The Marathon des Sables: the Toughest Footrace on Earth
Every April, over a thousand runners cross about 250 km of Moroccan Sahara in six stages, food on their backs - dunes, jebels and dried lakes, in heat that can pass 45 degrees. Created in 1986, the Marathon des Sables remains the reference of desert ultrarunning.
The Legendary 40th Edition (2026)
The anniversary edition ran April 3 - 13, 2026, on a record 270 km course - including a monster 100 km "Legendary" stage, the longest single day in the race's history. Morocco's Mohamed El Morabity took the men's title (20h47) - keeping the El Morabity dynasty on top - and France's Maryline Nakache won the women's race (25h54).
Entering the Race
- Format: 6 stages, self-sufficiency in food and gear; the organization supplies water and bivouac tents.
- Cost: entry runs several thousand euros with transfers from Ouarzazate/Errachidia included - places for the following April open on marathondessables.com and sell out fast.
- Training: most finishers are ordinary (very stubborn) runners - heat training and foot care matter more than speed.
Following or Supporting
Stages are trackable live online, and the race finish is a genuine spectacle if your southern Morocco itinerary coincides. The race region - Ouarzazate, the Draa and the dunes near Merzouga - is spectacular year-round.
See also: sports tourism in Morocco and our heat protection tips.
Share your experiences with our community.
Related articles : Events
Timitar Festival
Pure Life Experiences
Morocco Swim Treck
Mawazine Festival
Larache International Festival Guitar and Songs
Join our Mailing List and receive electronic invitations and news about cultural events in Morocco.
Advertisement