A Desert Adventure on Morocco's Wild Atlantic Coast

The Moroccan Atlantic coast, stretching south from Agadir towards the remote Plage Blanche, is one of North Africa's most spectacular and least explored coastal desert landscapes. Vast white dunes, wild beaches, rugged cliffs, and the constant presence of the ocean create a unique and unforgettable playground for adventure.

The race invites runners and walkers to experience a multi-day desert crossing in a setting unlike any other MDS destination. Participants traverse breathtaking terrain including sandy tracks, coastal cliffs, and sweeping dune fields, while living the unique spirit of the MDS bivouac community.

Accessible Whatever The Level

The MDS 120 Atlantic Coast offers different distance concepts so that everyone can discover the desert and live an extraordinary adventure, whatever their level. Whether you're a runner or a walker, the MDS has something for you:

• Possibility to run or walk, whatever distance you choose.
• Generous time limits: minimum pace allowed is 3.5 km/h
• Average pace at the MDS is: 5.5 km/h

This adventure is yours to enjoy at your own pace — whether you're aiming for the rankings or just want to soak up the experience walking, everything is possible.

Trailer

Overview

Dates: January 23, 2027 - January 30, 2027
Location: Plage Blanche & Atlantic Coast, Morocco
Level: Endurance Adventure (Accessible to runners and walkers).
Distances Offered: Participants can choose distances of approximately 70 km, 100 km, or 120 km, completed over three desert stages in a semi-self-sufficient format. The distance is chosen during the second stage, so you can decide on the day based on how you feel.

What's Included

• Race entry for the MDS Atlantic Coast stage race
• (half-board, double room) — 2 nights before the race, 2 nights after
• 3 nights in the MDS desert bivouac in an individual tent
• Medical and safety support during the race, including GPS tracking with SOS button
• Desert camp logistics and equipment
• Transfers between Agadir Airport, the hotel, and the desert
• Official race organisation and timing
• Finisher medal and finisher gift
• Gala dinner and awards ceremony

Participants carry their own food and personal equipment during the stages, staying true to the self-sufficiency spirit of Marathon des Sables, with water provided by the organisation. Plan for 10 meals in total across the desert days.

Cost

Registration cost: from $2,625.00 USD per person Includes race logistics, bivouac nights, and hotel accommodation package.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Agadir (Saturday, January 23)Check-in, meet the MDS team and fellow adventurers, and settle in for the first evening by the Atlantic.

Day 2 – Technical Control at Hotel (Sunday, January 24) Participants attend the official technical equipment check, where the race organisation verifies that all mandatory gear complies with the event safety requirements. Runners must also present their medical certificate, reviewed by the MDS medical team to confirm fitness to race. Free day at the hotel.

Day 3 – Stage 1: Into the Desert (Monday, January 25) Bus transfer to the Plage Blanche desert region. The adventure begins with the first stage of approximately 25–30 km, introducing runners to the dramatic landscapes of the Moroccan Atlantic coast: white dunes, sandy valleys, wild beaches, and open desert horizons. Camp overnight in the iconic MDS bivouac, sharing stories under the desert stars.

Day 4 – Stage 2: The Long Stage (Tuesday, January 26) The main challenge of the week. Participants choose their distance on the day — approximately 20 km, 40 km, or up to 60 km through white dunes and coastal desert terrain. This stage delivers the most spectacular views and the greatest physical challenge of the event.

Day 5 – Rest Day (Wednesday, January 27) A well-deserved recovery day in the bivouac. Runners can rest, rehydrate, care for their feet and gear, while enjoying the unique MDS camp atmosphere and preparing for the final stage ahead.

Day 6 – Stage 3: Final Crossing (Thursday, January 28) The final stage of roughly 25–30 km brings runners across the last desert landscapes before reaching the finish line. A powerful moment of achievement as participants complete their Atlantic Coast journey. Finish celebrations follow with the entire MDS community. Transfer back to the hotel for the night.

Day 7 – Celebration & Recovery (Friday, January 29) A free day at the hotel to rest, swim, and enjoy the Atlantic Ocean views. In the evening, the official MDS Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner bring the entire community together to celebrate.

Day 8 – Departure (Saturday, January 30) Transfer back to Agadir Airport — or extend your stay to explore Morocco further, including Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, or the Saharan dunes of Merzouga.

The race combines Stage racing between white dunes and wild Atlantic coastline The unique MDS bivouac experience in individual tents Luxury recovery at the Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort & Spa An unforgettable endurance adventure in Morocco!

Which Flights to Choose?

Outbound flight – to Agadir
The organisation recommends booking a flight to Agadir Airport with arrival on January 23, 2027. Shuttles will be available to transfer you between the airport and the hotel from 6:00 a.m. until the end of the day. Exact schedules will be provided closer to the event.

Return Flight - from Agadir
For your return, it is recommended to book a flight departing from Agadir Airport on January 30, 2027. Shuttles will run between the hotel and the airport from 6:00 a.m. until late afternoon to accommodate various flight schedules.

Purchase flights with cancellation/modification insurance.

Mandatory Equipment

a WAA ULTRABAG 20L backpack or equivalent • a minimum of 1.5 litres of water (water bottle, water bag, etc.) • a sleeping bag • a headlamp + 1 complete set of spare batteries or battery pack • 10 safety pins • a lighter • a whistle • a metal blade knife • a skin

antiseptic • a signal mirror • a survival blanket • 8 bouillon cubes (2 per day). The use of these cubes is an effective replacement for salt tablets, which are no longer offered to runners • a tube of sun cream • sunglasses • 100 euros in cash • Passport • The official medical certificate provided by the organisation, duly completed, and signed by a doctor less than 90 days before the start of the race (PPS certificate not accepted)

Ultra-Flexible Registration Conditions

Cancellation conditions:

• Cancellation is free of charge until August 30, 2026.
• From August 31 to October 4, 2026, 25% of the total registration fee will be retained in case of cancellation.
• From October 5 to November 8, 2026, 50% of the total registration fee will be retained in case of cancellation.
• After November 8, 2026, no refund is possible; however, it will still be possible to defer your registration according to the event’s conditions.

Postponement conditions:

• Until November 8, 2026, deferral to the next edition is free of charge.
• From November 9 to December 13, 2026, a €250 fee applies for deferral.
• From December 14, 2026, no deferral is possible.

Safety

During the race, you will be supported by medical and organizational teams from the start to the finish of each stage. The courses are marked with stakes every 50–100 meters, making it impossible to get lost.

All participants are equipped with a GPS beacon with an emergency button, allowing the organization to locate you at any time. A medical tent is also available at the bivouac, where you can go whenever needed.

Event's current local time: 1:11 PM MOT