FAQ

Walking With The Wounded have secured 16 Classic places in MDS Legendary 40th Edition, these cost 3,950€/Person. Once registered with us, we'll talk you through how to pay your race entry as this is paid direct to Marathon Des Sables. There is an option to upgrade to 'Premium' subject to availability which is 4,350€/Person.

Included in your MDS registration fee:

• Race bib.
• Postponement insurance: You can postpone your participation to another edition free of charge up to 7 days before the departure date (until March 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM UTC+1, inclusive). The conditions are available in the race regulations.
• 2 nights in a double room on a half-board basis in Ouarzazate (standard or superior hotel, depending on the chosen offer).
• Organizational and medical support during the race.
• Water stations during the race.
• Repatriation assistance.
• 8 nights at the bivouac.
• Finisher medal.
• Finisher gift.

MDS do offer a payment installment plan of 1 to 5 payments, depending on time of registration. But please note, your place isn't fully secure until the full amount is paid.

We set a fundraising target of £5,000 per participant.

We are on hand throughout your whole MdS journey to help you sail past this target.

Joining team WWTW means that you will be joining one of the biggest teams that take part in the MDS, what does this look like??

• Exclusive kit and equipment to take to the desert
• On hand coaching from 18 times Legendary finisher, Rory Coleman
• Access to WWTW discounts on kit, equipment, nutrition and more
• Regular training catch ups to share how it's going with the wider MDS Legendary community
• Help from the WWTW Events team to help you smash that fundraising target
• A friendly face in the desert so you

WE WANT YOU TO COME HOME WITH THAT FINISHERS MEDAL AND HAVE AN AMAZING ADVENTURE WHILE DOING IT!!

The MdS is a six-day ‘ultra-marathon’ or ‘ultra’ run over 150 to 156 miles (254 kms).

Although the exact distances change year on year, the average to expect is;

Day 1 30.3KM

Day 2 39KM

Day 3 31.6KM

Day 4 86.2KM

Day 5 42.2KM

Day 6 7.7KM

As the largest UK charity taking part in these events, we've helped more than 130 runners over the finish line and in the process, they've raised of £1m!! We can proudly boast a 98% finish rate thanks to our team and coaching support.

Joining Team WWTW allows you to chat with our Operations staff, who are on the ground working with our veterans who benefit from your fundraising directly; coupled with the fact that 42% of participants who take part in the MdS generally are veterans themselves. This is a unique opportunity to see exactly what your fundraising will do, all whilst experiencing the MdS.

We’d love to welcome you onto our team for 2026, so please do get in touch for more info or to register your interest with us!

We have had participants in previous years who have had accompanying support members, including a videography team. You would need to arrange this directly with the race organisers but we are happy to talk this through with you.

Flights are no longer included in your race fees, but we can advise you on flights from different parts of the UK as well as alternative methods of getting to Quarzazate, which we'll guide you through as part of your race planning.

As THE destination for ultra marathon runners, the Marathon des Sables is heavily advertised through print and social media as you would expect. Walking With The Wounded also communicate the race out to our database of supporters but do feel free to also spread the word!

Our team numbers fluctuate each year but we are currently aiming for a minimum of 16 in the Walking With The Wounded team. Overall race numbers are over 1,000 each year and the places go on a first come, first served basis, that's why we're pleased to have our 16 spaces secured outside of the usual registration process.

You will need personal travel insurance and a medical certificate, certifying that you are medically capable of taking part in the race. It is your responsibility to arrange this with your doctor in advance of the event.

Of course! We have a large pool of MdS alumni, who are happy to share their experiences and knowledge from years out in the desert!

Absolutely and whilst we do not formally facilitate this through Walking With The Wounded owing to geography, we encourage our participants to get together as often as possible and share training tips and schedules.

You will be restricted to the capacity of the airline but in general, less (although high quality) is more with MdS. Remember your kit will need to be transported and your day sack must be able to be carried by you on the course. The group will share tips and tricks between them before you go out and previous alumni will be happy to share their knowledge.

Your primary contact will be with the Events team, however we will introduce you different members of the team over your fundraising journey to help maximise your efforts.

The Events team will keep in touch through a series of virtual meet ups with the team and an in person meeting 1 month before the event. They will also regularly update via email and host a team WhatsApp.