Marathon des Sables Legendary 2027 (41st edition)

The Marathon des Sables Legendary is one of the world's best-known ultramarathons, a multi-stage race across the Sahara in southern Morocco. The 41st edition runs from 2 to 12 April 2027. It is aimed at experienced endurance runners, their support teams and travel organisers handling flights and transfers for participants.

About the Marathon des Sables

First held in 1986, the MDS Legendary asks runners to cover a long distance over several stages, carrying their own food and equipment while the organisers provide water rations and bivouac tents. The exact route changes each year and is revealed by the organisers.

The organisation also runs shorter formats, such as MDS 120, MDS Trek and MDS Handi, in Morocco and other countries. For the 2027 Legendary, the official website shows registration as closed, with a waiting list and an expression of interest form for the 2028 edition.

The event is demanding, and the organisers set strict rules on mandatory equipment, medical checks and self-sufficiency. Anyone helping a runner with travel should read the official race regulations early, as they affect what runners pack, when they need to arrive and how much rest they will need afterwards.

the Marathon des Sables 2027 dates and venue

The official website lists the MDS Legendary 2027 from 2 to 12 April 2027 in the Sahara Desert, Morocco. These dates cover the full event period, including arrival, checks, the racing stages and departure.

The bivouacs and route are in the desert of southern Morocco and are communicated to registered runners by the organiser. See the official MDS Legendary 2027 page for updates and the waiting list.

How to get to the Moroccan Sahara for the Marathon des Sables

Southern Morocco is usually reached through Ouarzazate Airport (OZZ), Errachidia (ERH) or Marrakech Menara (RAK), followed by a long road transfer into the desert. Follow the organiser's instructions on where registered runners should meet.

Runners travelling from abroad often connect through Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN). Book flights that allow a buffer day before the start and after the finish, as desert transfers take time and schedules can change.

Where to stay

During the race, runners sleep at the organiser's bivouac. Before and after, many participants spend a night or two in Marrakech or Ouarzazate to rest, check kit and recover.

Early April is a busy time in Marrakech, so reserve hotels for the nights before and after the event early.

Planning a group trip to the Marathon des Sables

Running clubs, charity teams and companies sponsoring runners often need help with flights for several participants and their supporters. Agencies should match flight times to the organiser's meeting point, add a buffer day on each side and plan recovery stays in Marrakech.

Supporters do not run with the race, so a group trip for families usually focuses on Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains and the desert towns, with a reunion after the finish.

• Buffer days: add at least one spare day before and after the event to absorb flight or transfer delays.
• Luggage: runners carry race kit, so check airline baggage rules for extra equipment.
• Waiting list: runners without a place for 2027 can join the waiting list or register interest for 2028 on the official site.
• Travel documents: check the official entry requirements for Morocco before travel.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Marathon des Sables 2027?

The MDS Legendary 2027 runs from 2 to 12 April 2027 in the Sahara Desert, Morocco, according to the official website.

Can I still register for 2027?

The official site shows the 2027 Legendary as closed, with a waiting list and an expression of interest form for 2028.

Where does the race take place?

In the desert of southern Morocco. The organisers set a new route each year and share details with registered runners.

Which airports serve the race area?

Ouarzazate (OZZ), Errachidia (ERH) and Marrakech Menara (RAK) are common gateways, followed by road transfers.

Are there shorter MDS events?

Yes. The organisation runs other formats, including MDS 120, MDS Trek and MDS Handi, listed on its official website.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to the Marathon des Sables in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.