Marathon des Sables

Marathon des Sables: the legendary stage race of the Moroccan Sahara

Every spring, the Marathon des Sables takes hundreds of runners into the heart of the Sahara, in southern Morocco. Created in 1986 by Patrick Bauer, the Marathon des Sables made desert ultrarunning known worldwide: several stages, about 250 km (155 miles) in total, across dunes, stony plains, dry riverbeds and jebels. Searing heat by day, cool nights at the bivouac and sandstorms are all part of the adventure.

The golden rule is food self-sufficiency: everyone carries their pack, food and gear for the whole week, with only water and tents provided. The Marathon des Sables adventure remains the benchmark among stage races and a dream for many fans of desert races.