Marathon des Sables
The Toughest Footrace on Earth: 250km Self-Sufficiency Race Through the Sahara.
Race day
29
Mar 2026
Past eventThe 2026 Marathon des Sables took place on March 29, 2026. The details below are kept for reference and results.
See the 2027 Marathon des SablesThe Toughest Footrace on Earth: 250km Self-Sufficiency Race Through the Sahara.
Provenance ledger
Every fact, and where it came from
| Field | Value | Source | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Sunday 29 March 2026Curated listing · 10 May 2026 | Curated listing | 10 May 2026 |
| Start time | 08:30 local (Africa/Casablanca)Curated listing · 10 May 2026 | Curated listing | 10 May 2026 |
| Distances | 50K · 250km over 6 stagesCurated listing · 10 May 2026 | Curated listing | 10 May 2026 |
| Location | Ouarzazate, Draa-Tafilalet, MoroccoCurated listing · 10 May 2026 | Curated listing | 10 May 2026 |
| Start area | Sahara Desert near Ouarzazate, Draa-Tafilalet region, Morocco SaharaConfirm the exact start with the organizerCurated listing · 10 May 2026 | Curated listing | 10 May 2026 |
| Entry price | €2,700–€4,000Curated listing · 10 May 2026 | Curated listing | 10 May 2026 |
| Elevation gain | 5,500 mCurated listing · 10 May 2026 | Curated listing | 10 May 2026 |
| Field size | About 1,300 runners (typical field)Curated listing · 10 May 2026 | Curated listing | 10 May 2026 |
| Organizer | Marathon des SablesCurated listing · 10 May 2026 | Curated listing | 10 May 2026 |
| Official website | marathondessables.comOrganizer · 10 May 2026 | Organizer | 10 May 2026 |
| Listing | Verified listingSunday Marathon review · 10 May 2026 | Sunday Marathon review | 10 May 2026 |
Source is where this listing’s facts came from. Where a field could not be confirmed we leave it blank rather than guess.
Report a correctionAbout this race
The world's toughest race — 250km through the Sahara in 50°C heat, carrying all your food and gear.
Is this race a fit?
These notes are generated from listed Sunday Marathon race facts. They are meant for shortlisting and planning, not as a replacement for official organizer instructions.
Best For
Runners comparing 50K, 250km over 6 stages options
Marathon des Sables belongs on the shortlist when you are comparing 50K, 250km over 6 stages options around Ouarzazate, Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco and want the key date, location, registration, and course facts in one place.
Watch For
Confirm entry details before paying
A registration path is listed; review entry rules, refund terms, and transfer policies before paying.
Decision Signal
Good choice only after source confirmation
Marathon des Sables should be evaluated as a full race-weekend choice in Ouarzazate, Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco, not only as a date on a calendar. Start with 5500 m elevation gain listed. Weather notes are listed, so factor them into gear and pacing decisions.
- Date And Schedule
Marathon des Sables is currently listed for March 29, 2026, which makes the March planning window important for training and travel. Recheck official timing before race week.
- Location Base
Plan around Ouarzazate, Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco, then verify the exact start area, finish area, packet pickup, and post-race exit route before booking non-refundable travel.
- Course Fit
Listed course signals include 5500 m elevation gain listed. Use them to compare effort, pacing risk, and training fit before relying on the race for a specific goal.
- Entry Readiness
A registration path is listed; review entry rules, refund terms, and transfer policies before paying.
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