The adventure of a lifetime
THE ADVENTURE
Since 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has thrilled adventure enthusiasts by crossing some of the world’s most breathtaking deserts. With over 60 editions across the globe, from the Moroccan Sahara to the volcanic landscapes of Fuerteventura, through the Peruvian dunes and the Jordanian canyons, the event offers an unforgettable experience blending running, hiking, encounters, and exploration.
Today, the MDS comes in 7 concepts across 7 different countries, designed to suit all desires and all levels, whether you are an experienced runner, an amateur hiker, or simply looking for an extraordinary challenge.
There is undoubtedly an adventure made for you.
UPCOMING EVENTS
AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
OUR FORMATS
MDS Legendary
In 2026, the MARATHON DES SABLES Legendary will celebrate its 40th edition. Since 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has been the world benchmark for self-sufficient ultra-endurance. 250 km across the Moroccan Sahara, in 6 stages, carrying your own gear, running or walking. Harder, longer, more intense.
A legendary race, a physical challenge, a unique human adventure, supported by exceptional organization and participants from over 60 countries.
The program: 11 days in Morocco, including 9 in the desert, covering approximately 250 km over 6 stages.
MDS Ultra – The Desert Non-Stop
100 miles or 100 km non-stop in the Moroccan Sahara, self-supported, without bivouac.
MDS Ultra captures the essence of the MARATHON DES SABLES: endurance, self-sufficiency, and pushing your limits, all concentrated in a single unique challenge.
100 km or 100 miles in under 40 hours, at your own pace, on a fast but demanding course. Three life bases, regular checkpoints, following the tracks of MDS Legendary.
No tent, no 8 kg backpack, no compass. Just you, the desert, and a pure challenge.
Starting in 2026, a brand-new Mixed Duo ranking: one man + one woman, a shared goal, two performances combined.
The MDS spirit at its most intense.
MDS 120 – The Accessible and Inspiring Desert
The MDS 120 is the perfect entry point into the world of the MARATHON DES SABLES.
Three distances to choose from: 70, 100, or 120 km over 3 stages, self-supported, designed to explore the desert, push your limits, test your gear, and experience a powerful adventure in a progressive and supportive environment.
A shorter format but just as intense, with a flexible long stage during the second day of the adventure. The MDS 120 also takes place in unique destinations such as the Moroccan Sahara, Wadi Rum in Jordan, the Canary Islands, Cappadocia, or the Ica Desert in Peru.
An MDS 120 is a complete human adventure. For some, it’s a stepping stone toward the Legendary. For others, it’s the race of a lifetime to savor for what it is: challenging, human, and unforgettable.
MDS Raid – Adventure in Its Rawest Form
The MDS Raid takes the MARATHON DES SABLES experience even further: a duo adventure, intense, wild, and self-supported, for those who want to experience the desert differently.
90 to 110 km over 2 days, with one night under the stars, without a tent. Minimal markings, GPS navigation required, and checkpoints reduced to the essentials. Here, each pair shares everything: effort, doubts, silence, and victories.
A more technical, freer, and rawer format. We recommend participants already have desert experience.
The MDS Raid is more than a challenge. It’s an immersive adventure for two, a rare experience, and a deep connection.
MDS Trek – Experiencing the Desert Differently
The MDS Trek opens the world of the MARATHON DES SABLES to everyone who wants to experience the desert in a different way. No need to be a runner: just love walking, sharing, and marveling at the surroundings.
4 to 5 stages, covering 70 to 120 km, on the most beautiful MDS routes, either in a group or at your own pace.
No self-sufficiency required: meals provided, simple but real comfort, two-person tents, showers, hot water, and light logistics.
An accessible, human, and inclusive adventure, combining encounters, talks, memorable moments, and gentle desert exploration.
The MDS Trek embodies the MDS spirit, without the clock. A unique and unforgettable experience.
Handi MDS – Making the Impossible Possible
The desert in a wheelchair? Yes, it’s possible.
MDS Handi pushes all limits: a collective, committed, and deeply human adventure, taking place alongside the MDS 120 Morocco.
One team, one wheelchair, one mission.
Each Handi team consists of 4 people: 1 participant, 2 assistants (to pull/push), and 1 substitute. 70 km across the desert, self-supported, following the same route as the MDS 120 Morocco participants.
An inclusive adventure with no compromise on sport: adapted bivouac, enhanced safety, and dedicated medical support.
MDS Handi doesn’t just break boundaries. It transforms lives.
MDS Crazy Loops
MDS Crazy Loops is the most festive and inclusive format in the MDS world. 24 hours of loops in the mountains, solo or in teams, at each participant’s own pace. Run, walk, stop, start again… freely.
Organized in accessible stations, it’s a 3-day adventure with bivouac, music, atmosphere… and zero pressure.
The challenge? Complete as many loops as you want, one or forty.
Inclusion at the heart of the effort: all-terrain wheelchair teams are the true heroes of the Crazy Loops. Each chair is pushed and pulled by a supportive team. The goal? Show that disability is not a limitation, but a shared strength. During Crazy Loops, teamwork matters more than the clock.
The bivouac is the beating heart of the event, a place for exchange and celebration, open to everyone: run, walk, dance, laugh.
MDS Crazy Loops is more than a race. It’s a celebration of solidarity and inclusion, in the mountains just steps from home.
THE ADVENTURE AT YOUR OWN PACE
With its 7 unique formats, the event allows everyone to experience an extraordinary adventure, whatever their level or goals.
Whether you are a runner or a walker, you’ll find your ideal format:
- Total freedom: run or walk, whatever distance you choose.
- Wide time limits, with a minimum speed of 3.5 km/h.
- Average pace observed: 5.5 km/h.
- Average age of participants: 42 years.
An adventure at your own pace: whether you aim for the rankings or prefer to savor every moment walking, everything is possible.
Inclusion at the heart of MDS
The MARATHON DES SABLES is committed to making its events accessible to athletes with disabilities. Specific accommodations, dedicated support, and adapted logistics allow everyone, including para-athletes or participants with an assistant, to fully experience this unique adventure.
DISCOVER UNIQUE LOCATIONS
BIVOUAC
The MDS bivouac is much more than just a place to sleep: it’s a space for rest, meals, and socializing among participants, where unforgettable moments are created.
- MDS Legendary: participants sleep in traditional Berber tents accommodating up to 8 people.
- MDS 120, Raid Namibia, and Crazy Loops: the bivouac is organized into clusters of 6 individual tents provided by the organization.
- MDS Trek: the bivouac is different, offering higher comfort. Participants share double tents with separate mattresses and benefit from additional facilities, such as a bivouac restaurant and showers (bucket cabins), for a more comfortable stay than in other adventures.
- Handi teams: on their adventures, specially adapted tents are provided to meet their specific needs, ensuring comfort and accessibility.
FOOD AND WATER
- MDS Trek: the organization provides breakfast and dinner, as well as a packed lunch for stage days.
- MDS Legendary, MDS 120, Raid Namibia, and Crazy Loops: these adventures are self-sufficient in food. Participants must carry their own meals for the entire event (3 to 9 days depending on the format).
You can plan your ideal menu with freeze-dried meals, savory snacks, applesauce, soups, cereal bars, energy gels, or other sources of energy. In all formats, water supply is fully managed by the organization to meet all needs throughout the adventure.
In all formats, water supply is fully managed by the organization to meet all needs throughout the adventure.
THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME
MDS in the press
Equip yourself for the MDS
WAA Ultra has been developing specialized products for MDS participants since 2009.