London calling for Marathon des Sables as ‘Walking With The Wounded’ celebrate epic achievement

The Marathon des Sables is coming to London later this month – and will celebrate an incredible achievement in the race earlier this year.

Billed as ‘the toughest foot race on earth’, it is an ultra-marathon held in the Sahara Desert in southern Morocco, where participants usually cover around a 250km route over six days.

To mark the event’s 40th anniversary in 2026, organisers introduced a new 100km stage as part of the route, taking the total distance above 270km.

The races were won by Mohamed El Morabity and Maryline Nakache and a team of 25 runners representing the Armed Forces charity, Walking With The Wounded (WWTW), raised more than £78,000 to support those who served.

The unique world of MDS

And they are now helping organise a day on 30 May where the MDS community will gather in London for the very first MDS UK Expo at the Victory Services Club on Seymour Street.

Designed as a moment of connection and sharing, this event is aimed at MDS Legendary finishers as well as future participants, or anyone drawn to the unique world of the MDS.

In the race itself in April thousands of participants took part, including the 25-strong WWTW team, which was the largest charity team in the race, and every single member crossed the finish line.

The team were supported by Rory Coleman Coaching, who completed his 19th MDS and it included Ray Gilbey, 68, a Royal Marine veteran who completed the race in military kit; Sheridan Lucas MBE, who finished the World’s Toughest Row in January and crossed the MDS finish line after completing the World’s toughest foot race; and Emmanuel Bresson, who raised over £14,000 and ran the race in memory of his 10-year-old son, Gaspard, who lost his battle with cancer.

Four of the WWTW team finished in the top 20 British runners: Greg Dove (who was the second fastest British runner overall), Tom Guthrie, Tomos Ireland-Life and Jonathan Humphrey.

As a team, WWTW placed eighth out of 41 teams.

‘Life-changing difference’

Tony Hulton, WWTW CEO, said “Congratulations to the WWTW Marathon des Sables team for completing the 40th edition of the ultramarathon and for raising an incredible amount to support our Armed Forces veterans and their families.

“The Marathon Des Sables is a test of both physical endurance and mental resilience. The team will no doubt have faced immense challenges whilst running through the Sahara desert, but the amount they collectively raised will make a life-changing difference to those we support.

“Thank you for pushing yourselves above and beyond, and for choosing to raise funds to help veterans across the country.”

Nic Crabtree, WWTW 2026 MDS team member, added: “Completing the Marathon Des Sables pushed me to my absolute mental and physical limits, but I couldn’t have done it without the lads I met along the way.

“As a Royal Navy veteran, supporting Walking With The Wounded gave every step purpose, reminding me the hardship was temporary compared to the battles many face daily.

“It has been a privilege to wear the shirt and represent a charity that stands shoulder to shoulder with those who’ve served, those still serving and their families.”