Marathon des Sables

Marathon des Sables (MDS) is a truly unique, multi-day ultra-marathon through one of the world’s most inhospitable environments – the Sahara Desert. 

It's the toughest footrace on Earth. Have you got what it takes? 

Please note that we are no longer able to accept charity place applications for the 2024 event. Please contact the events team by emailing events@scope.org.uk if you'd like to express interest in taking part in the 2025 event.

Your MDS experience

Over 6 life changing days you’ll run over 250km (156 miles) through endless dunes, over rocky jebels, and across white-hot salt plains. Sun, sand and sweat (lots of it!) will be your companions as you race through the desert in the toughest footrace on earth.

The long stage has become a legend in itself. You’ll run out in the Saharan morning, into the dusk and then the dark, many not finishing the 80+km (52 miles) till well into the next day. You’ll push yourself to levels you didn’t think were possible. You’ll learn things about endurance and stamina you couldn’t have imagined. And you’ll feel superhuman when you cross that finish line – a hero.

What's included

• Return flights from London to Morocco. 
• Hotel.
• Transfers (in Morocco).
• Race entry.
• Basic insurance.
• Race essentials (water rations, medical team, ground assistance).
• Email facilities during the race.
• Official race medal, t-shirt and film.

Team Scope perks

• Expert fundraising support and a bespoke fundraising plan from our Events Team to make reaching the fundraising target easy and fun 
• Insider advice and support from our MDS Alumni
• A specialist heat acclimation session before your departure
• A free technical Scope running vest

The difference you can make

By applying to take part in MDS, you'll be raising vital funds to help us end inequality for disabled people.

The pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but for disabled people its exacerbated existing barriers and exposed many new issues, leaving more and more disabled people feeling isolated and forgotten.

£1,000 could support a disabled person through one of our employment programmes to gain the confidence and skills needed to find work.

£2,059 could cover the cost of running Sleep Right for one month, supporting disabled children get the sleep they need.

£4,500 could cover the cost of 500 phone calls to the Scope helpline, providing free, independent and impartial advice and support on issues that matter to disabled people and their families.