MARATHON DES SABLES LEGENDARY 40TH EDITION RACE REGULATION 2026

ART. 1: ORGANISATION

ART. 2: DEFINITION OF THE COMPETITION

ART. 3: GENERAL CONDITIONS

ART. 4: CONDITIONS OF ADMISSION FOR PARTICIPANTS

ART. 5: CATEGORIES OF PARTICIPANTS

ART. 6: PROGRAM OF THE RACE

ART. 7: TECHNICAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND MEDICAL VERIFICATIONS

ART. 8: IDENTIFICATION MARKS RESERVED BY THE ORGANIZATION

ART. 9: SPACE RESERVED FOR INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS

ART. 10: STAGE START

ART. 11: STAGES 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6

ART. 12: LONG STAGE – STAGE 4

ART. 13: CHECK POINTS

ART. 14: AT EACH ARRIVAL POST/BIVOUAC

ART. 15: RANKING

ART. 16: WATER SUPPLY

ART. 17: MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

ART. 18: DROPPING OUT/ELIMINATION

ART. 19: GROUND ASSISTANCE

ART. 20: INSURANCE

ART. 21: WEATHER AND TERRAIN CONDITIONS

ART. 22: MARKINGS

ART. 23: ROAD BOOK

ART. 24: COMPULSORY EQUIPMENT FOR PARTICIPANTS

ART. 25: REGISTRATION, ENTRY FEES AND ADMINISTRATIVE OBLIGATIONS

ART. 26: FORFEITURE CANCELLATIONS – POSTPONEMENT OF REGISTRATION

ART. 27: MISCONDUCT AND PENALTIES

ART. 28: SUMMARY TABLE OF PENALTIES

ART. 29: PHOTO COVERAGE

ART. 30: PRIZE LIST

The MARATHON DES SABLES Legendary 40th edition is organized by ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE (“AOI”) and will take place from the 03rd to the 13th of April 2026 in southern Morocco. This 40th annual event will take place under the aegis of the MOROCCAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM and will bring around 1 200 to 1500 participants.

The MARATHON DES SABLES Legendary 40th edition 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 their own backpack containing food, sleeping gear and other materials.

The MARATHON DES SABLES Legendary 40th edition 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 and Conditions of Sale may be viewed on the institutional website and on the registration website 

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

Minors are not authorized to participate in the MARATHON DES SABLES Legendary 40th edition.

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

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:

• Male,
• Female,
• Men's Veteran / Master Rankings -> Available soon
• Women's Veteran / Master Rankings -> Available soon

Classification is based on the year of birth.

CATEGORY B: TEAM PARTICIPATION

A team is made up of at least three runners. A team must be formed before arriving on site by entering the same team name on each member's individual account. 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.

Day 1 – April 3rd , 2026: ransfer by bus in the  desert, installation and night at the bivouac
Day 2 – April 4th , 2026: Technical, administrative and medical checks. Night at the bivouac.
Day 3 – April 5th , 2026: First stage, night at the bivouac.
Day 4 – April 06th , 2026: Second stage, night at the bivouac.
Day 5– April 07th , 2026: Third stage,night at the bivouac.
Day 6&7 – April 8th and 9th , 2026: Fourth stage - “the long one” - which lasts 2 days. . Night at the bivouac.
Day 8 – April 10th , 2026: Fifth stage, night at the bivouac.
Day 9 – April 11th , 2026: Sixth stage, medal ceremony. Transfer by bus to Ouarzazate, night at the hotel with half board accommodation.
Day 10 – April 12th , 2026: Free day in Ouarzazate, awards ceremony, gala evening, night at the hotel with half board accommodation.
Day 11 – April 13th , 2026: End of the adventure, transfer back to the airport.

ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION Internationale reserves the right to modify:

• the regulations of the MARATHON DES SABLES Legendary 40th edition,
• 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

The checks will take place on April 4th , 2026.

Participants must present themselves to the race administrators and medical team responsible for carrying out these verifications. They must have fulfilled their technical, administrative and medical obligations (see ART. 24, 25, 27 & 28) before departure. At this checkpoint, a detailed list of the participant's equipment will be established, including mandatory gear, personal belongings, food, and caloric value, etc.. The race stewards 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 are strictly personal. Any items missing from the list, whether thrown away, lost or stolen, shall be penalized. All competitors are responsible for their own equipment, and they must therefore notify the organization of any missing item, failing which penalties may be imposed (see ART. 27 and 28). Any found items that remain unclaimed after 24 hours shall be disposed of, except for phones, cameras and batteries. Each competitor is responsible for their own equipment.

During the race, the organization will not be responsible for any items in your backpack.

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 GPS beacon

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 race stewards 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 their 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 competitors with spare tags in case of damage or loss. The GPS beacon must be handed in at the end of the race. The loss of the 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).

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 your ID is placed. Therefore, think carefully about where to position your advertising and publicity on your tee-shirts and backpacks.

Stage starts are grouped, except for:

• the 4, “long” stage, where the leaders of the general and women's classifications will start around 3 hours after the 1st start.
• the 5, “marathon stage”, where the last on the list will be the first to leave.

Each competitor must attend a briefing session with the race Director before the stage starts.

Participants must start at the time indicated by the organization, or they may incur penalties (see ART. 28).

NB: The long stage will not necessarily be on stage 4. This is an example, as in the 2025 edition.

Stage 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 to be covered in a maximum authorized time of 10 hours (approximately). 

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). 

A finisher medal is awarded at the end of this last stage.

Stage 4, known as “long” stage - between 65 and 90km, to be held partly during the night and within a maximum authorized time of 32 hours.

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).

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

Headlamp must be turned on from 7 pm.

NB: The long stage will not necessarily be on stage 4. This is an example, as in the 2025 edition.

The water distribution point at the finish line of each day's stage is a compulsory check point.

Check points are located throughout the course of each stage of the race. There are two to 8 check points depending on the length of the race and each competitor must go through them, if not penalties will be applied (see Art 27 and 28). This allows the race officials to record times and distribute water (see ART.16).

Medical assistance will be available at each checkpoint.

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

An official time-keeper will take down the daily order of arrival for each competitor.

Obligatory checkpoints: water distribution and card punching.

The bivouac will be pitched each day on previously chosen sites transformed into camping grounds for the competitors; Numbered, 8-man tents attributed by country of residence. Failure to adhere to these numbers will incur a penalty (see Art. 27 and 28) Competitors may use their free time to prepare for the night and get medical care, if necessary.

Each competitor'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 ranking marshals (see Art. 27).

The organization takes charge of supplying water to each competitor in order to meet everyone’s needs during the stages.
 

• At the end of the stage, each competitor is given 5 liters of water.

Be aware that the next water supply will be on the first CP of the next day's stage.

Each participant must manage their daily water intake according to the scheduled water distribution and cannot obtain additional supplies at any other time.

To respect the environment, each container will be numbered, and penalties will be given to competitors who abandon empty water containers along the route. Facilities for handing in empty containers will be available at check points (see ART. 27 and 28).
Never leave without water. Should you get lost in the desert, water reserves could be vital.

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 check points 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).

In no circumstances (and at the risk of having to pay the search costs involved) must any competitor leave the race without informing the organization and signing an official discharge provided by AOI. If a competitor abandons the race, they must notify the organization as soon as possible and give their identification marks to one of the course stewards.

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 competitor's physical condition is satisfactory,  they shall be taken to Ouarzazate within 48 hours maximum, after signing an official disclaimer supplied by AOI.

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

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

The organization reminds all participants that the MARATHON DES SABLES Legendary 40th edition is a race through the Sahara in food self  sufficiency. Any outside assistance is strictly prohibited. Replenishment during the race shall incur a minimum penalty of 3 hours and possibly exclusion. If a competitor goes far off the race route, necessitating a lengthy search, they will be excluded from the race and pay a € 200 fine (see ART. 27 and 28).

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

The policy covers the following:

GUARANTEE TABLE

* by 1st class train or economy class airliner

All competitors take part in the full knowledge of the risks that may be incurred in this kind of competition. Since competitors 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.

Average temperature in April:

• daytime 30° C
• night time 14° C

Temperatures are indicative and may vary.

The route (approx. 250 kms) covers a wide variety of terrain. In the event of sandstorm lowering visibility to zero, competitors must stop in their tracks and wait for instructions by the organizers.

The participants in the MARATHON DES SABLES 40th edition must follow the route as marked by the organizers, failing which penalties may be applied according to the particular stage.

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 on April 03rd , 2026. 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 about the day’s stage will be conducted by the organizers in both French and English.

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

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 competitor at the bivouac, with no justification required.

Food:

Each participant must provide their own food from April 3rd evening to April 11th  lunch included. They must select the type of food best suited to their personal needs, health, weather conditions, weight and backpack conditions.

Between April 5th  and 10th , during timed stages, each competitor must have 12 000 k/calories, that is to say a minimum of 2,000 k/calories per day, otherwise They will be penalized (see ART. 27 and 28). Any food out of its original packaging must be equipped, legibly, with the nutrition label shown on the product concerned. The first 4 meals (April 3rd and 4th) will not be subject to inspection.

There are no minimum calorie requirements on the last day of the race (April 11). However, each participant must plan for breakfast and bring enough food for the stage, which is expected to end by around 1:30 PM at the latest.

Gas stoves are strictly forbidden.

Mandatory equipment:

• a backpack WAA ULTRA BAG 20L or equivalent
• a sleeping bag,
• a head torch (400 lumens minimum) 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 topical disinfectant,
• a signalling mirror,
• an aluminium survival sheet,
• Bouillon cubes (such as “Knorr” type) (2 per day) to favorize rehydration
• a tube of sun cream of 50 ml minimum,
• 200 euros 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 MDS medical certificate, filled in and signed by the doctor
• the original resting ECG and its tracing

Marathon Kit:

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

• a road book issued on 4April,
• 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.

CATEGORY A: INDIVIDUAL

OPTION 1: "Classic offer”: race registration with 2 nights accommodation in a quality standard hotel.

• €3950/person

OPTION 2:  “Superior” offer: race registration with 2 nights at the Berbère Palace, a high-class hotel.

• 4350€/person

Both offers are available to everyone, regardless of their country of residence.

INCLUDED IN THE REGISTRATION:

• Bib for the race
• Postponement insurance: Possibility of postponing participation in the next edition free of charge up to 7 days before the start (up to and including March 27, 2026 - 11:59 UTC+1). Conditions available in the race regulations.
• 2 nights accommodation in a double room with half-board in Ouarzazate after the race (classic or superior hotel, depending on package chosen).
• Organization and medical support during the race
• Water supply during the race
• Repatriation assistance
• 8 nights in bivouac
• Medal
• Finisher gift

ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS:

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 Organizer reserves the right to organize, in addition to the prices indicated above, preferential rates or exceptional promotions to enable you 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 15 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 2026 edition is reached, the organization will set up a waiting list form on the registration site AND will disseminate this information. It will not be systematically implemented, this will depend in particular on the closing date of registrations.

Competitors featuring on this list have two possible options:

1. If a place on the 2026 edition becomes free, the participant will be contacted by email directly. 

2. If no places become free on the 2026 edition, we won’t be able to contact the participant who filled in the form online.

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

• Create an account on the online applications page and fill the form
   

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 competitor's application without giving any reason.

In case of cancellation, competitors 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 organisation via the MDS online applications system:

• All information regarding the competitor's identity, contact details, etc.

In case of long-term treatment for chronic illness, a letter addressed to the Medical Manager, sent by email at contact@marathondessables.com.

The organization’s medical certificate (to download from your online account from March 3rd  2026) and the resting electrocardiogram (ECG) report plus graph, dated less than 30 days before the start of the race, i.e. from March 3rd 2026, are to be presented during the administrative, technical and medical checks on 4th  of April 2026. 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 runners 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.

HEALTH POLICY

Article 1: Presentation

Recognizing the unique physical and environmental challenges associated with participation in trail-running events, including but not limited to extreme distances, varying weather conditions, altitude extremes, challenging and potentially unstable terrain and potential for limited visibilities or nighttime participation, the purpose of this Health Policy is to protect participant’s health and increase safety during competition.

This Health Policy supports the health monitoring of participants before the competition and protection of the physical health of participants during the competition.

This Health Policy applies to all participants.

Article 2: Rules

As a condition of participation, each participant agrees to:

• 2.1 Provide within the framework in use by the Organization, any medical history and/or listing of medical conditions as well as the use of regular treatments, medications (prescription and non-prescription) or food supplements within 30 days before the start of the competition.
• 2.2 Provide within the framework in use by the Organization all existing information relating to any ongoing anti-doping proceedings or sanctions as well as validated or ongoing Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) files.
• 2.3 Accept within the framework of this Health Policy to answer any meeting request on site or remotely (phone or videoconference) within 30 days before the start of the competition to address medical concerns and up to 15 days after the competition to address any health concerns or health and safety related testing results.
• 2.4 Comply with the prohibited list published annually by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
• 2.5 As a component of health and safety monitoring, accept within the framework of this Health Policy all urine and/or blood and/or capillary and/or saliva samples within 30 days before the start of the competition and up to 15 days after the competition to ensure compliance with this Health Policy knowing that all samples and analyzes costs remain entirely funded by the Organization.
• 2.6 As a component of health protection and competition safety, the following are not permitted 24 hours prior to start and during competition (except only in the case of a stop a first aid station and a prescription only by the medical team of the competition with supporting evidence) and may be assessed by urine and/or blood and/or capillary and/or saliva samples:
  • 2.6.1 Narcotics including codein, dermorphin (and its analogs), hydrocodone and tramadol.
  • 2.6.2 Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) regardless of the mode of administration (excluding paracetamol/acetaminophen).
  • 2.6.3 Cannabidiols (CBD) for safety reasons.
• 2.7 Additional health and safety prohibitions
  • 2.7.1 Within 30 days before the start of the competition and during the competition: Intravenous iron infusion.
  • 2.7.2 Within 7 days before the start of the competition and during the competition: Intravenous infusion (unless associated with a defined medical intervention and with notice to event and review).
  • 2.7.3 Thyroid synthesis hormones except in case of partial or total removal of the thyroid or hypothyroidism of medical origin.

COMPETITION'S RULES RELATED TO THE HEALTH POLICY

Breach of rules

The participant agrees to accept the decisions or sanctions of the Organization which may range from a simple warning or non-participation before the competition until the downgrade after the competition due to the following breaches:

1.  Proven breach, refusal or transmission of erroneous information in connection with this Health Policy.

2.  Proven breach in connection with the possible use of a substance and/or method not allowed by this Health Policy.

3.  Medical condition incompatible with participation and/or continuation of the competition after verification of health information and/or any other way of investigation.

The nature of the sanctions remains specific to the MARATHON DES SABLES and must be established on a first breach or not of the rules of the Health Policy, as well as the possible prescription of a substance and/or method not authorised directly by the Medical Director of the competition.

The ranking of a participant in the “Elite” or “Regular” category is managed freely by the Organization but includes at least the first 10 men and 10 women in the general classification and the first 3 men and 3 women in the classification of each age category

26.1: General condition

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

Cancellation refunds will be made on the following basis:

• Up to and including August 31, 2025, participants are entitled to a full refund.
• From September 1, 2025, to November 2, 2025, inclusive, 25% of the total registration fee will be retained by the organization in case of cancellation
• From November 3 to December 28, 2025 inclusive, 50% of the total registration fee will be retained by the organization in case of cancellation.
• After December 28, 2025, no refunds will be possible; however, you can still postpone your registration according to the event's conditions.

It is specified that the Competitor has no right of withdrawal in accordance with Article L.221-28 of the French Consumer Code.

Il est précisé que le Concurrent ne dispose pas de droit de rétractation conformément à l’article L.221-28 du Code de la consommation.

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 your registration from the MDS 2026 to another MDS edition, according to the following schedule and conditions: 

• Up to March 27th, 2026, deferral to a future edition possible without charge.
• From March 28th, 2026: no deferral possible.

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

26.3: Special condition

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 contact@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.

Administrative process

Any competitor whose information is incomplete in the online applications process on  27/02/2026 will incur a 30-minute penalty (see ART. 28). After  27/02/2026, the application of competitors 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 4 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 4 April 2026, competitors 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 March 3 2026.

If these documents are not completed and signed correctly, they will not be accepted. However, such competitors 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

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

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

Food

12,000 compulsory k/calories. When spot-checks are made, any competitor 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, race officials must be informed immediately, or a penalty will be applied.

Competitors 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 euros (see ART. 28).

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

Start of race

Competitors 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 competitor will be disqualified, and his/her ID markings will be handed over to the steward (see ART. 28).

At the  long 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 check posts and is the responsibility of the competitor. 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 competitor who exceeds the maximum authorized time for each stage shall be disqualified and must return his/her bib to the steward. Any competitor who arrives at a CP after the deadline shall be disqualified (see ART. 28).

Distress beacon/Torch/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 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).

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 competitor 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 race stewards or on the advice of the medical team, 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 race route 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).

Complaints

All complaints from competitors must be addressed to the Race Director in writing:

• During the race, it should be handed over to the head of the competitors' bivouac. Replies issued within 24 hours.
• After the race, on 12 April, at Ouarzazate, to the competitors information point (see road-book)
• After April 13 and until May 7, 2026, via email to contact@marathondessables.com.

ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE reserves all exclusive rights for photo coverage of the MARATHON DES SABLES Legendary 40th edition. 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: contact@marathondessables.com