The contenders for the women's podium of the 37th MARATHON DES SABLES

Ragna DEBATS (NLD - 44 years old)

The Dutchwoman had dominated the race in 2019; for her second participation, she is favourite in this 37th edition. Everywhere she goes, she wins or climbs on the podium, sticking with the best men.

Maryline NAKACHE (FRA - 38 years old)

It's quite simple: since 2017, Maryline has won every other race she took part in, preferably 45 to 100 km trail runs. She won the Paris EcoTrail in 2022. First MDS.

Manuela SOCCOL (BEL - 34 years old)

In terms of ratio, it is difficult to do better: 6 victories in 6 ultra events for Manuela in 3 years. Even better: two victories in the scratch classification (men/women combined) in 2022! Not to mention that the Belgian represented her country at the 2016 Olympic Games in the marathon, and distinguished herself in the 10,000m and 20km. First MDS.

Tomomi BITOH (JAP - 32 years old)

In 2021, for her first event outside of Japan, Tomomi had shone at the MDS, finishing second in this particularly difficult edition. A very dynamic and expressive sports coach, she made a strong impression on the bivouac.

Aziza EL AMRANY (MAR – 33 years old)

For her first participation in the MDS, Aziza finished in third place in 2022. This Moroccan runner in the making could well take over from her compatriots Touda DIDI and Aziza RAJI in the coming years.

Gemma GAME (GBR - 43 years old)

Third in the MDS in 2018 and 2019, she had also been 4th in 2015. Gemma is coming back and has a strong chance to enter the Top 10 again.

Elise DELANNOY (FRA - 38 years old)

Ten years of activity in the world of ultra-endurance, and countless victories and podiums for Elise, who particularly enjoys 50 to 100 km trail races. Eighteenth in 2016, she is back with a lot more experience.

Corina SOMMER (CHE - 49 years old)

Not much experience for this Zurich woman who revealed herself last year, notably with a 3rd place in the ‘Istria by UTMB’ race. First MDS.

Jodie MOSS (GBR - 32 years old)

After an 8th place on the 34th MDS for her first participation, Jodie is back with the desire to do even better.

Ester Sofia ALVES (PRT - 42 years old)

A decade of experience in ultra events for this Portuguese runner who will be lining up in her second MDS (she finished 10th in 2017).

Brunilde GIRARDET (FRA – 34 years old)

An engineer in Toulouse, Brunilde spends a lot of time running in the mountains, with very good results since 2015. This will be her first MARATHON DES SABLES, a different event from the ones she usually participates in, but one she is preparing very seriously.

Maria SEMERJIAN (FRA - 48 years old)

Maria is a very experienced athlete who has been running in the mountains for over 13 years! She has shone in many events and remains competitive today (3rd in the ‘Swiss Alps 100 miles’ in 2022).