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April 2009, April 2010
General Information
The toughest race on the planet!
The Marathon des Sables is a foot race, in stages, covering some 243km done at one’s own pace while maintaining self-sufficiency in food, clothing and gear.
The event is held in April in Morocco and involves you running approximately 151 miles across the desert in six days, carrying all your supplies and equipment except your tent and water.
Running on behalf of Yorkshire Cancer Research is your opportunity to take part in this amazing event absolutely for free. With the exception of your kit and food, the event is all-inclusive and includes your flights, accommodation and full back-up service during the event.
Need a place?
The 2008 and 2009 MdS are now full. Pre-register now for 2010 and we'll let you know when the entries open.
Already got a place?
If you already have a place in the 2008 or 2009 event, why not run in aid of Yorkshire Cancer Research? We will allow you to take up to 40% of what you raise to cover costs.
If you have a place please call Steve on 01423 877210 for a chat about our scheme. We will then be delighted to send you fundraising and training materials.
History
The Marathon des Sables was created in 1986 by Frenchman Patrick Bauer when he completed a 200 mile trek across the Sahara and decided that he wanted others to share the experience. Since then it has become one of the most prestigious endurance events in the world.
- Over 6,000 competitors since 1986
- 30% repeat competitors
- 70% international
- 30% French
- 12% women
- 45% veterans
- 33% in teams (3 or more)
- 10% walkers
- 90% alternate walking and running
- 14km/hour average maximum speed
- 3km/hour average minimum speed
- Minimum age: 18
- Maximum age: 78 (so far!)
Live or recorded TV images are broadcast by over 1,000 channels in over 150 countries, and many journalists are present to cover the event. At the end of each leg computers, telephones and fax machines work flat out. In addition to these means of information there is the internet service which allows families, friends and sponsors to follow the race each day and exchange messages with the participants.
Route
It is held in April each year in the Saharan provinces of south Morocco, generally in the vicinity of Ouarzazate. The exact location is kept secret until a day before the event begins. The route covers an extremely diverse terrain of sand, stones, small mountains of approximately 1,000m, dried lakes, palm groves, dried river beds and dunes. The six separate stages range from 20km to 80km and include an actual marathon as one of the stages. Sand makes up 25%-50% of the route. A previous route over the six days:
- Day 1 28km
- Day 2 35km
- Day 3 38km
- Day 4 77km
- Day 5 Rest day, although you may still be running the 77km section
- Day 6 42km
- Day 7 18km
- Total 238km
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