{"events":[{"id":39242,"global_id":"whatracetorun.com?id=39242","global_id_lineage":["whatracetorun.com?id=39242"],"author":"2","status":"publish","date":"2026-06-07 15:24:18","date_utc":"2026-06-07 15:24:18","modified":"2026-06-07 15:24:22","modified_utc":"2026-06-07 15:24:22","url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/?tribe_events=marathon-des-sables-2","rest_url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/tribe\/events\/v1\/events\/39242","title":"Marathon des Sables","description":"<p><strong>The Marathon des Sables is a legendary 250km, six-stage ultramarathon through the Moroccan Sahara, widely considered the toughest footrace on Earth. Participants must be self-sufficient, carrying all their food and equipment while navigating extreme desert terrain and temperatures.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Course Highlights<\/h3>\n<p>The legendary course spans approximately 250 kilometers of the Moroccan Sahara, starting and ending near the host city of Ouarzazate. Runners traverse a punishing variety of desert landscapes, including vast sand dunes (ergs), rocky plateaus (djebels), and dried-up riverbeds (oueds). The elevation profile includes significant climbs, such as the ascent of Jebel Irhs, which offers sweeping desert vistas. The &#8220;Long Stage&#8221; (Stage 4) typically exceeds 80 kilometers, requiring overnight navigation through soft sand and technical terrain under the stars. The route is kept secret until days before the race, concluding at a jubilant finish line that celebrates the completion of six grueling stages.<\/p>\n<h3>Why Runners Love It<\/h3>\n<p>Often called the &#8220;toughest footrace on Earth,&#8221; the Marathon des Sables is iconic for its requirement of total food self-sufficiency in one of the world&#8217;s harshest environments. Runners must carry their entire week&#8217;s supplies, while the organization provides only water and open-sided Berber tents. This unique logistical challenge, combined with Saharan heat and the legendary 80km &#8220;Long Stage,&#8221; creates a profound test of mental and physical fortitude. The race is famous for its &#8220;MDS family&#8221; atmosphere, where 1,200 participants from 60 nations bond over shared hardship and breathtaking desert landscapes, making it a pinnacle achievement in ultra-running.<\/p>\n<h3>Race Details<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Ouarzazate, Morocco<\/li>\n<li><strong>Distances:<\/strong> 250 km (6 Stages)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Next Race Date:<\/strong> 2027-04-04<\/li>\n<li><strong>Start Time:<\/strong> 09:00<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Race Weekend Tips<\/h3>\n<p>Arrive in Ouarzazate at least a day early to acclimate to the Moroccan heat and organize your gear at the Hotel Karam Palace HQ. During the technical check, ensure your pack weight is optimized between 6.5kg and 8.5kg for the best balance of safety and speed. Professionally sewn gaiters are essential to keep fine sand out of your shoes. Pack high-calorie luxury snacks for the first two stages to boost morale, and bring a high-quality, lightweight sleeping mat to survive the rocky bivouac ground.<\/p>\n<h3>History &amp; Charity<\/h3>\n<p>Founded in 1986 by French concert promoter Patrick Bauer after a solo Sahara crossing, the Marathon des Sables has grown into a world-renowned endurance icon. The race is managed by Atlantide Organisation Internationale and operates the &#8220;Solidarit\u00e9 Marathon des Sables&#8221; association. This charity funds the MDS Sport-Health Center in Ouarzazate, which provides education, sports, and healthcare for local children and women. Since its inception, the event has balanced its extreme reputation with a deep commitment to environmental preservation and community development within the Dr\u00e2a-Tafilalet region.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/marathondessables.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Register at the official race website<\/a>.<\/p>","excerpt":"","slug":"marathon-des-sables-2","image":{"url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/marathon_des_sables.png","id":39240,"extension":"png","width":1672,"height":941,"filesize":2182041,"sizes":{"medium":{"width":300,"height":169,"mime-type":"image\/png","filesize":67102,"url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/marathon_des_sables-300x169.png"},"large":{"width":1024,"height":576,"mime-type":"image\/png","filesize":706367,"url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/marathon_des_sables-1024x576.png"},"thumbnail":{"width":150,"height":150,"mime-type":"image\/png","filesize":31286,"url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/marathon_des_sables-150x150.png"},"medium_large":{"width":768,"height":432,"mime-type":"image\/png","filesize":399971,"url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/marathon_des_sables-768x432.png"},"1536x1536":{"width":1536,"height":864,"mime-type":"image\/png","filesize":1548579,"url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/marathon_des_sables-1536x864.png"},"endurer_mikado_square":{"width":550,"height":550,"mime-type":"image\/png","filesize":376369,"url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/marathon_des_sables-550x550.png"},"endurer_mikado_landscape":{"width":1100,"height":550,"mime-type":"image\/png","filesize":734531,"url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/marathon_des_sables-1100x550.png"},"endurer_mikado_portrait":{"width":550,"height":941,"mime-type":"image\/png","filesize":708790,"url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/marathon_des_sables-550x941.png"},"endurer_mikado_huge":{"width":1100,"height":941,"mime-type":"image\/png","filesize":1430305,"url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/marathon_des_sables-1100x941.png"}}},"all_day":false,"start_date":"2027-04-04 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15:24:13","date_utc":"2026-06-07 15:24:13","modified":"2026-06-07 15:24:13","modified_utc":"2026-06-07 15:24:13","url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/?tribe_venue=marathon-des-sables-start","venue":"Marathon des Sables | Start","slug":"marathon-des-sables-start","address":"Hotel Karam Palace, Avenue Moulay Rachid","city":"Ouarzazate","country":"Morocco","province":"Dr\u00e2a-Tafilalet","zip":"45000","stateprovince":"Dr\u00e2a-Tafilalet","show_map":true,"show_map_link":true,"global_id":"whatracetorun.com?id=39241","global_id_lineage":["whatracetorun.com?id=39241"]},"organizer":[],"custom_fields":[],"event_bgcolor":"","event_text_color":"","ticketed":false},{"id":38402,"global_id":"whatracetorun.com?id=38402","global_id_lineage":["whatracetorun.com?id=38402"],"author":"2","status":"publish","date":"2026-05-11 09:18:50","date_utc":"2026-05-11 09:18:50","modified":"2026-05-11 09:19:07","modified_utc":"2026-05-11 09:19:07","url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/?tribe_events=atlas-mountain-race","rest_url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/tribe\/events\/v1\/events\/38402","title":"Atlas Mountain Race","description":"<p>The Atlas Mountain Race is a grueling 1,350km unsupported, single-stage mountain adventure across Morocco&#8217;s High Atlas and Anti-Atlas ranges.<\/p>\n<h3>Course Highlights<\/h3>\n<p>The Atlas Mountain Race (AMR) is a legendary off-road adventure that takes participants through some of the most rugged and breathtaking landscapes in Morocco. For the 2026 edition, the course underwent a significant transformation, moving its starting point to Beni Mellal. This new route explores the heart of the High Atlas, including the spectacular gorges of M\u2019Goun. Riders navigate a complex network of forgotten colonial pistes, high mountain passes, and scorched desert plains. Notable highlights include the Tizi N\u2019A\u00eft Imi pass, which stands as the highest point ever featured in the race at 2,910 meters, and the palm-fringed oasis of Aguinane. The journey concludes at the historic Atlantic port town of Essaouira, providing a dramatic transition from snow-capped peaks to the coastal breeze.<\/p>\n<h3>Race Details<\/h3>\n<p>The Atlas Mountain Race is defined as a fixed-route, unsupported, single-stage event. Spanning approximately 1,350 kilometers with a staggering 25,000 meters of vertical elevation gain, it is a test of extreme endurance and self-sufficiency. There are no prizes, and the clock never stops. Participants must carry all their own gear and manage their own resupply, often crossing vast distances between remote mountain villages. The race typically takes place in February, presenting riders with a diverse range of weather conditions, from freezing alpine temperatures to intense desert heat. Riders can compete in the solo or pairs categories, with the primary goal being to reach the finish line within the eight-day time limit. The event is managed by the team behind the Silk Road Mountain Race, ensuring a high standard of logistical challenge and adventure.<\/p>\n<h3>Why Runners Love It<\/h3>\n<p>While the Atlas Mountain Race is primarily a bikepacking event, it draws athletes with a &#8220;runner&#8217;s soul&#8221;\u2014those who thrive on long-distance mountain endurance and the grit required for high-altitude survival. The sheer scale of the Moroccan backcountry offers an unparalleled sense of isolation and beauty that attracts ultra-endurance athletes from around the globe. Participants are drawn to the authenticity of the experience, interacting with local communities in remote regions rarely visited by tourists. The physical and mental challenge of navigating &#8220;hike-a-bike&#8221; sections and technical rocky descents mirrors the demands of elite trail running. It is a journey that transcends sport, offering a profound connection to the land and a test of character that participants describe as a life-changing experience.<\/p>\n<p>For more information on upcoming editions and how to apply for this extraordinary challenge, please visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.themountainraces.cc\/atlas-mountain-race\">official Atlas Mountain Race website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>At a Glance<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Beni Mellal, B\u00e9ni Mellal-Kh\u00e9nifra \u2014 Morocco<\/li>\n<li><strong>Next Date:<\/strong> TBD \u2014 date not yet announced<\/li>\n<li><strong>Distances:<\/strong> [&#8216;1350 km&#8217;]<\/li>\n<li><strong>Start Time:<\/strong> 18:00<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Register &#038; Learn More<\/h3>\n<p>Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.themountainraces.cc\/atlas-mountain-race\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.themountainraces.cc\/atlas-mountain-race<\/a><\/p>","excerpt":"","slug":"atlas-mountain-race","image":{"url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/atlas-mountain-race.png","id":38395,"extension":"png","width":1536,"height":1024,"filesize":3044930,"sizes":{"medium":{"width":300,"height":200,"mime-type":"image\/png","filesize":107769,"url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/atlas-mountain-race-300x200.png"},"large":{"width":1024,"height":683,"mime-type":"image\/png","filesize":1159467,"url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/atlas-mountain-race-1024x683.png"},"thumbnail":{"width":150,"height":150,"mime-type":"image\/png","filesize":41813,"url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/atlas-mountain-race-150x150.png"},"medium_large":{"width":768,"height":512,"mime-type":"image\/png","filesize":659898,"url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/atlas-mountain-race-768x512.png"},"endurer_mikado_square":{"width":550,"height":550,"mime-type":"image\/png","filesize":516748,"url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/atlas-mountain-race-550x550.png"},"endurer_mikado_landscape":{"width":1100,"height":550,"mime-type":"image\/png","filesize":1065681,"url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/atlas-mountain-race-1100x550.png"},"endurer_mikado_portrait":{"width":550,"height":1024,"mime-type":"image\/png","filesize":995971,"url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/atlas-mountain-race-550x1024.png"},"endurer_mikado_huge":{"width":1100,"height":1024,"mime-type":"image\/png","filesize":1983297,"url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/atlas-mountain-race-1100x1024.png"}}},"all_day":false,"start_date":"2027-12-31 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