Marathon des Sables 2026 results: Maryline Nakache and Mohamed El Morabity take the titles

The 40th anniversary of the ‘toughest foot race on earth‘ saw outright triumphs for Morocco’s Mohamed El Morabity and France’s Maryline Nakacke.

It’s a second victory for El Morabity following 2023 and came after he got the better of his record-breaking 11-time-winning brother Rachid.

But the women’s race was one-way traffic, Nakache in complete control as she won by well over three hours to add to her 2023 and 2025 titles.

For both of them the longest-ever stage in the history of the MDS Legendary of 100km on Thursday had meant that Friday and Saturday’s final two stages of 42km and 23km were relative formalities – in as much as anything can be in the searing heat of the Sahara…

Women’s race

After the epic stage four, Maryline Nakache had a lead of nearly three hours over 2024 winner Aziza El Amrany (MAR) who in turn was well ahead of Desiree Linden (USA).

So barring an injury or unforeseen circumstances. Nakacke looked uncatchable and that was how it proved.

The marathon on Friday’s stage five ended with her adding another win in 4:03:02, more than 25 minutes ahead of Magdalena Boulet (USA), with El Amrany in third.

That meant Saturday’s half marathon finale was essentially ceremonial and Nakache dominated, crossing the line in 2:06:22. Boulet was second in 2:11:14 and El Amrany third in 2:18:30.

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

Men’s race

It was altogether closer in the men’s race but Mohamed El Morabity was 18 and 25 minutes ahead of Rachid and Ludovic Pommeret (FRA) respectively at the start of stage five.

And he put another four and five minutes into them over the course of the 42km to underline his commanding position.

We have seen late changes before on the final stage but not this time – it was another win for Mohamed in 1:36:37, just nine seconds in front of Pommeret who has come to the fore the deeper the race has gone. Rachid was third in 1:42:41 as he held on to second place overall.