Search

RUN247 / Running News / Trail Running News / Marathon des Sables 2023: How it unfolded as Mohamed El Morabity and Maryline Nakache claim wins

Marathon des Sables 2023: How it unfolded as Mohamed El Morabity and Maryline Nakache claim wins

Olly Green
Reporter
Updated on

Morocco’s Mohamed El Morabity and Maryline Nakache have won the Marathon des Sables 2023 titles after finishing the sixth and final stage, a solidarity run.

In the women’s race, Maryline Nakache was the dominant force after Ragna Debats suffered injury on stage four while the men’s race saw Mohamed El Morabity emerge from his brother’s shadow, nine-time-winner Rachid El Morabity pulling out after being handed a three hour penalty he has described as “unfair.”

Click here for our final stage race report.

Advertisement

Rachid penalised, pulls out

The biggest moment of the race came when organisers put out a statement following stage four which revealed nine-time-winner Rachid El Morabity and compatriot Aziz El Ekad – a three-time podium finisher at the Marathon des Sables – had been sanctioned for “anomalies” discovered during bag checks, which are carried out to verify that runners haven’t been provided with additional food.

Rachid El Morabity at the 2022 Marathon des Sables
Rachid El Morabity at the 2022 Marathon des Sables [Photo credit CIMBALY/MDS2022]

Mohamed was already leading, but only by a few minutes and with his brother choosing to pull out following the decision, Azil Yachou moved into second- a position he maintained until the end.

Advertisement

Nakache wins after Debats drops out of contention

In the women’s race, 2019 winner Debats lost her lead on stage four after suffering with injury, with Nakache moving into the lead.

On stage five she has appeared to have extended her advantage over second-placed Aziza El Amrany, with third placed Japanese runner Tomomi Bitoh still in place but out of touch from the front two.

British runner Jodie Moss dropped out of the race on stage four.

The race began on Sunday as over 1,000 competitors ventured into the blistering heat of the Sahara desert.

Dubbed the ‘toughest footrace in the world’, the Marathon des Sables is a six-day, 251km desert ultra that pushes participants to the absolute limit.

Route reveal

The route through the sand dunes was only revealed to the runners just before the race, another element that contributes to the Marathon des Sables being regarded as one of the most brutal ultras in the world.

From football stars to Barkley Marathons finishers, the race attracts runners from across the globe and those competing in the 2023 edition will have their chance to write themselves into its history.

Live tracking is available HERE and we’ll be providing stage-by-stage reports on the action.

Stage 1 report | Stage 2 report | Stage 3 report | Stage 4 report | Stage 5 report | Stage 6 report and final results

Olly Green
Written by
Olly Green
Olly is the content lead for RUN247, is a regular contributor to TRI247 and keeps an eye out for content that appeals to both audiences including interviews with pro Heather Jackson.

Latest Running News

Marcus Scotney Cape Wrath Ultra No Limits Photography
Runner returns to epic British ultra to celebrate 50th birthday – and WINS the race
John Kelly start Barkley Marathons 2023 photo credit: Davidmillerphotography_ on Instagram
‘Please don’t call me a hero’ – John Kelly honours the fallen on Memorial Day as he starts Appalachian Trail
Shaunna Burke is taking on the Everest Marathon
Researcher with incurable cancer tackles Everest again and the world’s highest marathon
Women top five Zegama 2025 photo credit GTWS
A ‘dream’ for Sara Alonso and ‘historic’ for Elhousine Elazzaoui – Zegama stirs the emotions again
Sara Alonso wins Zegama 2025 photo credit GTWS
Zegama-Aizkorri 2025 results: Statement wins from Elhousine Elazzaoui and Sara Alonso
trail running on your terms

Never miss out with our trail alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.

The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...