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Marathon des Sables 2026: Record Participation in a Historic Edition
On the brink of its 40th edition, the legendary Marathon des Sables is set to write a new chapter in the annals of endurance sports, with an exceptional event marked by record participation that showcases its growing global prominence. From April 3 to 13, 2026, the heart of the Moroccan desert will host this unique event, which continues to solidify its position as one of the toughest and most famous endurance races in the world.
Since its inception in 1986 with just 23 adventurers, the Marathon des Sables has become a major international fixture in the “ultra-trail” sports calendar. Today, over 1,500 participants from 62 nationalities are preparing to embark on this extraordinary experience, while the waiting list includes hundreds of hopefuls, clearly indicating the unprecedented popularity of the event.
Over the course of 11 days, including 9 days deep in the desert, competitors will cover a distance of nearly 270 kilometers in self-sufficient conditions, where each participant must manage their own supplies. This direct confrontation with the harshness and allure of nature offers an experience where physical challenge intertwines with mental resilience on a journey of self-discovery.
This celebratory edition features a notable new development: for the first time in the marathon’s history, the long stage will be raised to 100 kilometers, reflecting a desire to elevate the level of challenge and commemorate the 40th anniversary of this legendary event.
In terms of sports competition, the race appears open to all possibilities, despite the ongoing Moroccan dominance led by the outstanding runners Rashid El Morabity and Mohamed El Morabity. However, the 2026 edition will see the participation of top international race stars, including Ludovic Pommeret and Ryan Sandes, signaling an exciting and fierce battle for the title.
The roster of participants also includes other prominent names, such as Julien Absalon, Andre Schürrle, Mickaël Gras, Damien Gras, Myriam Robert, and Sébastien Späler, adding a high level of competition to this edition. In the women’s category, the competition is expected to peak, with the participation of shining names like Marilyn Nakache, Magdalena Boulet, Azizah Almorani, along with Laurence Klein, Desirée Linden, Francesca Canepa, and Agathe Thiey Mago, making for an open race.
Despite its competitive edge, the Marathon des Sables remains, above all, a profound human adventure, where the stories of participants intersect in the space of “bivouac,” beneath Berber tents, in an atmosphere of solidarity and communal spirit. There, in the heart of the desert, extraordinary human connections are forged as each participant discovers their true limits.
With unprecedented participation, the 40th edition of the legendary Marathon des Sables confirms that this event is not just a race but a renewed human epic, continuing to inspire challenge enthusiasts worldwide, as it writes its timeless chapters on the sands of the Moroccan desert.
