Marathon des Sables - Detail

You will cover 151 miles over 6 days (some people will take 7), in sections similar to 25, 34, 38, 82, 42 and 22 km. That is equivalent to 5 1/2 regular marathons and a speed of between 3 and 14 km an hour for competitors aged between 16 and 78.

You will carry everything needed for the duration in a rucksack (food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag etc). The exception is water, which is rationed and handed out at each checkpoint, and tents which are setup up for you each day.

The ground covered will include sand dunes (of course - typically 15-20% of the course) as well as uneven rock and stone. Mid-day temperatures can reach 120°F. You will prepare your own food from the stocks you have carried (so no tins sof beans).

On the 4th day, you will set off across the barren wilderness to complete a 45 - 50 mile stage. Few people complete this before dark that evening and some will not come in till after dark the next night. This is followed by the 42km Marathon stage!! Its tough, so don't say that nobody warned you in the strongest terms.

Reaching the finish line of the MdS is not a foregone conclusion. One year 43 of our registrants did not complete the race, out of 213 entered - that is 20% (and not counting the ones injured in training).

The heat, distance and rubbing will trash your feet. Physical fitness is important but don't underestimate the mental stress that you will need to endure. Your mental stamina will be key to completing the MdS.