2014 Marathon des Sables

The Marathon des Sables, dubbed ‘the toughest footrace on earth', covers approximately 150 miles over six days. That's the equivalent of five and a half marathons in extreme conditions (think dunes, 120°F temperatures, sand storms) whilst carrying everything you need for the entire race on your back!

The desert race takes place in March/April (final dates to be confirmed) in the Moroccan Sahara, where midday temperatures can rise to 120°F. The terrain is uneven, rocky, stony ground, and 15-20% of the distance is over sand dunes.

Please note: the dates mentioned (4 April - 15 April 2014) are just an indication - the exact dates for the 2014 event will not be finalised until mid-2013.

Mencap's Marathon des Sables team

Mencap has secured some of the limited places available for the Marathon des Sables 2014. As part of Mencap's extreme team you'll receive:

• fundraising support
• training support
• the benefit of being part of a team and invites for Mencap's extreme team get togethers
• team top/vest before the race
• other free or discounted health and fitness services and products
• 40% refund policy - if you have secured your own place, we can help you cover your costs (read our FAQs for more details).

How to take part

If you would like to apply for a place on Mencap's 2014 Marathon des Sables team, please fill out the online application form and we'll be in touch with more information.

If you have secured your own place on the Marathon des Sables, or any other extreme race, we would be delighted to welcome you to our team. For more information find out about your next challenge.

Find out more

If you would like more information about this event, please contact:

Rachel Croshaw
Mencap's events team
Telephone: 020 7696 6946
Email: rachel.croshaw@mencap.org.uk