Marathon des sables

The race

The MARATHON DES SABLES 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/herown backpack containing food, sleeping gear and other material.

1st day: Departure for Morocco*, arrival, transfer bivouac.
2nd day: Administrative, medical and technical formalities.
from 3rd to 8th day: The race with food self sufficiency.
9th day: Timed Solidary stage with food self sufficiency
10th day: Free day, Ouarzazate
11th day: Return to France.*

*Competitors not using the Paris flight may have to arrive a day earlier

and return a day later depending on flight connections.

THE MARATHON DES SABLES KEY FIGURES

Over 22 000 competitors since 1986

• 30 % repeat competitors
• 70 % international
• 30 % French
• 20 % women
• 45 % veterans
• 30 % in teams of three or more
• 10 % walkers
• 90 % alternate walking and running
• 14 km/hr: average maximum speed
• 3 km/hr: average minimum speed
• Age of youngest competitor: 16
• Age of oldest competitor: 83

ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION 35 years caring for our needs

• 140 volunteers on the course itself,
• 450 support staff overall,
• 162 000 liters of mineral water,
• 515 berber and saharan tents,
• 140 all-terrain vehicles,
• 2 “Ecureuil” helicopter
• 8 “MDS special” commercial planes,
• 25 buses,
• 2 camels,
• 1 incinerator lorry for burning waste,
• 5 quads to ensure environment and safety on race,
• 60 medical staff,
• 6.5 kms of Elastoplast, 2 700 Compeed, 19 000 compresses,
• 6 000 painkillers, 150 liters of disinfectant,
• 1 editing bus, 5 cameras, 1 satellite image station,
• 10 satellite telephones, 30 computers, fax and internet,
• A touch of madness...

Patrick BAUER / Race Director