The Marathon des Sables Ultra, a new non-stop endurance race
The Marathon des Sables (MDS) Ultra is a new format introduced by the Marathon des Sables organization.
Unlike the historic multi-stage formats, the MDS Ultra 2026 is run as a continuous, non-stop race, without bivouacs, in the heart of the Moroccan Sahara Desert.
This race is designed for experienced ultra-trail runners seeking an extreme challenge that combines self-sufficiency, effort management and mental resilience.
Where does the MDS Ultra take place?
The Marathon des Sables Ultra takes place in the Moroccan desert, across varied terrain including sand, dunes, rocky plateaus and dry riverbeds.
It follows the geographical and symbolic legacy of the Marathon des Sables events organized in Morocco for decades.
An ultra-trail format of 100 km or 100 miles
The MDS Ultra offers two race distances on a shared course:
- 100 km
- 100 miles
Runners follow the same route until a split point around the 60th kilometer, where they choose their final distance.
All participants must reach the finish line within a maximum time limit of 40 hours, in full self-sufficiency.
This non-stop format makes the MDS Ultra one of the most demanding events in the Marathon des Sables universe.
Differences between MDS Ultra, MDS Trek and MDS 120
The Marathon des Sables offers several formats, each with a distinct philosophy:
- MDS Ultra: a non-stop race of 100 km or 100 miles, without bivouacs, in full self-sufficiency.
- MDS Trek: a multi-stage adventure with bivouacs and enhanced comfort, designed for a more accessible desert experience.
- MDS 120: a multi-stage format totaling between 70 and 120 km, with bivouac nights, close to the traditional Marathon des Sables experience.
These formats allow runners to experience the MDS adventure at different levels of commitment and endurance.
Results of the Marathon des Sables Ultra 2026
Podium – 100 miles
- Maryline Nakache – 18 h 17 min 10 s
- Martin Gallardo – 19 h 23 min 02 s
- Jean-Baptiste Bouchoux – 20 h 11 min 06 s
Podium – 100 km
- Sergio Turull – 11 h 53 min 27 s
- Adriana Moser – 12 h 22 min 43 s
- Francesca Canepa – 13 h 17 min 27 s
A gold-colored metal finisher medal designed in Chartreuse
The Marathon des Sables Ultra 2026 finisher medal is crafted in gold-colored metal, with a double-sided design, and designed in Chartreuse.
It symbolizes the rarity and intensity of this non-stop ultra-trail challenge.
Designed as a durable and prestigious object, this medal represents the successful completion of an extreme race in one of the world’s most demanding environments.