Time allowance 06-hours 30-minutes/ 0630am start The 2024 Marathon des Sables – The Legendary is over. The race concluded with stage 6 and 21.1km to cover; challenging terrain of stony plateau, small dunes, an ascent to Jebel Mefatigbzef, wadi, and a palm grove finish – the MDS medal hard earned! Rachid El Morabity and Aziza El Amrany the champions! Camp life Once again it was an early start as everyone had to prepare for an 0630 start time. Yoann Stuck The last day was all about survival and getting the job done as quickly as possible, crossing the line and receiving the medal. The finish li ..read more

Victory for Rachid Time allowance 09-hours 30-minutes / 0700am start B3 and back to B3, the heart stage at 31.4km’s takes place in a new area for Marathon des Sables. Sunrise One could say that this is a classic MDS stage with a little of everything and while the participants may be feeling a little too tired to enjoy the views, there is much to appreciate here. Laurence Klein Jebel Tafeguenat a highlight followed by wadi, stony terrain and small dunes. CP’s ease the journey at 6.8km, 13km and 23km. Easy start to the day The day started under cloud and cool temperatures after a night of sands ..read more

Aziza El Amrany Time allowance 35-hours / 0600 and 0730am start Stage 3, the feared ‘Long Day’ coming earlier in the race requires respect. Quite simply, with 3 stages still to go, energy management is key. However, it was a decision of the new organisation, to bring the long day earlier to allow participants to be fresher and have more energy for the challenge ahead. Also, with earlier starts, cooler temperatures for the early hours. The route is a classic and arguably, I would say it is the most beautiful route of all the MDS I have experienced. It’s a tough one though! From B2 the stoney c ..read more

Rachid El Morabity Time allowance 13-hours / 0700am start Stage 2, a beautiful stage of 40.8km’s travelling north to B2. This area of the Sahara has been used on multiple Marathon des Sables and rightly so, it’s an area that offers excellent terrain and visual splendour. Breakfast before the start The opening km’s to 6.3km ease the runner’s into the day and then the following km’s to CP1 at 12km are a challenge that sap energy. CP2 comes at 25km however, the inclusion of an additional water station at 19.8km makes the stage more manageable. Cold water at the checkpoints help runner’s cool off ..read more

Time allowance 10-hours / 0730am start It’s all change for 2024 and with the race re-using several bivouac locations, the race will have a different feel and format. Stage 1 MDS The Legendary 2024 Admin day passed yesterday and now everyone feels settled in their new home – a tent shared with 7 other souls. Camp life is becoming normal and anticipation is high. Weather has been ‘cool’ by MDS standards, however, the wind has been relentless with constant sand storms. The start as sand blew through the Sahara A key change for 2024 is also earlier start times to allow easier running in cooler te ..read more

©iancorless THE 2024 MDS THE LEGENDARY ROUTE RACHID LOOKING FOR A 10TH The 2024 and 38th edition of Marathon des Sables is here! MDS The Legendary, the longest edition in the history of the race, 252km’s over 6 timed stages.  Close to 900 participants will toe the line, exact numbers will be confirmed at bivouac 1. With 60 countries represented, France and the UK lead the with 267 and 178 participants respectively.  From the 900 starters, 27% are women; a record. The youngest participant will be Lionel Schneider (16) and the oldest, Harry Hunter who has just turned 75 on April 15th ..read more

Episode 246 of Talk Ultra is with Nicki Marsh as we countdown to Marathon des Sables – The Legendary. With a 50th birthday looming in 2024 Nicki had been toying with lots of ideas of how to celebrate… The only thing that truly excited me (and could fit around work!) was MDS. Her husband had done it in 2017 and said never again.  However, it took him all of 30 seconds to agree to do it again, with Nicki! “I have degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis, 4 foot surgeries on and another one on the cards I am determined to keep moving.  My goal for the race when we en ..read more

©iancorless Episode 245 of Talk Ultra is with Ferdinand Charriau, head of communications for Marathon des Sable – The Legendary. In this podcast we discuss the final details as the 2024 edition is just weeks away. Listen Below Listen to the podcast on Apple HERE Spotify HERE Key discussion points and notes: The stock cubes provide a better and less aggressive provision of salt. Water rations will not be as strict as in previous years, for example, at a CP, if you have 2 x 750ml bottles and a 500ml soft-flask, you can fill all three. A 1.5ltr bottle will be issued at CP1 on ..read more

I had a brief chat with journalist, Sussi Lorinder while chilling in my hammock after my 11th edition of The Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica. Evidence of hammock, stunning view and beer in hand! I very much prefer being behind a camera than in-front of one. As a good friend once said, ‘You have a face for radio!’ I concur. If interested, have a read HERE You may need to use Google Translate for the link above, English translation below. Thanks to Swedish Photographers’ Association Crocodiles, what crocodiles? Photo by Su Europe Ian Corless has created a career as a running photographer and ha ..read more

Episode two of the Marathon des Sables – The Legendary podcast is with Marie-Christine (MC) Barnett-Lonergan. Prepare yourself, this is quite a story from MC and one that I firmly believe will bring a tear to your eye. Listen to the podcast on Apple HERE Spotify HERE When I reached out for MDS stories, I knew I would find some remarkable people and MC is most definitely remarkable. “I am MC, a 37-year old mum of two. I’m a terrible runner and not an athlete. I have never done a half-marathon until late 2023. But I am doing MDS in April.” It was one of those introductions that had me ..read more