40 hours non-stop across the Moroccan Sahara, on the Legendary's footsteps
A non-stop desert ultra launched in 2026 for the Marathon des Sables' 40th year. Runners cover about 160 km of the Moroccan Sahara in one push, with a 40-hour limit and a minimum speed of 4 km/h. The route follows parts of the classic MDS Legendary terrain and is fully marked. Gain is only about 875 m; the hard part is moving on sand for a day and a night, so gaiters are strongly advised. Runners carry all their own food. Water stations come about every 10 km, and life bases about every 30 km have hot drinks, soup, snacks and heated shelters. Runners can switch to the 100 km at a fork around km 60.
Experienced ultrarunners
Ouarzazate, Drâa-Tafilalet, MoroccoJanuary 10, 2027
MDS Ultra 100 Mile is a loop trail race in Ouarzazate, Drâa-Tafilalet, Morocco, held on January 10, 2027. The course covers 160 km, climbs 875 m, and has a 40h cutoff.
The route for this edition is not published yet.
No bivouac. Runners stay 5 nights half-board at the Kasbah Hotel Xaluca in Erfoud (included in the entry). Heated shelters at the life bases about every 30 km allow a rest during the race.
January in the Moroccan Sahara is mild by day and cold by night: daytime temperatures of about 10–25°C in sun, with nights that can drop close to 0°C. The race says to plan gear for heat, cold and possible rain.
Night temperatures can fall close to 0°C during the overnight section
Warm sunny days, cold nights and possible rain in the same race
No reviews yet.
