On Sunday morning at 7.30am local time the participants of the 39th edition of the Marathon des Sables started their epic adventure.
The first test was a 32km opener of the total 250km which make up this year’s edition, across the spectacular landscapes of the Sahara.
The opening stage is intended to help with acclimatisation and here’s what happened…
Women’s race – Nakache takes early lead
In a highly competitive women’s field, it was the last two winners who were to the fore on stage one.
And it was Maryline Nakache of France, the 2023 winner, who proved strongest.
She crossed the line in two hours, 58 minutes and 22 seconds.
That was just under 10 minutes ahead of defending champion Aziza El Amrany of Morocco, with 2019 victor Ragna Debats (NED) in third.
Men’s race – El-Morabity brothers in charge
It was a familiar story in the men’s event – domination by the El-Morabity brothers.
They asserted right from the start and it was Mohammed El-Morabity who just took the stage win – in 2:20:29, just over a minute ahead of Rachid, wit fellow Moroccan Hamid Yachou in third.
Rachid of course just overtook his brother on the final stage last year for a record-equalling 10th overall win and the early indications are that it could be just as close again 12 months on.
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