Running 120 kilometers in the desert with no prior experience. This is the crazy challenge we want to accomplish.

Our education at INSA pushed us to develop skills in innovation, critical thinking, resilience under pressure, and performance during exams. However, we wanted to go further, seeking a challenge that transcends us. That’s when the idea of running the Marathon des Sables in Jordan was born. Aware of the demands of this race, we were more motivated than ever.

But we wanted to align this challenge with a solidarity project: collaborating with a local association to help with the education of young children in Jordan. At INSA, our training emphasizes a humanistic dimension, and we are aware of the importance of education and the inequalities in access to it.

This motivated us to go beyond the walls of our school and embark on an exceptional adventure, realizing our deep aspiration to promote access to education. We aim to confront different realities in order to enrich our perspective of the world.

We want to show that with motivation and discipline, we can accomplish things greater than ourselves. Who would believe that two beginners could finish the Marathon des Sables while raising € 25,000 for education? Few people, but we are convinced we can achieve this challenge.

MARATHON DES SABLES – 120 km

The Marathon des Sables is recognized as a legendary ultra-trail race, distinguished by its extreme conditions and unparalleled demands.

Extreme Conditions:
You must endure intense heat during the race, heat we Westerners are not accustomed to. Not only are we running in the desert, but on sand, rocks, dunes, and small mountains, which greatly increase the difficulty of the course.

Total Autonomy:
Throughout the race, which spans several days, we are self-sufficient. This means we carry all our equipment and food. Backpacks usually weigh just under 10 kg, adding extra burden with each step.

Navigation and Orientation:
Understanding the course is also a task not to be neglected. Without clear markers, we must rely on maps and compasses to navigate between checkpoints scattered along the route. This adds an intense mental challenge on top of the physical exertion, especially when we’re feeling disoriented.

Values and Spirit of Solidarity:
The Marathon des Sables goes beyond just a race. Beyond physical endurance, it tests participants’ mental strength, pushing them to explore their limits and their ability to persevere and resist. Additionally, the difficulty fosters values of teamwork and solidarity among participants.

Tactical Nature of the Race:
Unlike most races, which are completed in a single stage, the MDS is broken into multiple stages over four days, making it a strategic race. You need to manage your energy, supplies, hydration, and nutrition over the entire event.

Race Formats:

We will participate in the most intense version of the race: 70 km, 100 km, or 120 km, spread across three stages.
• Stage 1: Approximately 25 to 30 km
• Stage 2: Approximately 20, 40, or 60 km
• Stage 3: Approximately 25 to 30 km

This race is a true test of pushing one’s limits, perfectly reflecting our commitment to overcoming challenges to support a cause we deeply care about.