Marathon des Sables will host the MDS 120 Jordan challenge from October 31 to November 7, 2026. Participants in the endurance event are set to navigate the desert terrain between Wadi Rum and Petra, concluding near the Dead Sea. Organizers confirmed the schedule for the multi-day race, which requires competitors to complete the distance across the Jordanian landscape. Registration for the challenge is closed as the organization finalizes the route details for the upcoming competition. Runners will traverse the specified course throughout the eight-day window established by the event management team. Marathon des Sables maintains oversight of the logistics and safety protocols for all athletes involved in this desert endurance event.
Race Schedule and Structure
Marathon des Sables organizes the MDS 120 Jordan challenge into three distinct running stages. These competitive segments occur on 2 November, 3 November, and 5 November 2026. Athletes must manage their physical output across these specific dates to complete the race requirements. The event management team dictates the timing for each stage to ensure consistency for all participants during the desert journey. Runners move through the terrain in Jordan between the scheduled racing days to maintain the pace required for the competition. Marathon des Sables manages the transition between these stages as competitors progress from Wadi Rum toward Petra and eventually the Dead Sea. The schedule provides the structure for the event, ensuring that every participant adheres to the timeline established for the November competition.
Distance Options and Stages
Athletes participating in the MDS 120 Jordan challenge select from three route distances totaling 70, 100, or 120 kilometers. These options allow runners to tailor their physical exertion to their individual capacity while navigating the desert terrain between Wadi Rum, Petra, and the Dead Sea.
The first stage of the event spans a distance between 25 and 30 kilometers. Marathon des Sables officials designed this initial segment to introduce competitors to the environmental conditions present in the Jordanian desert. Following this opening phase, the second stage provides runners with additional flexibility regarding their output. Participants may choose to cover 20, 40, or 60 kilometers during this specific segment of the competition.
Registration for the challenge includes a participation package priced at €2,550 per person. This fee covers the logistical support and safety protocols managed by Marathon des Sables throughout the duration of the event. All athletes must adhere to these established distance parameters and the associated costs to maintain eligibility for the race. By offering multiple distance tiers, the organizers ensure that the competition accommodates different levels of endurance experience within the specified Jordan route. Marathon des Sables monitors the progression of all runners as they navigate these segments, ensuring that each participant completes the required kilometers according to the event structure.
