MDS 120 Jordan: 550 runners take on the Wadi Rum

The 6th edition of the MDS 120 Jordan kicked off on November 2 in the heart of the Wadi Rum desert. On day one, 550 runners from 30 countries set out across the Jordanian desert's most iconic landscapes, in punishing conditions. Intense heat set the tone straight away for an adventure that is as human as it is athletic.

A few weeks after the 2026 edition of the MDS 120 Morocco, the MDS caravan has moved on to another desert: the Wadi Rum in Jordan. For this first taste of Jordanian terrain, runners covered roughly 27.3 kilometers with 848 m of vertical gain, across sand dunes, rocky ridges and the vast, majestic expanses of the Wadi Rum.

The scenery was spectacular, but the weather was quick to remind everyone just how extreme this environment is. Fierce heat hung over the opening stage, taking a heavy toll on bodies and demanding disciplined pacing from the very first kilometers.

Mahé Freydier, desert dune specialist on skis or on foot

Stage 1 produced some fine performances in the 120 km race. France's Mahé Freydier takes the provisional lead in the men's standings. His profile is an unusual one: he also holds the world speed record on sand skis. In September 2025, he hit 121 km/h down the Toro Mata dune in Peru, setting a new world record in this spectacular discipline. It says a lot about how at home he is on sand, and about his appetite for outsized challenges.

Mahé Freydier battling with Salameh Alaqra

At the end of stage 1, he is ahead of Spain's Antonio Toston, while Jordan's Salameh Alaqra, bib number 1, rounds out the podium. The 2025 MDS 120 Jordan winner once again shows his knowledge of the terrain and his competitiveness on this race.

Women are out in force too

With women making up 51% of the field, this 6th edition of the MDS 120 Jordan reflects their growing presence in endurance events and desert adventures.

Héline de Souza, leading the women's race

Over the 120 km distance, three women stood out after stage 1. France's Héline De Souza leads the women's standings, ahead of her compatriots Audrey Roynard and Laure Masson.

On to stage 2, the longest of the three

After the opening day, runners returned to the bivouac set up in the heart of the Jordanian desert to recover and prepare for what comes next. Stage 2 is the longest of this edition: depending on the format, runners will cover 20, 40 or 60 kilometers.

It promises to be a decisive day, both physically and tactically. After a tough introduction in the heat, managing fatigue and energy reserves will be key to staying in the race.

THE MDS CONCEPT IN BRIEF

The MDS 120 Jordan offers three race formats: 70, 100 or 120 kilometers, spread over three stages in the heart of the desert. The event is built on food self-sufficiency. Every participant carries their own food and gear for the whole race. That extra layer turns the event into a true multi-day test of endurance and effort management.

Full results