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The Marathon des Sables Legendary is an iconic 250km self-sufficiency race across the Sahara Desert in Morocco, completed over six stages.
Course Highlights
The Marathon des Sables Legendary takes runners through the heart of the Sahara Desert in Morocco. The course is a breathtaking and legendary crossing of the desert, featuring approximately 250 kilometers divided into six distinct stages. Participants traverse vast sand dunes, rocky plateaus (hamadas), dried-up riverbeds (oueds), and lush palm groves. One of the most iconic sections is the “long stage,” which spans roughly 80 to 90 kilometers and requires runners to navigate through the night. The route is meticulously kept secret until the day of arrival, when participants receive their road book, adding an element of mystery and mental challenge to the physical ordeal.
Race Details
The 41st edition of the Marathon des Sables Legendary is scheduled for April 2 to April 12, 2027. The event is a self-sufficiency race, meaning participants must carry all their own equipment, food, and sleeping gear for the duration of the 11-day program, including 9 days spent in the desert. The organization provides only water and open-sided Berber tents (bivouacs) for nightly accommodation. Stages typically start between 08:30 and 09:30, with time cut-offs set at a minimum pace of 3.5 km/h to accommodate both runners and walkers. The race includes technical and medical checks on the second day, followed by the competitive stages and a final un-timed charity stage.
Why Runners Love It
Founded in 1986 by Patrick Bauer, the Marathon des Sables is widely regarded as “the toughest footrace on Earth.” Runners are drawn to the race for its profound physical and mental challenge, the opportunity for total disconnection, and the unique camaraderie found in the shared hardship of the bivouacs. Since its inception, more than 30,000 people have joined the “Legend.” The event also has a strong charitable component through the MDS Solidarité association, which supports local communities in Morocco by providing education, sports, and healthcare initiatives. The sense of accomplishment at the finish line, coupled with the stark beauty of the Saharan landscape, makes it a bucket-list adventure for ultra-endurance athletes worldwide.
At a Glance
- Location: Sahara Desert, Drâa-Tafilalet — Morocco
- Next Date: 2027-04-02
- Distances: 250 km (approx. 156 miles) over 6 stages
- Start Time: 08:30
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://marathondessables.com/en
The Marathon des Sables Legendary is an iconic 250km self-sufficiency race across the Sahara Desert in Morocco, completed over six stages.
Course Highlights
The Marathon des Sables Legendary takes runners through the heart of the Sahara Desert in Morocco. The course is a breathtaking and legendary crossing of the desert, featuring approximately 250 kilometers divided into six distinct stages. Participants traverse vast sand dunes, rocky plateaus (hamadas), dried-up riverbeds (oueds), and lush palm groves. One of the most iconic sections is the “long stage,” which spans roughly 80 to 90 kilometers and requires runners to navigate through the night. The route is meticulously kept secret until the day of arrival, when participants receive their road book, adding an element of mystery and mental challenge to the physical ordeal.
Race Details
The 41st edition of the Marathon des Sables Legendary is scheduled for April 2 to April 12, 2027. The event is a self-sufficiency race, meaning participants must carry all their own equipment, food, and sleeping gear for the duration of the 11-day program, including 9 days spent in the desert. The organization provides only water and open-sided Berber tents (bivouacs) for nightly accommodation. Stages typically start between 08:30 and 09:30, with time cut-offs set at a minimum pace of 3.5 km/h to accommodate both runners and walkers. The race includes technical and medical checks on the second day, followed by the competitive stages and a final un-timed charity stage.
Why Runners Love It
Founded in 1986 by Patrick Bauer, the Marathon des Sables is widely regarded as “the toughest footrace on Earth.” Runners are drawn to the race for its profound physical and mental challenge, the opportunity for total disconnection, and the unique camaraderie found in the shared hardship of the bivouacs. Since its inception, more than 30,000 people have joined the “Legend.” The event also has a strong charitable component through the MDS Solidarité association, which supports local communities in Morocco by providing education, sports, and healthcare initiatives. The sense of accomplishment at the finish line, coupled with the stark beauty of the Saharan landscape, makes it a bucket-list adventure for ultra-endurance athletes worldwide.
At a Glance
- Location: Sahara Desert, Drâa-Tafilalet — Morocco
- Next Date: 2027-04-02
- Distances: 250 km (approx. 156 miles) over 6 stages
- Start Time: 08:30
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://marathondessables.com/en