Marathon des Sables: The Sahara Self-Sufficient Ultra
Marathon des Sables (MDS) is the legendary multi-stage ultra-trail — roughly 250 km across the Moroccan Sahara over 6 stages, carrying all your own food and gear (only water and tents are provided). It is one of the most famous endurance events in the world and the great Morocco-based trail race.
Founded in 1986, MDS has become a global brand with sister editions on other continents, but the original Moroccan Sahara edition remains the benchmark. The challenge is heat, sand, self-sufficiency and distance — not elevation.
Date verification: Dates for the next edition have not yet been officially announced. Marathon des Sables is traditionally held in April — check the official website for confirmed dates.
Distance categories: ~250 km over 6 stages (self-sufficient) · includes a long "marathon" stage and a charity stage
Elevation gain: Modest cumulative — the challenge is heat, sand and self-sufficiency, not elevation
Entry: Entry via the official MDS website with a medical certificate and mandatory equipment check. Places are limited and fill months ahead. See the official website for current entry fees and rules.
The Race Format
Competitors cover ~250 km over 6 stages across Saharan dunes, jebels and dry lake beds, carrying all their own food, sleeping kit and mandatory equipment for the week. The organisation provides water (rationed), a communal bivouac tent and medical support. A long "marathon" stage (~80 km) is the signature day.
Temperatures can exceed 40 °C by day and drop near freezing at night. Self-sufficiency, heat management and foot care are the defining skills.
Entry and Preparation
Entry is via the official MDS website, requiring a medical certificate, ECG and mandatory equipment check. Places are limited and fill months ahead. The mandatory kit list (calories, water capacity, survival gear) is strictly enforced.
Preparation should focus on heat acclimatisation, multi-day back-to-back long runs, and testing your full pack and food plan. Many competitors train in hot conditions and practise foot-care routines.
Frequently asked questions
- How far is Marathon des Sables? Approximately 250 km over 6 stages in the Moroccan Sahara, self-sufficient (you carry all food and gear; water and tents are provided).
- When is Marathon des Sables? MDS is traditionally held in April. Dates for the next edition have not yet been officially announced — check the official website for confirmed dates.
- How do I enter Marathon des Sables? Entry is via the official MDS website, with a medical certificate and mandatory equipment check. Places are limited and fill months ahead.
- Is Marathon des Sables in Morocco? Yes — the original and flagship MDS takes place in the Sahara in southern Morocco. It is the most famous trail race held in Morocco. See our Morocco trekking tours for non-racing Sahara trekking.
Morocco Sahara Trekking — Sahara trekking in Morocco for those who want the desert without the race.