The Course

The MdS is a six-day ‘ultra-marathon’ or ‘ultra’ run over 150 to 156 miles (254 kms). But it’s not just the distance that makes it the toughest footrace on the planet.

Day 1

30.3KM

Day 2

39KM

Day 3

31.6KM

Day 4

86.2KM

Day 5

42.2KM

Day 6

7.7KM

What about back-up? The MdS is expertly organised and supported by an experienced team of passionate professionals. They know how to balance its unique spirit of adventure with the preparation needed to keep everyone safe. Each year, the Race Director and his team spend a month meticulously planning routes that are kept secret until the day before the event launch. There is a rest day after the longest stage, but it may take you into that day to finish.

WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK:

100 Volunteers on the course
400 Support staff overall
120,000 Litres of mineral water
270 Berber and Saharan tents
100 All-terrain vehicles
2 ‘Ecureuil’ helicopters
1 Cessna plane and 3 mountain bikes
6 ‘MdS Special’ commercial planes
23 Buses
4 Camels
1 Incinerator lorry for waste

4 Quad bikes to ensure environmental safety on race
52 Members of medical team
6.5 kms of Elastoplast
2,700 Compeed
19,000 Compresses
6,000 Painkillers
150 Litres of disinfectant
1 Editing bus
5 Cameras
1 Satellite image station
6 Satellite telephones
15 Computers, fax and internet

WHO TAKES PART?

30% Previous MdS competitors
25% UK and Ireland entrants
30% French entrants
17% Women
45% Veterans
30% In teams of three or more
10% Walkers
90% Alternate walking and running
14 km/hr: average maximum speed
3 km/hr: average minimum speed
Age of youngest competitor: 16
Age of oldest competitor: 78