MDS Morocco

ماراثون الصحراء المغربي

View on map
Sports & AdventureOuarzazate/Sahara
DatesDates TBA · Usually OctoberCheck locally before booking
DurationAutumnEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceThis entry describes the same race family as
Language["ar"]Currency: MAD
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

MDS Morocco in Ouarzazate/Sahara

MDS Morocco refers to the Marathon des Sables staged in the Ouarzazate and Sahara region of Morocco, a six-stage, self-sufficiency ultramarathon covering roughly 250 kilometers, typically run in early April. Competitors carry all food and equipment except water for the full race.

Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

This entry describes the same race family as the flagship Marathon des Sables, framed around its Ouarzazate-area staging and desert logistics: bivouac camps, dune crossings, sandstorms, and rocky terrain navigated over roughly a week

02

The mystery stays covered

First run in 1986 with 23 competitors, it has grown into one of the most extreme endurance races in the world, built entirely around the same self-sufficiency rule that defines the original event

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Follows the same self-sufficiency format established in 1986

Water and renewal

Living ritual

carrying all food and equipment except water across bivouac-to-bivouac stages

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually October

Getting around

Getting to MDS Morocco works best when arrival and return routes are decided before the busiest part of the day.

What to wear

Technical desert running gear, sand gaiters, sun protection, and warm layers for cold nights at the bivouac.

Safety

MDS Morocco is easier when spectators give competitors, vehicles and staff room to work.

Where to stay

Base yourself where the last trip of the day stays easy, especially if MDS Morocco runs late.

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

["ar"] · MAD

Family friendly

unknown

Ouarzazate/Sahara, Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco

Nearest airportOZZ — Ouarzazate
TransportGetting to MDS Morocco works best when arrival and return routes are decided before the busiest part of the day.
Stay areaBase yourself where the last trip of the day stays easy, especially if MDS Morocco runs late.
FAQ

Quick answers.

When is MDS Morocco?

MDS Morocco is listed for October · Autumn. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does MDS Morocco take place?

The festival is listed in Ouarzazate/Sahara, Morocco. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Autumn is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Ouarzazate/Sahara, Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLmarathondessables.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually October
Source statusOfficial source linked

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →