Search

RUN247 / Running News / Ultramarathon News / Marathon des Sables 2025 stage two: Nakache and Rachid El-Morabity in charge

Marathon des Sables 2025 stage two: Nakache and Rachid El-Morabity in charge

Jonathan Turner
News Director
Updated on

Soft sand and greater elevation gain were on the menu for stage two of the Marathon des Sables Legendary.

The distance was up to 40km and the height gain over 600 metres – here’s what happened…

Advertisement

Women’s race – Early daylight

Maryline Nakache of France, the 2023 winner, extended her lead over reigning champion Aziza El Amrany (MAR) with more than a 30-minute gap on day two.

Maryline Nakache Marathon des Sables 2025
Maryline Nakache [Photo credit: Marathon des Sables]

Although Aziza was still leading at CP2, Maryline accelerated from CP3 and broke away from the rest of the field.

In the overall standings, Maryline now has a 40-minute lead. Aziza is still in second place, but closely followed by Ragna Debats (NED), currently third and just ten minutes behind.

Men’s race – Close between brothers

The men’s race is shaping up to be just as close as last year, when just seconds separated the El-Morabity brothers.

Rachid El-Morabity was behind until CP2 on stage two, but overtook his rivals to finish ahead of Mohamed El-Morabity, Ahmed Ouikhalfen, and Hamid Yachou.

Rachid now leads the general ranking, one minute ahead of his brother.

All of which means the 85.3km stage on Wednesday / Thursday is looking decisive.

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  

Latest Running News

Boston Marathon finishers
Boston Marathon 2025: Race day tips for taking on legendary Marathon Major
Paris-2024-Olympic-mens-triathlon-Alex-Yee-run-for-run247
Triathlon superstar Alex Yee has revealed his biggest fear going into the London Marathon
Sara Alonso wins Kobe Trail 2025 photo credit Golden Trail World Series
GTWS race one 2025 – Kobe Trail: Wins for Alonso and Kipngeno as wrong turn costs favourite Njeru
Peres Jepchirchir TCS London Marathon
London Marathon 2025: World record holder and defending champ BOTH ruled out
London Marathon Big Ben Parliament square
London Marathon announces new Good For Age times as qualifying for iconic race gets even tougher
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...