Marathon des Sables · Sahara

THE JOURNEY IN DETAIL

A week in the desert, self-supported.

The Marathon des Sables is a multi-day race in the Moroccan Sahara: about 250 km over six stages, with every gram of food and kit carried on your back and only water and the bivouac provided. Cut-offs are set at 3.5 km/h, so roughly 90 per cent of starters finish, a third of them walking. The club trip wraps around the official package: a pre-race gathering in Marrakech, pack fitting, a fuelling strategy and a shared tent in the bivouac.

• The Merzouga dunes on the long stage
• Nights under Berber tents in the bivouac
• The marathon stage and the finish medal in the sand
• The gala evening in Ouarzazate after the race

1. 01
   DAY 1 · Pack assembly

   Arrival in Marrakech

   We meet at a riad in the medina. In the evening the packs come out on the floor: every item is weighed, aiming for 7–8 kg without water.

   Overnight: Riad in Marrakech
2. 02
   DAY 2 · Transfer, check-in

   Transfer to Ouarzazate and check-in

   Four hours over the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m) to Ouarzazate. Check-in with the organiser and a night in the official hotel.

   Overnight: Hotel in Ouarzazate
3. 03
   DAY 3 · Transfer into the desert

   By bus to the bivouac

   The bus convoy heads into the desert; by evening camp is set — a Berber tent for eight, our group together. First dinner from your own pack.

   Overnight: Tent, bivouac
4. 04
   DAY 4 · Kit control

   Checks and quiet

   Technical, administrative and medical checks: pack, mandatory kit, ECG. Anything surplus goes into storage until the finish. Evening briefing.

   Overnight: Tent, bivouac
5. 05
   DAY 5 · Stage, about 30 km

   Stage 1

   The first stage, usually 30–35 km. Cool in the morning, 35 degrees by noon. We learn to drink to the water-station schedule and keep sand out of the shoes.

   Overnight: Tent, bivouac
6. 06
   DAY 6 · Stage, about 35 km

   Stage 2

   The second stage, around 35–40 km, often across stony plateaux and the first jebels. Foot care in the medical tent in the evening if needed.

   Overnight: Tent, bivouac
7. 07
   DAY 7 · Stage, about 30 km

   Stage 3

   The third stage, about 30–35 km. The pack gets lighter each day, the legs heavier. An early night before the long stage.

   Overnight: Tent, bivouac
8. 08
   DAY 8 · Long stage

   The long stage, part one

   The long stage begins: 80–90 km with a limit of about 35 hours. We move until dark, then follow the light beacons through the dunes. Each runner decides whether to sleep at a checkpoint.

   Overnight: On course or in the bivouac
9. 09
   DAY 9 · Long-stage finish, rest

   The long stage, part two, and rest

   The long-stage finish for those who walked the night, and a recovery day in the bivouac. Sleep, dry the shoes, patch up the feet.

   Overnight: Tent, bivouac
10. 10
    DAY 10 · Stage, 42.2 km

    The marathon stage

    The classic 42.2 km over sand and plateau. This is the official race finish — the medal comes at the line.

    Overnight: Tent, bivouac
11. 11
    DAY 11 · Stage, about 10 km, transfer

    Charity stage and Ouarzazate

    A short, untimed final stage of about 10 km, then buses to Ouarzazate. A shower, dinner and a bed.

    Overnight: Hotel in Ouarzazate
12. 12
    DAY 12 · Transfer, departure

    Marrakech and departure

    A morning transfer to Marrakech, lunch in the medina and evening flights. Anyone who wishes stays another night at the riad.

    Overnight: —