Results: 2026
Mohamed El Morabity won the men's race and Maryline Nakache won the women's race at the 40th edition.
| Category | Name | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Men | Mohamed El Morabity (Morocco) | Cumulative time not published by the organizer |
| Women | Maryline Nakache (France) | Cumulative time not published by the organizer |
The organizer's results page names both winners but publishes no cumulative winning times and no finisher or starter counts. The 40th anniversary edition covered a record 270 km including a 100 km stage.
Source: Marathon des Sables — official live results, 40th edition. Checked September 14, 2026.
Next edition: April 2, 2027. The 41st edition runs April 2-12, 2027, with the six race stages on April 4-10.
Event Overview
| Date | Apr 3-13, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Location | Sahara Desert, Morocco |
| Format | Stage Race |
| Terrain | Desert |
| Region | Africa |
| Distance / duration | ~250 km |
| Cutoff | Stage cutoffs apply, with broad minimum-speed expectations rather than one continuous cutoff. |
| Highlights | 40th Edition, Iconic Race |
Course & Terrain
Self-sufficient desert stage race in the Moroccan Sahara, historically around 250 km over six stages.
Key course features to know before comparing this race:
- Moroccan Sahara
- Dunes, stony plateaus, dry riverbeds, and desert camps
- Classic MDS Legendary format
Sand, heat, pack weight, and uneven desert ground make the race more technical than the headline distance suggests.
Saharan days can be very hot and exposed, while nights in camp can feel much cooler.
Format & Support (as run)
| Qualification | Open adventure-race format, but entrants must be ready for self-sufficiency, desert heat, and mandatory-equipment requirements. |
|---|---|
| Support model | The organization supplies bivouac infrastructure, water distribution, race operations, medical support, and route marking; runners carry food and mandatory equipment. |
Why This Race Matters
Marathon des Sables is a useful reference point for runners comparing stage race events. Its format, terrain, and support model shape the kind of preparation required: not just fitness, but pacing discipline, nutrition planning, foot care, and the ability to make good decisions under fatigue.
Preparing for a Race Like Marathon des Sables
The stage race guide covers the format as a whole. These guides go deeper:
- Stage race packing list: Mandatory kit, daily carry, camp bags, food and foot care.
- Walking strategy for ultramarathons: When and how to walk by terrain, effort and cutoffs.
- Hydration and sodium for ultramarathons: Fluid, sodium, thirst, sweat rate and hyponatremia risk.
- Blister prevention: Socks, taping, lubrication, shoe fit and hot spots.
Best Fit
- Runners seeking the iconic self-sufficient desert stage race
- Athletes comfortable walking, hiking, and running with a pack
- Stage-race beginners who are strong with gear discipline and heat preparation
Planning Notes
- Study the mandatory gear list early and rehearse carrying the exact pack weight you expect to use on race day.
- Heat, sun, and dry air require event-specific preparation. Test sun protection and cooling, drink in response to thirst, and remember that sodium cannot make overdrinking safe.
- The directory does not mark this as having simpler logistics. Confirm qualification, terrain, support, registration, medical, and withdrawal requirements before planning around it.
Event FAQs
Is Marathon des Sables self-sufficient?
Yes. The classic MDS format requires runners to carry their own food and mandatory equipment while the organizer supplies water, bivouac infrastructure, and race support.
How long is Marathon des Sables?
The classic MDS Legendary format is generally described as about 250 km over six stages.
Related Preparation
- Compare this race in the full 2026 calendar
- Browse the multiday stage-race calendar
- Open the Stage Race format guide
- Compare all race formats
- Use the timed-race pace calculator
- Plan checkpoint arrivals and cutoff buffers
- Build a crew and drop-bag plan
- Build a race-specific gear checklist
Verification & Sources
Verification scope: the listed edition's date, location, format, and available logistics were checked against the event-specific official sources below during the directory review dated September 14, 2026. Organizers can revise details after review.
- Official Marathon des Sables site — https://marathondessables.com
- Multiday Running event directory review scope: September 14, 2026.