

ART. 30: PRIZE LIST