Marathon des Sables 2025 stage three: Calm before the storm of 82km EPIC?

Nothing is certain in the Marathon des Sables – ‘the toughest foot race on earth’ – but France’s Maryline Nakache has puit herself in a wonderful position to repeat her 2023 victory in the women’s race.

It’s far, far closer for the men heading into Wednesday and Thursday’s pivotal 82km stage, with Morocco’s Mohamed El Morabity having a relatively narrow lead.

This was how Tuesday’s 32.5km stage worked out…

Women’s race – Nakache dominance continues

Nakache again crossed the line first, though this time defending champion Aziza El Amrany (MAR) wasn’t far behind – with just over two minutes separating them.

In third place was Ragna Debats (NED), but she was nearly half an hour adrift.

Men’s race – Mohamed moves ahead

Just seconds separated the El-Morabity brothers last year but has Mohamed taken a big step forward in 2025?

He was a minute behind Rachid in the general standings after stage two but on Tuesday Mohamed took the win in 2:38:01. That was just over a minute ahead of Hamid Yachou – but seven clear of Rachid.