Race Overview
 Lahcen Ahansal and Lisa Smith- Batchen 1999 MDS Champions! |
The Marathon Des Sables (or MDS) is a 150-155 mile (240-250km), seven-day stage race conceived and organized by Frenchman Patrick Bauer and Atlantide Organisation Internationale. While the event can be very demanding if you are racing, the daily time cut-offs are generous enough to allow someone to power-walk the entire distance. Consequently, it is not necessary to be an elite runner to take part in the Marathon Des Sables.
During the event, competitors run on foot through some of the most beautiful, remote sections of the Moroccan Sahara while carrying a backpack with essential gear, food, sleeping bag and clothing for the week. The race organizers provide water (generally 9 liters per day) and a traditional, two-sided Berber tent each night for sleeping during the seven days of racing.
There are six stages over the seven days, with the first three daily stages set around 20-25 miles (32-40km) each. The fourth stage is around 50 miles (80km); the fifth stage is always a full marathon of 26.2 miles (42km), and the sixth (and last) stage is from 9-13 miles (14-21km).
Runners are typically given 36-40 hours to complete the 50 mile (80km) stage, depending on the terrain and distance, with most finishing the stage in one day. This essentially provides most people with a rest day in between the 50 mile stage (80km) and the Marathon stage. Each year brings a new course, which is not revealed until two days before the race.
The terrain at the MDS is not all giant sand dunes. In fact, most of the course is run over salt flats, dried up river beds, rocky desert plains, and ancient, dried up lakes. And, it is not uncommon for the course to wander through a remote desert village. The course is usually well marked and all competitors receive a "Road Book" which provides an official course description for each stage.
Temperatures can be extreme, with possible daytime highs reaching 125°F (51C) and night-time lows of 38°F (3C). Additionally, the occasional sandstorm can add to the mix. Thus, competitors should be prepared for anything.
MEDICAL & SAFETY CONCERNS
There is a full-time staff of professionally trained doctors that follows the race, however, each competitor is required to carry at all times a snake bite kit, emergency blanket, signal mirror and distress flare. The Medical Team is highly trained and is fully equipped to treat heat-related illnesses, blisters and other medical emergencies that might arrive over the course of the seven days. Should the need arise for serious medical treatment during the event, the Race Organization can utilize their helicopter to assist with an emergency evacuation.
2012 RULES & REGULATIONS
The official rules and regulations for the Marathon Des Sables can be found by clicking here
2012 MARATHON DES SABLES ITINERARY*
(all times are estimated and may change)
FRIDAY, APRIL 6
8am: - All competitors rendezvous in Ouarzazate, Morocco (OZZ) and board buses to the first bivouac. (Exact rendezvous location to be announced; location of first bivouac, and the race course, is not known until we board the buses.)
8am - 4pm (estimated): Bus transfer to first bivouac; box lunch & water provided en route.
7pm: Dinner provided by race organizers at first bivoua; first night in the tents
SATURDAY, APRIL 7
7:30am: Breakfast provided by race organizers
9am - 3pm: Administrative & Medical check-in begins. We will check-in according to race numbers; times will be posted at the bivouac.
Noon - 1:30pm: Lunch provided by race organizers
5pm: Pre-race briefing
7 - 8:30pm: Dinner provided by race organizers. (Runner self-sufficiency begins after dinner.)
SUNDAY, APRIL 8 thru SATURDAY, APRIL 14
6am: Tents dismantled; breakfast is self prepared.
7 - 8am: Distribution of 1.5L of water. THIS IS TECHNICALLY A CHECKPOINT!
8:30 - 9:30am: Start of the daily stage (except for the long stage); distances vary by day
Check points: water is distributed at each check point, which will be marked clearly on the race ration card; medical assistance available at each checkpoint (and at points along the course)
Arrival at bivouac: Distribution of 4.5L of water; dinner is self prepared; email & sat phone tent open to competitors.
SATURDAY, APRIL 14
Final stage FINISH LINE!
Box lunch provided; board buses for return trip to OZZ; dinner at hotel (Post race hotel is included in the entry fee and assigned by the race organizers.)
SUNDAY, APRIL 15
8 - 10am: Breakfast at hotel; rest of the day is free; lunch is on your own
TBA: Finisher t-shirts distributed
TBA: Award Ceremony & Cocktail Reception
8pm: Dinner at the hotel (included in race entry fee)
MONDAY, APRIL 16
Times vary: Competitors depart OZZ.
