Although this race has traditionally been dominated by men, female participation has increased considerably over the years.
Women and the sand marathon
The sand marathon (SM) is an ultra-endurance race held every year in the Sahara desert in Morocco. This extreme challenge covers around 250 km, spread over six self-sufficient stages. Today, around 10-15% of the participants are women, and some of them have left their mark on the history of the MDS through their performance and determination.
Specific challenges for women
Women taking part in the sand marathon face the same challenges as men, such as extreme heat (up to 50°C during the day), difficult terrain (sand dunes, rocky plateaux, sandy winds). They have to be self-sufficient in food and manage the weight of their packs, as well as the physiological challenges of prolonged endurance.
They also have to adapt their preparation to their physiology, particularly in terms of hydration, managing menstrual cycles and energy intake over such a long distance.
Increased visibility for women
With the rise of social networks and the growing media coverage of women’s sport, more and more women are taking up ultra-trail running and the SM. Initiatives are encouraging their participation, such as specific coaching programmes and sponsored women’s teams.
In short, women are proving through this marathon that determination, resilience and endurance are not a question of gender, but of will and preparation.
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Who can participate?
The SM attracts runners from all walks of life, from elite athletes to amateurs looking for a personal challenge. You need to be in excellent physical and mental condition, as the event is as much psychological as it is physical. It’s the ultimate challenge to test your limits, a human adventure but also a collective one, where helping each other is the key to success.
It’s also a unique immersion in the desert, with breathtaking landscapes that will remain engraved in your memory.
These women have proved that the sand marathon is not just an event for men, and have inspired many other female runners to take up the challenge.
Thesand marathon is much more than just a race: it’s an experience that makes a lasting impression on those who take part.
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