Start - Sir Peter of Gabriel

The Marathon des Sables Expo on Saturday May 30^th is far more than just a pre-race get together; it’s an essential part of the whole Marathon des Sables experience. And, if you have been thinking about entering any MDS Event or even going back to relive the ‘Legendary Dream’ in 2027, attending the Expo can help you shape your year ahead.

It’s where your preparation becomes real. At any MDS Event even the smallest detail can make or break your race. The 40^th edition of MDS Legendary, highlighted just how hard the race can be, but with the right knowledge can be achieved by most.

At the Expo, you’ll have direct access to expert advice on training, gear, nutrition, hydration, and race strategy. You’re not just reading tips online; you’re engaging with ‘The people that have and that know’, and who truly understand the unique demands of multi-day racing in deserts. This is the practical, experience-based knowledge that’s invaluable to getting you to the finish line.

Equally important is the opportunity to checkout and refine equipment choices. The desert is unforgiving, and any oversight, whether it’s poorly fitting shoes, inefficient pack weight, or inadequate nutrition planning, can have serious consequences. The Expo allows you to see, test, and adjust your approach in a focused environment.

 

The Expo is also a hub for building our 2027 communities. Endurance events like this are as much about connection as they are about competition. Friendships formed at the Expo often carry through the race and beyond. These connections can provide emotional support during the toughest stages and when physical endurance alone isn’t enough. Knowing you have a network of people facing the same challenge can be a powerful resource of resilience.

Finally, the Expo captures the spirit of the Marathon des Sables. It’s a celebration of human endurance, determination, and adventure. From inspiring talks to key kit suppliers, it immerses you into the culture of the MDS itself. Even if you’re not competing, attending offers a rare glimpse into what drives people to push their limits in extreme environments.

The Marathon des Sables Expo isn’t optional - it’s integral. It’s the ideal opportunity to become part of Ultra-Running folklore and join a very select number of people that have conquered ‘The World’s Toughest Footrace’. It’s also a great opportunity to meet me and become part of ‘Team Coleman’ the largest group of competitors at the race this year.

Venue - Victory Services Club - 63-79 Seymour Street London W2 2HF – Starts 9am

See you there… Register here - https://waaultra.typeform.com/to/n3u508it

1,240 Marathons  - 291 Ultras - 10 GWR - 19 Marathon des Sables

19 - Paul Hardcastle

Well, my nineteenth Marathon des Sables is complete. And 'The World's Toughest Footrace' had a bit of everything if I'm being honest, even a few drops of rain on the last day plus a sandstorm that would take any Polar Explorer clean off his feet.

It also had the longest ever stage, some 100km, which sent most of the camp limping off to the medical tent, but apart from that I'd say it was 'Middle-Par as far as the race went as the top temperature was 37c on my wrist. Which made it doable by most with only 85 DNF from 1430 starters.

Anyone there for their first desert outing would have got a good impression of what running or walking in the desert for long periods of time does to one's feet. There were so many people hobbling backwards and forwards to the medical facilities. Yes sand really sucks!

Best part for me was completing the race for the second time with son Sam, and having daughter Pearl helping as a Blue Jacket all week. A proper family affair. Priceless moments.

To those that made it - a big well done, and to those that didn't - well maybe next time. And to all my people in Team Coleman - thanks for working with me and speak to you all soon.

1,240 Marathons - 292 Ultras - 10 GWR - 19 Marathon des Sables

Desert Raven - Jonathan Wilson

MDS 32 in 2017 - Photo Ian Corless

Well, 'here we go again' as they say and it's a tricky nineteenth album for me as I head deep into the Southern Moroccan desert for the 40th edition of The Marathon des Sables - aka ‘The World's Toughest Footrace’.

It feels but a few moments that we were here last year, but it's been a good training year and my client base that are here are already peaking for the week of hardship that lies ahead!

 

Last year's rainy, back-painy race still sends a chill down my spine and I hope we have fine weather and manage to conquer the 100km 'Long Stage' brought in on day four, designed to either make or break us - hence the tricky nineteenth album reference.

 

I've surrounded myself with good people - people that give rather than suck the vital energy needed to keep morale high, and the positive mental attitude to carry on when things get super-tough.

 

I can clearly remember my first MDS back in 1999 and wish that I had my thirty-seven level of fitness and effervescent feeling of confidence. I saw it back then as a party in the desert, and it certainly had a life-changing effect on me which still defines me today.

 

Today, I'm far mellower and I'm going to enjoy being with son Sam on his second MDS and use the time to share time, stories and experiences with those around me.

 

And as it’s an integral part of my business I'm looking forward to planning the next twelve months in preparation for the 41st Edition.

 

Yes, this year’s race is all in the bag except for the running and this year’s cohort will soon disperse to the four corners of the planet to spread the MDS gospel to anyone prepared to hear their tall tale from the desert.

 

I hope there is connection along the route, and I'll endeavour to upload my thoughts and reports as the daily distances get ticked off.

 

I mean, what can go wrong eh? 

 

Plenty for sure, but then that's why we go and why the race has such a special place in anyone's heart that has ever even had big enough balls to attempt it.

 

So, here's to yet another wander around the sandpit and an adventure that will warm the soul.

1,238 Marathons - 291 Ultras - 18 MDS - 10 GWR - 1 Goal