Ultramarathon runners preparing for the Marathon des Sables (MDS) Peru must be ready for one of the most stunning yet demanding desert courses on the planet. Spanning up to 120 km over 3 stages in the Ica Desert, the route offers not only extreme physical challenges but also dramatic natural beauty and terrain diversity that test endurance, adaptability, and preparation.
Race Format and Distances
The exact distances of the course are kept secret until the event, with runners discovering them during the Roadbook distribution at the technical checks the day before the first stage. However, organizers have provided indicative stage formats that vary by category:
Proposed Formats (Indicative):
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Format 1: 70 km*
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Format 2: 100 km*
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Format 3: 120 km*
Stage Breakdown:
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Stage 1: 25 km
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Stage 2: 20 km, 40 km, or 60 km (depending on the format)
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Stage 3: 25 km
These stages are to be completed at your own pace—whether walking or running. The terrain varies between soft and hard sand, and becomes more demanding with increasing distance and elevation.
* These distances are indicative and may fluctuate depending on the type of terrain and elevation gain.
Terrain Overview: Not Just Soft Sand
While many imagine the Peruvian desert as a sea of soft, energy-sapping sand, the reality is more complex and diverse:
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Soft Sand Dunes: Runners will encounter classic dunes composed of fine, loose sand, especially near Huacachina, where the desert seems almost fluid underfoot. These dunes demand maximum leg strength and careful pacing.
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Hard-packed Sand and Rocky Terrain: Large portions of the course include harder, more compact terrain, such as desert plains and dry lake beds. This can provide firmer footing but may lead to more impact on joints.
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Gravel and Stony Areas: Some paths are littered with gravel, stones, and fossil-bearing sedimentary rock (linked to the Pisco Formation), adding variation to foot strikes and increasing the risk of blisters or ankle twists.
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Salt Flats and Coastal Features: Near the Pacific coastline, runners may traverse salt-encrusted surfaces and eroded rock formations. The terrain here may appear flat, but undulations and wind can significantly impact performance.
According to official MDS Peru information, the course comprises:
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50% sandy terrain
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30% stony areas
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20% rocky and gravel-based tracks
Images of the terrain:
Elevation and Denivelation
Although the Ica Desert is generally at low altitude, the route features meaningful vertical challenges:
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Elevation Range: From near sea level up to around 550 meters
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Cumulative elevation gain: Approximately 1,200–1,500 meters over the 3 stages
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Notable Features:
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Steep ascents and descents on sand dunes
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Occasional canyon paths and wind-eroded ravines
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The coastal range, with dunes perched dramatically above the Pacific Ocean, creates moments of both difficulty and visual splendor.
Climatic Conditions
Temperature
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Daytime: Typically between 25–30°C (77–86°F). It can feel significantly hotter under the sun.
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Nighttime: Drops to 12–15°C (53–59°F), requiring layered clothing.
Humidity and Hydration
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The humidity is relatively low (50–65%), which causes rapid sweat evaporation, often making runners underestimate their fluid loss.
Wind
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Afternoon winds are frequent, especially closer to the coast. These can increase dehydration and impede progress on dunes.
Atmospheric Pressure & Oxygen
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At altitudes between 0–550 meters, the barometric pressure ranges from 96 to 101 kPa, implying only a minor decrease in oxygen availability compared to sea level.
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Oxygen saturation in the air remains adequate for most runners but heat and effort can still induce symptoms of exhaustion or hyperthermia.
Runner Preparation Tips
To succeed in MDS Peru, runners should prepare for the following:
Gear
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Footwear: Durable trail shoes with excellent grip. Use gaiters to prevent sand ingress.
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Clothing: Lightweight, UV-protective gear with ventilation. Bring layers for night cooling.
Training
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Practice on varied surfaces: sand, gravel, rocky trails.
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Incorporate hill training and heat acclimatization runs.
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Emphasize core strength and ankle stability exercises.
Nutrition & Hydration
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Plan hydration to match the dry, arid conditions—including electrolyte balance.
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Expect self-sufficiency: the MDS format requires runners to carry their food, making energy density and weight crucial.
In Summary
MDS Peru offers a unique ultramarathon experience across one of the world’s most geologically rich and visually stunning deserts. Expect:
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Constant variation between soft sand, rocky trails, and salt flats
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Significant elevation gain
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Hot, dry, and windy conditions
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Minor altitude effect, but substantial physical demand
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A suspenseful course layout that’s only revealed the day before the race starts
Proper terrain-specific training, heat conditioning, and gear optimization are essential for completing—and enjoying—this epic challenge.
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