Other events you may find useful for training or that are similar to the MdS. For registration and more information, please follow the website links.
Training Events
The Extraordinary
THE EXTRAORDINARY is a portal to a range of extraordinary events. Right now there is the Polar Challenge (to the Magnetic North Pole) and the RAW Series, a group of endurance footraces in the style of the MdS in locations across the world.
For more details see the website www.theextraordinary.co.uk
Ambition Events
A series of events created by Marathon des Sables veterans to prepare you for Morocco. They are coupled with seminars and an active online community to enable you to reach the finish line in Morocco in greater physical and mental shape.
Ambition Events welcome day
combines a run, workshops, kit review and a massage - welcome day details.
Visit the website www.ambitionevents.com.
Marathon of Britain
The Marathon of Britain is an event based around the Marathon des Sables concept but (obviously) held in the UK. It is arranged by Rory Coleman who has completed 4 MdS, three Desert Cups and is entered in the 2008 and 2009 MdS.
Thames Meander
The Thames Meander was established in 1999, the purpose of the race is to replicate (as closely as is possible in Britain) the conditions of Stage 4 of the Marathon des Sables. This is the hardest stage and the distance is usually 48 to 54 miles across desert.
This is a good place to meet up with future friends and tent mates. Many MdS vets return to do the Thames Meander again and again so there will be plenty of support and advice on hand.
Over the years only a handful of runners who have competed in the Thames Meander have failed to complete the MdS a few weeks later.
Marathon des Sables training camp in Tabernas desert, Almeria
Organised by Paul Bateson, who did the MdS in 2001, and instructed by Fulvio Villano, a team mate and winner of the past 2 MdS in age category as well as many other events around the world.
First event is December 13th to 17th, 2007. Other events depending on demand.
www.trailrunspain.com (look under News)
Similar Events
Trans Aq'
A 230km self-sufficiency 6 stage ultramarathon along the forest trails and Beaches of Aquitane, France. Organised by Gérard Caupène, who completed the MdS in 1998 (31st place).
Everest Marathon
A high altitude mountain marathon (42 km) held every two years in the foothills of Everest (Nepal). The race is organised as a 27 day holiday, the next event is in November 2007. Previous mountain running experience is essential. The runners raise money for the Everest Marathon Fund which supports health and educational projects in rural Nepal.
See their website www.everestmarathon.org.uk
Namibia challenge
A four stage event requiring mountain running experience, including aiming to complete most of the 8 day Naukluft in 4 days.
www.everestmarathon.org.uk/namibia
Sierra Nevada training base
A small family business in the Alpujarras/Sierra Nevada, the house sits at 3500 ft with direct access to tracks up to the high Sierra Nevada range(11,500ft). It is an ideal location to train from (heat and altitude). www.sunshinebreaks.com