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| One of the hardest challenges in the world: MARATHON DES SABLES |
Would you pay thousands of dollars to spend seven days running -or just walking- under the scorching sun of the Sahara Desert, traversing shifting sand dunes and punishing rocky plateaus for more than 250 kilometers, with all your food and kit affixed to your back?
It may sound like insanity, but it's exactly what daring men and women of all ages have chosen to do by taking part in the iconic Marathon des Sables (MDS).
Known as the world's toughest footrace, over a week, the grueling adventure will challenge participants -the oldest aged 76- to test their bodies and minds as they take on whipping sandstorms and blazing temperatures of up to 50ºC in their epic journey across the desert.
To toughen the ordeal, competitors are required to carry all their equipment for the duration of the ultra-marathon, from food and sleeping gear to an anti-venom pump and glow sticks. Three runners have died in the 31 years the race has been taking place.
"Some runners come here to push back their limits and brave the extreme to write their tale," says Frenchman Patrick Bauer, who founded the race in the mid-1980's.
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| Marathon des Sables 2018 |
MDS is organized by ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION Internationale. The exact route for the one week long event, which costs more than U$D 4,000 to enter, changes slightly every year but racers have to complete the equivalent of six marathons over six stages, including a 80 km stage to be held partly during the night and within a maximum authorized time of 34 hours.
Runners are provided with just their water supply and a tent to sleep in at night. Many of them will have a unique chance for seeing the most clear skies at night ever.
They're also guaranteed spectacular views and stunning landscapes... as well as sore muscles, blisters on their feet and the inevitable moments of agonizing despair as they battle with weariness and dehydration whilst snaking their way past rolling dunes, steep-sided uplands, dried-up lakes and abandoned settlements in the baking heat.
"It's the toughest race I've ever done," says British ultra-running champion Jen Salter, who's competed at the MDS four times so far.
"That's a combination of having to carry, obviously, quite a lot of weight on your back, the temperature and the terrain. Some of the sand dunes, their stretches are really quite long. It's just unlike anything you can really prepare for or train for in another country," she adds.
'La crème de la crème'
Yet despite such hostile conditions, the race's popularity grows year after year; due to high interest, competitors have to apply to enter MDS several years in advance.
Currently in its 28th consecutive year, the roots of the MDS can be traced back to 1984, when Bauer decided to embark on a self-sufficient journey across the Algerian desert on foot, covering a distance of 350 kilometers over 12 days.
That expedition had a major influence on the adventurous Frenchman, who realized that other people would be interested in taking on similar challenges.
So in 1986 Bauer returned to Africa to organize the very first edition of the ultra marathon, completed that year by 23 pioneering runners. Twenty-eight years and more than 12,000 participants later, the MDS has grown to become a major endurance event whose model has been copied by several other races.
It's "la crème de la crème," says Salter. "There are so many multi-stage races these days, but the MDS is definitely the one that sets a bar for others to try to live up to," she adds. "The organization that goes into it is quite remarkable."
Indeed, putting the race together requires months of preparations and a plethora of resources: 120,000 liters of mineral water, 6.5 kilometers of Elastoplast, 400 support staff, 270 berber and Saharan tents, 100 all-terrain vehicles, 52 medical staff, 23 buses, 19,000 compresses and 6,000 painkillers.
In addition, the organizers also have two helicopters, one Cessna plane and six commercial planes at their disposal.
There is something magic inside the marathon because everybody is the same level and with '1,300 people, there are 1,300 stories'
So, what is it that's attracting people from across the world to the vast unforgiving sands of the Sahara, turning the MDS into such a big event?
Organizers say it is the tantalizing cocktail of testing one's limits and achieving the unattainable, helped by the haunting surroundings of the desert, which have shrouded the MDS with a veil of mystique over the years, making it appeal to all kinds of thrill seekers.
For experienced ultra-runners the challenge of self-sufficient running in the extreme heat of the Sahara is too good to ignore. But the race's extraordinary concept is also a major draw for anyone with an audacious spirit.
Over the years, a diverse caravan of novice runners, amateur athletes, enthusiastic 16-year-olds, spry septuagenarians and even visually impaired and partially paralyzed people have all converged on the MDS to test their limits, mark an occasion or escape briefly from their regular lives.
"Of the thousands people in the race, you can be sure there are thousands stories" says Olivier Sepulchre, member of the MDS organizing team.
He adds that more than just an endurance event, the race often becomes a breeding ground for lifelong friendships amongst runners.
"There is something magic inside the marathon because everybody is the same level," says Sepulchre. "You can be a good runner, a bad runner ... you can be the most rich, or the most poor guy, At he desert you are in the same level and that's something unique".
Salter agrees. "The running is obviously amazing but a large part of it is also the camaraderie you have with your tent mates. You will share a tent with the same people for a week and it's really nice helping each other through."
THE RULES:
ART. 1 : ORGANIZATION
The 33rd MARATHON DES SABLES is organized by ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION Internationale and will take place from 06 to 16 April 2018 in southern Morocco. This 33rd annual event will take place under the aegis of the MOROCCAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM and will bring together around 1 300 French and foreign participants.
ART. 2 : DEFINITION OF THE COMPETITION
The 33rd MARATHON DES SABLES is a foot race, open to runners and walkers, with several stages, free style, and with food self-sufficiency over a distance of about 250 Km. Each participant must carry his/her own backpack containing food, sleeping gear and other material.
ART. 3 : GENERAL CONDITIONS
The 33rd MARATHON DES SABLES will be administered according to the general race regulations and their amendments (road book,...), to which all participants agree when they register.
ART. 4 : CONDITIONS OF ADMISSION FOR PARTICIPANTS
Anyone meeting the following conditions will be accepted: over 18, any citizenship. Competitors must hold a medical certificate issued by the organization stating their ability to participate and a resting ECG report.
Teenagers over 16 may participate in the 33rd MARATHON DES SABLES subject to prior consent from ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION Internationale and written permission from a parent or guardian. They will have to meet the same requirements as adults.
ART. 5 : CATEGORIES OF PARTICIPANTS
CATEGORY A : INDIVIDUAL
CATEGORY B : TEAM PARTICIPANT
CATEGORY A :Every entrant will be ranked. In addition to the general ranking, there will be placing for :
• females,
• veteran M1 (aged 40 - 49),
• veteran M2 (aged 50 - 59),
• veteran M3 (aged 60 - 69),
• veteran M4 (aged 70 - 79),
• veteran W1 (aged 40 to 49),
• veteran W2 (aged 50 to 59),
• veteran W3 (aged 60 to 69),
• veteran W4 (aged 70 to 79).
Classification is based on year of birth.
CATEGORY B : TEAM PARTICIPANT
A team is made up of at least three runners. To remain in the race, all three members of the team must complete the race. However each member is recorded as an individual in the general ranking.
ART. 6 : PROGRAM OF THE RACE
06 April: Departure for Morocco*, arrival, transfer bivouac.
07 April: Technical, administrative and medical formalities.
03 to 13 April: Timed stages with food self-sufficiency.
14 April: Timed, "Solidarity" stage with food self-sufficiency
15 April: Free day
16 April: Return to France.*
*Competitors not using the Paris flight may have to arrive a day earlier and return a day later depending on flight connections.
ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION Internationale reserves the right to modify:
• the regulations of the 33rd MARATHON DES SABLES,
• the aspect of the course (see ART. 21),
• the place and destination in case of forces beyond our control: weather, cataclysm, armed conflict, invasion in any form, lock-out…
ART. 7 : TECHNICAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND MEDICAL VERIFICATIONS
These will take place on 07 April 2018.
Participants must present themselves to the race administrators and medical team responsible for carrying out these verifications. He or she must imperatively have fulfilled his or her technical, administrative and medical obligations (see ART. 24, 25, 27 & 28) before departure. At the control point, an exact list of each participant's equipment must be established (i.e., compulsory items, personal belongings, food and caloric value, etc.). The race stewards are authorized at any time to check and supervise the participants' backpacks. Individual items of the participant's equipment as referred to in the above list is strictly personal. Any items missing from the list, whether thrown away, lost or stolen, shall be penalized. All competitors are responsible for their own equipment and they must therefore inform the organization of any missing item, failing which penalities could be levied (see ART. 27 and 28). Any found objects that remain unclaimed after 24 hours shall be disposed of, except for telephones, cameras and batteries. Each competitor is responsible for his/her own equipment.
During the race, none of the items in your backpack will be looked after by the organization.
ART. 8 : IDENTIFICATION MARKS RESERVED BY THE ORGANIZATION
During the administrative and technical registration, the organisation will provide each participant with:
• 2 breast plates bearing a number, approx. 18 cm x 16 cm
- one for upper part of the chest
- one for the back,to be attached to the backpack,
• a check-in card
• WAA ChronoTag (3)
• a distress beacon SPOT
These ID marks must be worn by the participants throughout the race and positioned according to the organization's indications, failing which penalties will be issued. The race stewards may carry out checks at any time. It is formally forbidden to cover the organization's race numbers with any other lettering. Each participant must ensure his/her ID marking is clear, entirely visible, in good condition and in the proper place, under pain of penalty (see ART. 27 and 28).The organization will provide competitors with spare tags in case of damage or loss. The distress beacon must be handed in at the end of the race. The loss of the distress beacon will incur a fine of 100 euro (see ART. 27 and 28).
Each participant agrees to adhere strictly to this rule, subject to serious penalty in the case of violation (see ART. 27 and 28).
ART. 9 : SPACE RESERVED FOR INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS
In addition to official ID markings, participants may use other available clothing space for individual sponsors e.g. T-shirts (apart from the chest area exclusively reserved for race number) shorts, socks, caps, backpacks, etc. However, the organization reserves the right to prohibit sponsorship considered to be oversized or in direct competition with the organization's partners or for any other reasons and which the organization does not have to justify.
The upper part of the chest area is reserved exclusively by the organisation for positioning your race number. The race organizers will be very strict about where your ID is placed. Therefore, think carefully about where to position your advertising and publicity on your tee-shirts and backpacks.
ART. 10 : STAGE START
Stage starts are grouped, except for :
the "non-stop" stage, where the leaders of the general and women's classifications will start around 3 hours after the 1st start.
the "marathon" stage, where the last on the list will be the first to leave.
Each competitor must attend a briefing session with the race Director before the stage starts. Participants must imperatively start at the time indicated by the organization, subject to penalties (see ART. 28).
Before the start of each stage, the water distribution point is a compulsory check-point. (see ART. 13 and 16).
ART. 11 : LIAISON STAGES
Stage to be covered in a maximum authorized time of 10 hours. The marathon stage must take a maximum of 12 hours.
CP closing times are indicated in the road book. Anyone who has not reached a checkpoint before the deadline will be disqualified (see ART. 27 & 28).
The Charity Stage is obligatory and counts as part of MDS. Any competitor who does not participate or gives up this stage will be disqualified from MDS. Any penalties received shall be included in the general race ranking. A finisher medal is awarded at the end of this stage.
ART. 12 : NON-STOP STAGE
Approx. 80 km stage to be held partly during the night and within a maximum authorized time of 34 hours.
CP closing times are indicated in the road book. Anyone who has not reached a checkpoint before the deadline will be disqualified (see ART. 27 & 28).
From CP4 onwards, competitors may set up bivouac where they like as long as they are on the route axis and clearly visible. Participants will be informed of the latest departure time from CP4.
Headlamp turned on from 7 p.m.
ART. 13 : CHECK POINTS
The water distribution points at both the start and the finish line of each day's stage are compulsory check-points. Check-points are located throughout the course of each stage of the race. There are two to six check points depending on the length of the race and each competitor must go through them, if not penalties will be applied (see Art 27 and 28). This allows the race officials to record times and distribute water (see ART.16).
Medical assistance will be available at each check-point.
The closing times for each checkpoint will be indicated in the road book.
ART. 14 : AT EACH ARRIVAL POST/BIVOUAC
An official time-keeper will take down the daily order of arrival for each competitor.
Obligatory checkpoints: water distribution and card punching.
The bivouacs will be pitched each day on previously chosen sites transformed into camping grounds for the competitors; Numbered, 8-man tents attributed by country of residence. Failure to adhere to these numbers will incur a penalty (see Art. 27 and 28) Competitors may use their free time to prepare for the night and get medical care, if necessary.
ART. 15 : RANKING
Each competitor's time is recorded in hours, minutes and seconds.
CATEGORY A: INDIVIDUAL
The daily race ranking is calculated by adding the time taken to run that stage of the race plus penalties, if applicable.
CATEGORY B: TEAM
Each team's time will correspond to the average time taken by its members, including penalties.
CATEGORY A and B: TEAM
General ranking is calculated by adding together times for each stage of the race. Any claims must be made in writing at the race and handed over to the ranking marshals (see Art. 27).
ART. 16 : WATER SUPPLY
The organization takes charge of supplying water to each competitor.
Water is typically distributed as follows.
Liaison stage: 10.5 litres per person per day
• 1.5 litres before the start each morning,
• 2 or 3 x 1.5 litres during the race, at check points,
• 4.5 litres at arrival post.
Marathon stage: 12 litres per person per day :
• 1.5 litre before the start in the morning,
• 1.5 litres at check-points 1 and 3,
• 3 litres at check-point 2,
• 4.5 litres at arrival post.
Non-stop stage: 22.5 litres per person over 2 days :
• 1.5 litres before the start of the race in the morning,
• 1.5 litres at check-points 1, 3, 6,
• 1.5 or 3 litres at check-points 2, 4 and 5,
• 4.5 litres at arrival post,
• 4.5 litres at the bivouac.
Water will be distributed on the competitor's bivouac each morning before the start of the race. Distribution times will be posted up on the bivouac the night before (see Art. 13, 27 and 28). Stamping of the water card is obligatory and the competitor's sole responsibility. Each participant must manage his/her daily water intake as and when water is distributed and cannot obtain further supplies at any other time.
Penalties will be given to competitors who abandon empty water containers along the route. Facilities for handing in empty containers will be available at check points (see ART. 27 and 28).
Never leave without water. Should you get lost in the desert, water reserves could be vital.
ART. 17 : MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
A specially chosen medical team, specializing in sports and tropical medicine will be present throughout the race with the use of assistance vehicles. It will be posted at check points and at the finish line each day and will ensure that any participants who are suffering from physical or mental exhaustion are brought back to the base camp. The medical team is allowed to remove ID plates and to eliminate any participant they feel physically unfit to continue the race and/or having received vital medical care. (See ART.27 and 28).
ART. 18 : DROPPING OUT / ELIMINATION
In no circumstances (and at the risk of having to pay the search costs involved) must any competitor leave the race without informing the organization and signing an official discharge provided by AOI. If a competitor abandons the race, he/she must notify the organiszation as soon as possible and give his/her identification marks to one of the course stewards.
A team which has more than 3 members and where one member drops out or is disqualified will result in the team receiving a one-hour penalty (see Articles 27 and 28).
In the case of a serious physical condition, repatriation may be arranged immediately.
If the competitor's physical condition is satisfactory, he or she shall be taken to Ouarzazate within 48 hours maximum, after signing an official disclaimer supplied by AOI. While awaiting transferral to Ouarzazate, the competitor shall automatically be taken care of and must hand over his or her food to the organization.
In Ouarzazate, the organization will give the competitor his or her personal bag and provide assistance to reserve a hotel if necessary. Accomodation and food shall be paid for by the competitor.
A doctor will be available for consultations and referral to hospital or a nurse for treatment.
ART. 19 : GROUND ASSISTANCE
The organisation reminds all participants that the 33rd MARATHON DES SABLES is a race through the Sahara where climatic and ground conditions can be extreme. Any outside assistance is strictly prohibited. Replenishment during the race shall incur a minimum penalty of 3 hours and possibly exclusion. If a competitor goes far off the race route, necessitating a lengthy search, he or she will be excluded from the race and pay a € 200 fine (see ART. 27 and 28).
ART. 20 : INSURANCE
An insurance policy covering medical evacuation is arranged by the organization for all entrants.
The policy covers the following:
• evacuation on medical grounds and corpse repatriation in the event of death: real costs for all competitors to return to Morocco, mainland France, European Union member countries and Switzerland. Competitors residing in countries not included in the above list will bear the full costs of returning to home countries from the place of repatriation. They are therefore strongly advised to take out personal insurance.
• necessary fees required for transport in case of death: 1,525 euro
• payment of medical expenses in Morocco for non-residents only: 15,000 euro.
All competitors take part in the full knowledge of the risks that may be incurred in this kind of competition. Since competitors participate of their own free will, the organization is not responsible for any incident or accident.
In accordance with the 1984 law on sport, the organizer is obliged to advise participants to take out their own accident and death insurance.
ART. 21 : WEATHER AND TERRAIN CONDITIONS
Average temperature in March/April :
• daytime 30° C,
• night time 14° C.
The route (approx. 250 kms) covers a wide variety of terrain. In the event of sand storm lowering visibility to zero, competitors must stop in their tracks and wait for instructions by the organizers.
ART. 22 : MARKINGS
The participants in the 33rd MARATHON DES SABLES must follow the route as marked by the organizers, failing which penalties may be applied according to the particular stage. For liaison stages, the course will be marked approximately every 500 metres. There are several natural landmarks that will serve as additional points of reference.
Special NON-STOP stage and MARATHON: light beacons from CP3 to the finish line.
ART. 23 : ROAD BOOK
A road book will be compiled from the survey reconnaissance missions. The exact course will remain secret and will only be revealed at the time of distributing the road books on 06 April. It will include various items of interest on the stages, support, etc. Competitors shall be penalized they you do not have their roadbook during the race. (see ART. 28).
Each morning a briefing will be held relating to that day's stage by the organizers in French and in English.
ART. 24 : COMPULSORY EQUIPMENT FOR PARTICIPANTS
All of the obligatory equipment and personal belongings for each competitor (food, survival equipment and Marathon kit, waist pouch...) should weigh between 6.5 kg and 15 kg. This minimum/maximum weight does not include your daily water supply. Each participant will have to fulfil the above obligations during the administrative and technical checks in Morocco (see ART. 27 and 28).
Food :
Each entrant must provide his/her own food from 08 to 14 April inclusive.
He/she must select the type of food best suited to his/her personal needs, health, weather conditions, weight and backpack conditions. We remind you that airlines strictly forbid the carrying of gas (for cooking) on board either as hand luggage or otherwise. Each competitor must have 14 000 k/calories, that is to say a minimum of 2,000 k/calories per day, otherwise he/she will be penalised (see ART. 27 and 28). Any food out of its original packaging must be equipped, legibly, of the nutrition label shown on the product concerned. Any food out its original packaging must be equipped, legibly, of the nutrition label shown on the product concerned.
Gas stoves are strictly forbidden.
Mandatory equipment:
• backpack MDS or equivalent
• sleeping bag,
• head torch and a complete set of spare batteries,
• 10 safety pins,
• compass, with 1° or 2° precision,
• lighter,
• a whistle,
• knife with metal blade,
• tropical disinfectant,
• anti-venom pump,
• a signalling mirror,
• one aluminium survival sheet,
• one tube of sun cream,
• 200 euro or equivalent in foreign currency
• passport or for Moroccan residents, identity card
• original medical certificate provided by AOI, filled in and signed by the doctor
• original ECG and its tracing
Marathon Kit:
It is supplied by the organisation and will include the following:
• a road-book issued on 06 april,
• Identification marks (see ART.8),
• salt tablets,
• sachets for the toilets
This Marathon kit will be issued during the technical and administrative checks in Morocco.
A luminous stick will be issued at CP3 of the non-stop stage. The distress beacon must be given back to the organization at the finish line.
There is a minimum of calories to be presented during the technical controls in Morocco, starting 14.000 K/cal at the first day checking. (See official site for more information)
ART. 25 : REGISTRATION, ENTRY FEES AND ADMINISTRATIVE OBLIGATIONS
CATEGORY A: INDIVIDUAL - 3,100 euro
The total cost of the entry fee not include flights transfers.
This cost is variable, depending on where you enrol (see contact your official rep.)
If the organization is not represented in your country, contact inscription@marathondessables.com
The total cost of the entry fee includes:
• bus transfers,
• catering,
• bivouac,
• hotel accommodation (2 days half board),
• water throughout the race,
• repatriation insurance (see Art. 20)
• technical support,
• medical assistance,
• air and ground support,
• marathon kit,
• medal for finishers,
• tee-shirt,
• certificate for finishers (downloadable 3 months after the race)
• official film of the race (downloadable 3 months after the race)
CATEGORY B: TEAM, per person 3,200 euro
Competitors who wish to set up an official team to be part of the team ranking system must pay the registration fee plus 100 euro.
The entry fee covers the same services and obligations as for CATEGORY A, and also:
• mention of the team in the press pack,
• the team's official ranking,
• official ranking of each member of the team.
The name of the team and its members must be given at the time of registering.
ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS AND TEAMS
Given that the total number of participants is limited, the organization will only accept applications when paper work is in good order and depending on places available.
1. PAYMENT SCHEDULE
1.1 UNTIL 31 DECEMBER 2016:
o Payment of minimum €500 of the registration fee by bank card (Europe only) or bank transfer, cheques accepted only for French residents
o Competitor's general details
o The balance must be paid in 4 instalments according to the following timetable: 25% on 30/04/17, 30/09/17, 30/11/17 and 15/01/18.
o On 30 June 2016, the competitor's online administrative record must be complete. The non-receipt of this information will incur penalties (see ART. 27 & 28)
1.2 IF PLACES AVAILABLE UP TO 30 APRIL 2017:
o Payment of minimum €900 of the registration fee by bank transfer, cheques accepted only for French residents
o Competitor's general details
o The balance must be paid in 3 instalments according to the following timetable: 33% on 30/09/17, 30/11/17 and 15/01/18.
o On 30 June 2016, the competitor's online administrative record must be complete. The non-receipt of this information will incur penalties (see ART. 27 & 28)
1.3 IF PLACES AVAILABLE UP TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2017:
o Payment of minimum €1,500 of the registration fee by bank transfer, cheques accepted only for French residents
o The balance must be paid in 2 instalments according to the following timetable: 45% on 30/11/17 and 55% on 15/01/18.
o Competitor's general details and complete online administrative record. The non-receipt of this information will incur penalties (see ART. 27 & 28)
1.4 IF PLACES AVAILABLE UP TO 30 NOVEMBER 2017:
o Payment of minimum €2,000 of the registration fee by bank transfer, cheques accepted only for French residents
o The balance must be paid by 15 January 2018.
o Competitor's general details and complete online administrative record. The non-receipt of this information will incur penalties (see ART. 27 & 28)
2. WAITING LIST
If the number of places for the 2018 edition is reached, the organization will establish a waiting list.
Competitors featuring on this list have two possible options:
1. If a place on the 2018 edition becomes free, his or her participation shall be validated, provided the conditions for definitive registration are complied with (see ART. 25 of the race regulations)
2. If no places become free on the 2018 edition, the application will transferred with a priority to MDS 2019 following the conditions of the 2019 edition. Competitors who do not wish to take part in MDS 2019 may cancel their application within a maximum of 3 months after they appear on the waiting list. In this case, AOI will retain 10% of the application fee (dates and tariff published in December 2017).
In order to feature on this waiting list, competitors must:
- Create an account on the online applications page
- Validate and make the first instalment: payment by bank card, only in Europe, or payment by bank transfer within 8 days for all countries.
No other instalments shall be due as long as competitors remain on the waiting list.
3. IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING APPLICATIONS
All late payments shall be subject to a surcharge of €150.
All payments should be made to ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION Internationale. For bank transfers, any bank charges shall be at the payer's expense.
The organization reserves the right to refuse a competitor's application without giving any reason.
In case of cancellation, competitors partially or fully registered on the current edition may not be replaced by another individual. Applications are name-specific.
ADMINISTRATIVE FILE
Mandatory documents to transfer to the organisation via the "MDS online applications" system:
• all information regarding the competitor's identity, contact details, etc.
• photocopy of current valid passport, in .jpeg or .png format. It must be valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry into Morocco.
• 1 ID photo (3,5 cm wide and 4 cm high) in .jpeg or png format
• in case of long-term treatment for chronic illness, a letter addressed to the Medical Manager, sent by post to :
AOI - BP 20098 - 10002 TROYES Cedex - FRANCE or by email to news@marathondessables.com
• press form.
• hotel form.
MEDICAL FILE
The organization's medical certificate (downloadable), the resting electrocardiogram (ECG) report plus graph, dated less than 30 days before the start of the race, i.e. after 07 March 2017, are to be presented during the administrative, technical and medical checks on 08 April 2017. Only the original documents, dated and signed, will be accepted (photocopies not valid). Failure to present these documents will incur penalties (see ART.27 et 28).
ART. 26 : FORFEITURE CANCELLATIONS
Enrolment cancellations and requests for refunds must be made in writing by registered post in order to avoid any misunderstanding.
Cancellation refunds will be made on the following basis:
• Deposit of 500 euro will be retained for processing fee in the event of cancellation until 30/04/17.
• 25% of the full enrolment fee will be retained by the organisation in the event of cancellation between 01/05/17 and 30/09/17.
• 40% of the full enrolment fee will be retained by the organisation in the event of cancellation between 01/10/17 and 30/11/17.
• 60% of the full enrolment fee will be retained by the organisation in the event of cancellation between 01/12/17 and 15/01/18.
Beyond 15/01/18 midnight no request for reimbursement will be honoured.
In the event of cancellation, AOI undertakes to reimburse amounts received by bank transfer, according to the above mentioned criterias.
Important: AOI strongly recommends that each competitor take out personal cancellation insurance. This is the competitor's choice.
ART. 27 : MISCONDUCT AND PENALTIES
Administrative process
Any competitor whose information is incomplete in the online applications process on 30/09/2017 will incur a 30-minute penalty (ser ART. 28). AOI allows a maximum of 30 days to complete the online administration details. After 31/10/2017, the application of competitors who have still not provided complete information will be cancelled (see ART.26, ART.28)
Technical and administrative checks
If a participant is more than 30 minutes late for these checks on 07 April he/she will be penalised by the length of time of his/her lateness.
If a participant does not submit proof of having all his/her mandatory equipment, he/she will be disqualified.
Failure to respect the minimum or maximum weight of equipment will also result in a penalty (see ART. 28).
Medical file
At the medical check-ups in Morocco on 7 April 2018, competitors must present the organization's medical certificate and his or her resting electrocardiogram with tracing. These 2 documents must be signed and dated at least 30 days before the start of the race, i.e. after 6 March 2018. Competitors who do not fulfil this obligation shall not be able to start the race. However, such competitors shall be able to participate after an examination by the organization's doctors and subject to their approval. Each of these documents can be produced in the bivouac for a fixed fine of 200 euro to be paid in cash on the spot. A penalty of one hour per missing document shall be applied (see ART. 28).
List of personal belongings
Competitors abandoning one or several elements of his or her personal equipment should inform a bivouac official.
Competitors who cannot justify at any check point the absence of any personal item will be severely penalized (see ART. 28).
Food
14 000 compulsory k/calories. When spot-checks are made, any competitor unable to present and justify the minimum 2000 k/calories per day during the race will receive a 2 hour penalty (see ART. 28).
ID markings
In the event of loss or damage to ID markings, race officials must be informed immediately, or a penalty will be applied.
Competitors failing to wear their ID marking may risk disqualification from the race (see ART. 8, 9 and 28).
The loss of the transponder will incur a fine of 70 euro (see ART. 28). The loss of the distress beacon will incur a fine of 100 euro (see ART. 28).
Tampering with ID markings will result in the participant's immediate disqualification (see ART. 28).
Start of race
Competitors who fail to be present at the starting line when each stage begins will be penalized by the time equivalent to the delay.
Exceeding 30 minutes, the competitor will be disqualified and his/her ID markings will be handed over to the steward (see ART. 28).
At the non-stop stage, if the start order is not respected, a three-hour penalty will be given.
Check posts / Time-checking
At each stage start line, finish line, and on the route, time-checking is obligatory at the check posts and is the responsibility of the competitor.
If a competitor arrives up to 30 minutes late at the check-point before the start he/she will receive a 30 minute penalty. If more than 30 minutes late, the competitor will no longer be registered and will be penalized for failure to check-in. The first infraction will result in a one hour penalty, the second infraction a two hour penalty and the third time elimination from the race (see ART. 28).
Maximum authorized time
Any competitor who exceeds the maximum authorized time for each stage shall be disqualified and must return their bib to the steward. Any competitor who arrives at a CP after the deadline shall be disqualified (see ART. 28).
Distress beacon / Torch / Luminous signal sticks / Number bibs
The following penalties apply during the stages (see ART. 28):
• 1 hour for the use of a distress beacon without a valid reason,
• 30 minutes for a headlamp not turned on after 7 pm,
• 30 minutes for lack of luminous signal sticks after 7 pm.
• 30 minutes for number bibs not visible.
Withdrawal / Elimination
Any participant withdrawing from the race must notify an organization official as soon as possible.
Withdrawal by one team member in a team of more than 3 members will result in a one hour penalty for that team, provided of course that at least 3 people remain in the race (see ART. 28).
Doping
Any use of illicit drugs by a participant noted by the medical team will result in the elimination of that person from the race (see ART. 28).
Land and medical assistance
Any form of outside assistance is strictly forbidden.
Fraudulent outside assistance supplying food or drink to a competitor shall incur a penalty ranging from three hours to expulsion from the race. Any long searches brought about by excessive deviation from the route will lead to exclusion from the race and a € 200 fine (see ART. 28).
The use of transportation, either with 2 or 4 wheels will result in elimination from the race. The receiving of extra water in particular instances (due to lack, loss or leaking bottle), and with the agreement of the race stewards or on the advice of the medical team, will result in a 30 minute penalty the first time, one hour the second time and disqualification from the race on the third occasion.
Vital medical assistance (i.e. rehydration, plaster cast etc.) will result in a two hour penalty the first time, and elimination from the race on the second occasion.
Behaviour
Any inappropriate or harmful behaviour may incur serious penalties (see ART. 28).
Mobile phones must not be used in the bivouac or at the CPs (see ART. 28).
Water and environment
Any water container found on the race route will incur a penalty (see ART. 28).
The throwing away of any food packaging or other items on the race route is strictly forbidden and will be penalized (see ART. 28).
Bivouac
Tents are numbered and attributed by nationality.
Competitors must, without fail, stay in the tents reserved for them. Failure to adhere to the numbers attributed will incur a penalty (see ART. 28).
Complaints
All complaints from competitors must be addressed to the Race Director in writing.
During the race
It should be handed over to the head of the competitors' bivouac. Replies issued within 48 hours.
After the race
on 15 April, at Ouarzazate, to the competitors information point (see road-book)
after 15 April and until 30 April, to AOI - BP 20098 - 10002 TROYES Cedex - FRANCE. - Email : news@marathondessables.com
ART. 28 : RECAPITULATION OF PENALTIES:
ART. 29 : PHOTO COVERAGE
ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION Internationale reserves all exclusive rights for photo coverage of the 33rd MARATHON DES SABLES. Participants must agree that ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION Internationale may have exclusive use their identity and individual or collective pictures for anything related directly or indirectly to their participation in the MARATHON DES SABLES. Any still camera, video or movie coverage done during the MARATHON DES SABLES cannot be used by participants, their entourage or trainers for any use other than personal, unless by prior authorization or accreditation from ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION Internationale. As a result, any book or film (short, feature) project must obtain ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION Internationale's prior authorization. Email: news@marathondessables.com
ART. 30 : LIST OF PRIZES
GENERAL RANKING :
- Individual
1st prize : Trophy and € 5000
2nd prize : Trophy and € 3000
3rd prize : Trophy and € 1500
4th to 10th prize : Trophy and credit of € 500 for the next enrolment.
- Teams
1st team : Trophy and € 4000
2nd team : Trophy and € 3000
3rd team : Trophy and € 2000
SPECIAL CATEGORIES:
- Women's ranking
1st prize : Trophy and € 5000
2nd prize : Trophy and € 3000
3rd prize : Trophy and € 1500
- Men's Veteran ranking
1st veteran M1 : Trophy and € 1000*.
1st veteran M2 : Trophy and € 500*.
1st veteran M3 : Trophy
1st veteran M4 : Trophy
- Women's Veteran ranking
1st veteran W1 : Trophy and € 1000*.
1st veteran W2 : Trophy and € 500*.
1st veteran W3 : Trophy
1st veteran W4 : Trophy
Daily race challenge, male and female categories : a credit of 400 euro per stage for the next enrolment in MARATHON DES SABLES. These reductions can be accumulated to a maximum of one complete entry fee.
*May not be added to prize-money won in individual and women's rankings.
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