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 Marathon des Sables Atlantic Coast 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.

Beyond the race itself, the adventure also offers a luxurious recovery experience at the Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort & Spa — a stunning 5-star oceanfront property — giving participants the chance to decompress by the Atlantic after days in the desert.

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
• 4 nights at the Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort & Spa (half-board, double room) — 2 nights before the race, 2 nights after
• 3 nights in the MDS desert bivouac in an individual tent
• Drinking water supplied at checkpoints and bivouac (5L per stage)
• 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 €2,250 per person (early bird from €2,100) Includes race logistics, bivouac nights, and hotel accommodation package.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Agadir (Saturday, January 23)Participants arrive at Agadir-Al Massira International Airport. Shuttles organised throughout the day for transfer to the Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort & Spa. 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 Hilton Taghazout Bay 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 Marathon des Sables Atlantic Coast 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!

Event's current local time: 8:58 AM WET