The legendary Marathon des Sables is gearing up for its 39th edition, set to take place from April 4 to 14, 2025, under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI. Nearly 1,000 participants from 52 countries will converge in the heart of the Moroccan Sahara to take on one of the most grueling endurance races on Earth—a 250-kilometer test of human limits spread across six stages, including one of the longest segments ever featured in the event’s history.
Known globally as a singularly brutal challenge, the Marathon des Sables demands total self-sufficiency from its competitors. Athletes must carry all their food and gear, navigating the harsh, breathtaking landscapes of the desert while contending with extreme heat, exhaustion, and the constant mental pressure of survival in isolation. Runners and walkers alike will need to balance physical effort, nutrition, and navigation across unforgiving terrain.
On the competitive front, the race promises a high-stakes showdown. All eyes will be on the El Morabity brothers—Mohamed and, most notably, Rachid, who is chasing a record-extending twelfth title. Their dominance will be challenged by another sibling duo, the Yachou brothers, who have rapidly risen through the ranks and are now seen as serious contenders.
In the women’s race, an intense battle is expected between former champions Maryline Nakach and Ragna Debats, both making a return to the Sahara, and the reigning queen of the dunes, Aziza El Amrany. El Amrany, who triumphed in 2024, will be looking to defend her title against a formidable field.
Last year’s 38th edition saw Morocco’s Rachid El Morabity and Aziza El Amrany claim victory, further cementing their status as icons of desert ultramarathons. As the 2025 race draws near, anticipation is building for what could be one of the most fiercely contested and physically demanding editions in the event’s storied history.
