MDS HANDI | HALF MARATHON DES SABLES

OPENING OF REGISTRATION: MID-APRIL

THE CONCEPT

Discover the new MARATHON DES SABLES concept: the Handi MDS.

After the success of the first Handi MDS edition in October 2024, which brought together 10 teams, the adventure continues in 2025, allowing 50 teams to take the start.

More than just a race, the Handi MDS is an inclusive adventure that proves disability is not a barrier to the extraordinary. This journey invites you to push your limits in one of the most demanding and breathtaking environments on the planet: the Sahara Desert.

Each Handi MDS team consists of 4 people, with 3 members taking turns as pushers, pullers, and runners.

You will fully experience the MDS Morocco by following the same course as all participants. The Handi MDS is a true integration into the event, with detours on sections that are completely inaccessible by wheelchair.

To ensure an adventure accessible to all, we have carefully planned every detail.
We will provide you with an ultra-trail racing wheelchair.
The bivouac is designed to meet specific needs, offering adapted comfort after each stage. Specially equipped shuttles will also handle transfers before and after the race, allowing everyone to fully experience this adventure with complete peace of mind.

The second edition of the Handi MDS will take place from October 10 to 18, 2025, in Morocco.

DISCOVER THE SHORT VERSION OF THE HANDI MDS 2024 MOVIE

THE FORMAT

THE FORMAT

The total distance to be covered is approximately 70km, spread over three stages. Before embarking on the adventure, you will have the opportunity to test all the equipment at the bivouac and make any necessary adjustments.

Each stage will present its own challenges, as follows:

Stage 1: 10 to 15 km

A learning and improvement stage using the provided equipment.

Stage 2: 20 to 25 km

This second stage will immerse you in challenges that test your endurance and individual resilience.

Stage 3: 25 to 30 km

An identical stage to the MDS Morocco, with no adaptations, for a truly shared challenge.

These distances are estimates and may vary from one edition to another.

Special challenges may be introduced throughout the race*: the participant in a wheelchair will face the challenge of covering short-distance segments.

*Distances may vary depending on the course layout of each edition but will remain within these estimates. Specific challenges or trials may be added based on the route, such as covering 150m in a wheelchair without assistance from teammates. This will be communicated prior to the event.

Program of the adventure

THE HANDI MDS BIVOUAC

Because your well-being and accessibility are our priority, the entire Handi MDS bivouac has been designed to meet your specific needs while fully integrating you into the MARATHON DES SABLES Morocco experience. You will be accommodated in teams of four in large Berber tents, right at the heart of the main bivouac, alongside the other participants.

To facilitate movement, mats are installed throughout the bivouac, ensuring smooth wheelchair access. Unlike the MDS Morocco participants, you will have access to showers equipped with benches for added comfort, as well as toilets specifically adapted for you. These AQ-TICA toilets feature gel cushions for maximum comfort.

A dedicated medical area will be set up within the bivouac medical clinic, with a team specialized exclusively for Handi MDS participants.

PROGRAM

Day 1: Arrival in Morocco, transfers from Marrakech to the hotel in Ouarzazate.

Day 2: Technical and medical checks, night at the hotel.

Day 3: Completion of technical/medical checks, transfer to the desert, start of self-sufficiency, first night at the bivouac.

Day 4: First stage, night at the bivouac.

Day 5: Second stage, night at the bivouac.

Day 6: Rest day, night at the bivouac.

Day 7: Third stage, night at the hotel.

Day 8: Hotel day, award ceremony, and gala evening.

Day 9: Return transfers to Marrakech airport, end of the Handi MDS adventure.

ACCESSIBILITY

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

The adventure is designed to be accessible to wheelchair users with a minimum level of mobility. They must be able to propel their wheelchair using their upper limbs, as the goal is to remain active during the stages.

ADAPTATIONS

We provide the option to travel between Marrakech airport, the hotel, and the bivouac in specially adapted shuttles dedicated to the team.
At the hotel, you will be accommodated in wheelchair-accessible rooms.
At the bivouac, you will stay in a Berber tent, specially adapted to your team's needs. You will have access to:
- AQ-TICA toilets with cushions
- Shower benches

The offer

What is included in the offer:

4 race bibs for participation in the Handi MDS for a team of 4 people.
Transfers in an adapted shuttle between Marrakech airport, the hotel, and the desert.
An ultra-trail racing wheelchair provided.

A specialized medical team in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) and spinal cord injuries.
4 nights in an accessible hotel room in the Ouarzazate region, at the gateway to the Sahara (2 before the adventure, 2 after).
4 nights at the Handi MDS bivouac, in a Berber tent specifically adapted to your needs.

AQ-TICA type toilets.
Shower benches at the bivouac.
Medal.
Gala evening.

Handi MDS Offer

Offer including 4 bibs for the Handi MDS adventure, 4 nights at the bivouac, and 4 nights in a hotel.

€20,000 per team of 4.

REGISTRATION PROCESS

Here are the steps to register for the Handi MDS:

Pre-registration
Complete the online form and proceed with the payment of €200 (refundable if canceled before August 31, 2025, or in case of medical inability to participate. See details at the bottom of the page).
This payment must be made by the Handi participant. Once the transaction is validated, our teams will contact them and provide a promo code, allowing the other team members to pre-register for free.
Medical Questionnaire
You will then need to complete a detailed medical questionnaire to confirm your eligibility. This will be reviewed by a specialized medical team.
Payment of Registration Fee
Once the medical questionnaire, determining your eligibility to participate, is approved, your registration will be confirmed. You will then only need to finalize the payment of your registration. Below are the payment deadlines:
- June 30, 2025: First installment of €10,000
- July 31, 2025: Second installment of €5,000
- August 31, 2025: Third installment of €4,800

More details on payment options are available at the bottom of the page.

DISCOVER THE HANDI MDS 2024 MOVIE

In the footsteps of the MARATHON DES SABLES

Join the adventure with complete peace of mind

We have implemented flexible cancellation and postponement conditions, allowing you to register with complete peace of mind.

Free Postponement

In case of doubt as the adventure approaches, difficulty in gathering the necessary amount, or non-selection following medical checks, you may postpone your participation, without any specific reason, until August 31, 2025.

Until September 30, 2025, you may postpone your participation if the Handi participant is unable to take part, exclusively for medical reasons and upon presentation of a medical certificate.

Cancellation Conditions

If you have any doubts as the adventure approaches, face difficulties in raising the required funds, or are not selected following the medical checks, you will be able cancel your participation until August 31, 2025. In this case, you will receive a 100% refund of the amount paid.

Cancellation insurance

In case of cancellation of the event by the organization, you will be refunded 100% of the amount you paid within 60 days.

Details of cancellation and postponement conditions are available in the Rules and General Terms of Sale for the Handi MDS 2025 (coming soon).

In the footsteps of the MARATHON DES SABLES: Introducing the Handi MDS

The Handi MDS is proof that disability does not define your limits. Follow in the footsteps of the MARATHON DES SABLES.

Like all participants since 1986, set out to conquer the extraordinary landscapes of the Sahara. Cover approximately 70 km across three stages of sharing and discovery, immersed in breathtaking scenery and the vastness of the desert.

HANDI MDS 2025 INFO – 2nd EDITION

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Once registered, we will send you a complete checklist of general equipment, as well as gear specific to your disability.

In the meantime, here is the essential equipment for the person using a wheelchair:

A vest that can hold water bottles or a CamelBak-type hydration bladder
Lightweight running T-shirt and shorts
Cap and sunglasses
Spare clothes: T-shirt and lightweight shorts/leggings
Windbreaker jacket for the evening and morning
Sleeping bag and mattress for the night
Hygiene products (sunscreen, soap, antiseptic, etc.)
Toilet paper
Food and cooking utensils (mess kit, lighter, fire-starting tablets, etc.)
A pair of gloves for propulsion
Memory foam cushion to adjust the seating on the wheelchair
Protective sleeves for the upper limbs

Here is the essential gear for the rest of the team:

Backpack with 2 water bottles (e.g. Ultrabag 20L)
Running T-shirt and shorts
Trail shoes with anti-sand gaiters
Cap and sunglasses
Spare clothes: T-shirt and lightweight shorts/leggings
Windbreaker jacket for the evening and morning
Sleeping bag and mattress for the night
Hygiene products (sunscreen, soap, antiseptic, etc.)
Toilet paper
Food and cooking utensils (mess kit, lighter, fire-starting tablets, etc.)

Unlike the MDS Morocco, you will be allowed to bring your suitcase to the MDS bivouac.
For the specific equipment you will need, you will receive support to help you gather your gear as soon as your registration is confirmed.

HOW TO GET THERE?

Two arrival options:

• Marrakech: numerous flight options available, with organized transfers to Ouarzazate on October 10th before 1:00 PM (5-6 hours of travel).
• Ouarzazate: fewer direct flights available but offers direct arrival.

Participants will be allocated to different hotels basedon groupings and nationality. The name of your hotelwill be communicated a few weeks before the start ofthe adventure.

WHICH FLIGHTS TO CHOOSE?

If you are arriving and departing from Marrakech:

•    Arrival: You must arrive by 1:00 PM on October 10, which is the departure time of the last buses providing transfers.
•    Outbound transfers to Ouarzazate: Transfers will take place throughout the morning and until 1:00 PM from Marrakech.
•    Return: You must choose a return flight after 2:00 PM on October 18 to allow enough time for the transfer from Ouarzazate.
•    Return transfers to Marrakech: The buses for the return transfer will depart in the morning (shuttle schedules will be adjusted based on participants’ flight details).

If you are arriving and departing from Ouarzazate:
•    Arrival: You can arrive at any time on October 10, even late in the day.
•    Return: You can book your return flight at any time on October 18.
•    Transfers in Ouarzazate: Adapted shuttles will be organized to handle transfers to the hotel.

We will inform you a few weeks before the event about the hotel where you will be staying. All hotels are located within a 10 to 15-minute walking distance from each other.

Find our flight recommendations in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

It is essential to book flight tickets with cancellation and modification insurance, considering the potential restrictions that may be imposed by countries.

PROGRAM OF THE WEEK

Day 1: Arrival in Morocco, transfers from Marrakech to the hotel in Ouarzazate.
Day 2: Technical and medical checks, night at the hotel.
Day 3: Transfer to the desert, start of self-sufficiency, first night at the bivouac.
Day 4: First stage, night at the bivouac.
Day 5: Second stage, night at the bivouac.
Day 6: Rest day, night at the bivouac.
Day 7: Third stage, night at the hotel.
Day 8: Hotel day, award ceremony, and gala evening.
Day 9: Return transfers to Marrakech airport, end of the Handi MDS adventure.

FOOD

You will need to plan for a total of 12 meals as follows:

•    Day 3: Dinner.
•    Days 4, 5, and 6: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
•    Day 7: Breakfast and lunch.

The organization recommends a daily intake of 2000 KCAL.

More information can be found in the race regulations.

PRICES

The Handi MDS 2025 rates are as follows:
• Handi MDS Offer: €20,000 per team

Once registered, you will have until August 31st to collect the €20,000 required for your team’s registration (4 people). The €200 pre-registration fee has already been deducted from this amount, leaving a remaining balance of €19,800 to be paid.

If this amount is not collected by September 1st, unfortunately, the team will not be able to participate in the Handi MDS. In that case, you will have two options: either postpone your registration to the following year and continue fundraising, or receive a full refund of all amounts paid (including the €200 pre-registration fee).

REGISTRATION PROCESS

Pre-registration

To begin your registration for the Handi MDS, you must pre-register on the following website: https://registration.marathondessables.com and make a payment of €200. This amount grants you access to your registration file and allows you to proceed to the medical validation stage.
This payment must be made by the Handi participant. Once the transaction is validated, our teams will contact them and provide a promo code, allowing the other team members to pre-register for free.
This €200 is fully refundable until August 31st.
Medical Validation

Once pre-registered, you will receive a medical questionnaire to complete. It will be reviewed by a specialized Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) doctor. This questionnaire is designed to assess your ability to participate in the Handi MDS.
A follow-up call may be arranged if necessary.
If your application is unfortunately declined, you will be refunded the €200.
Registration Funding:

Once the medical questionnaire, determining your eligibility to participate, is approved, your registration will be confirmed. You will then only need to finalize the payment of your registration. Below are the payment deadlines:
- June 30, 2025: First installment of €10,000
- July 31, 2025: Second installment of €5,000
- August 31, 2025: Third installment of €4,800

The full amount must be funded before September 1st, 2025

FUNDING

The funding for your participation in the Handi MDS will be managed by the Never Stop Dreaming association, which will provide you with a CERFA certificate after the event. This process allows you to benefit from a tax deduction: 66% for individuals and 60% for companies.

To raise the necessary amount for your registration, you have several options:

Go through an association of your choice: You can collect donations and seek sponsors to finance your participation. The association you choose will then transfer the funds to Never Stop Dreaming.
Make the payment directly to Never Stop Dreaming: You can pay the full amount directly to the association.

In both cases, you will benefit from the tax advantages associated with your contribution.

PAYMENT TERMS

The pre-registration payment must be made by credit card.

Regardless of the chosen funding method, the remaining registration fee can be paid by credit card or bank transfer.

CANCELLATION AND POSTPONEMENT CONDITIONS

CANCELLATION CONDITIONS:

The €200 pre-registration fee can be fully refunded until August 31, 2025, without any specific reason (by requesting it via email at contact@marathondessables.com).

If the team cancels its participation:

Until August 31, 2025, the team can cancel and receive 100% of the amounts paid (including the €200 pre-registration fee) by requesting it via email at contact@marathondessables.com
After this date, no refund will be possible. However, all amounts paid can be postponed free of charge to the following edition until August 31, 2025.

POSTPONEMENT CONDITIONS:

Until September 30, 2025, you may postpone your participation if the Handi participant is unable to take part, exclusively for medical reasons and upon presentation of a medical certificate.

INCLUDED IN THE OFFER

4 race bibs for participation in the Handi MDS for a team of 4 people.
Transfers in an adapted shuttle between Marrakech airport, the hotel, and the desert.
An ultra-trail racing wheelchair provided.
A specialized medical team in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) and spinal cord injuries.
4 nights in an accessible hotel room in the Ouarzazate region, at the gateway to the Sahara (2 before the adventure, 2 after).
4 nights at the Handi MDS bivouac, in a Berber tent specifically adapted to your needs.
AQ-TICA type toilets.
Shower benches at the bivouac.
Medal.
Gala evening.

SAFETY

During the race, you will be surrounded by medical and organizational teams from start to finish. A specialized team of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) doctors and spinal cord injury specialists will be present to assist you and meet all your needs on-site.

The courses are marked with stakes every 50 to 100 meters, making it impossible to get lost. A pick-up vehicle will be available for Handi MDS teams to navigate impassable sections of the race route.

Each participant will be equipped with a GPS beacon featuring an emergency button, allowing the organization to locate you at any time.

A medical tent will be available at the bivouac, where you can go at any time for assistance.

REGULATIONS AND TERMS OF SALE

Rules and General Terms of Sale for the Handi MDS 2025 (coming soon).

ABOUT US

Since 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has been crossing the world's most beautiful deserts with several concepts: the MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY (252 km in the Sahara Desert in Morocco), the MARATHON DES SABLES (70, 100 or 120 km over 3 stages) and the new 2024 concept, the MDS TREK (4 stages with a total distance of up to 120km).