38TH MARATHON DES SABLES – THE NEW FEATURES

Since its birth in 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has evolved while remaining firmly rooted in its values – tough challenge, sharing, safety, respect and solidarity. These developments have always been part of a process of continuous improvement, and also the need to stick to the times, with for example an ever greater concern for ecology. In 2024, three main new features will be implemented; it is also an opportunity to take stock of the registration fee for the 38th edition.

NEW FEATURE N°1

The 38th MARATHON DES SABLES will take place over 5 stages instead of 6 previously, and the Solidarity stage will now be integrated into the Marathon stage. This will allow us to offer a more substantial solidarity program, facilitating the raising of much larger sums for the association Solidarité MARATHON DES SABLES. And of course, all the participants who support an association will also be able to benefit from this better exposure. At the end of this Marathon stage, each participant will be able to celebrate the end of their MARATHON DES SABLES on the finish line, just after obtaining their medal.

The total distance, around 250 km, does not change, and this will only slightly change the distance of each stage:

• Stage 1 from 28 to 35 km

• Stage 2 from 28 to 39 km

• Stage 3 from 28 to 39 km

• Stage 4 (The Long One) from 75 to 85 km (over 2 days)

• Stage 5 (Marathon Stage) of 42.195 km

NEW FEATURE N°2

Food self-sufficiency will start on the 38th MARATHON DES SABLES as soon as you arrive in the desert. You will be able to test your racing diet, and reduce the health risks highlighted by the medical staff. Starting meals in tents from day one and getting used to essential health practices (hand washing, gel, etc.) means putting the odds on your side to live your adventure to the best of your ability!

As a reminder, the MARATHON DES SABLES is contested in food self-sufficiency: only water, in limited quantities but sufficient to cover the needs of an athlete evolving in the desert, is provided to you each day. You must take along for your entire stay in the desert everything you need to eat and prepare to eat (freeze-dried meals, semolina, cereal bars, stove, etc.).

NEW FEATURE N°3

In order to offer you more flexibility, and to reduce the carbon footprint of the event, we will charter fewer planes than in previous years. We will therefore offer you 400 places departing from Paris, and 200 departing from London. As usual, we will of course take you from OUARZAZATE airport to the first bivouac, in the heart of the desert. And for those who wish, free shuttles will be set up from MARRAKECH to allow you to easily reach OUARZAZATE. You will thus have the possibility of anticipating or extending your stay, or of being joined by your family, much more simply than before. More flexibility for you, less carbon footprint for the event: let's move forward together in the right direction!

RATES 2024

In the history of the MARATHON DES SABLES, many crisis have affected the organization and endangered the sustainability of the event. The Covid-19 crisis is not the least, and yet, since 2018, our rates have only increased by €90 (for an individual participant taking our planes from Paris). At the same time, the costs related to the organization of the event exploded (transport, equipment, security, etc.). The increase between the 37th and 38th editions therefore acts as a rebalancing to ensure the future of the legendary desert event. And that’s without counting on the novelties, like this famous gala evening which will close the event in style! We are fully aware that this registration fee can make it difficult for some people to participate, and we will do everything to help you make your dream come true (payment in several times, advices in your sponsorship process, etc.).

All these details are available on our website, do not hesitate to consult them. And to be sure to benefit from our offers including air transport from Paris or London, don't miss the appointment on June 30!