What does it take to do a desert multi-stage ultra?

What you should know about MDS and similar multi-stage ultras to prepare well and succeed

Ultra-running is booming, and with that, multi-stage desert racing is having a moment.

Marathon des Sables the Legendary 2027 registrations open on 10th June. Racing the Planet Atacama will fall on the same dates as the MDS in April 2027. Other races coming up include Racing the Planet Namibia, Grand to Grand, Beyond the Ultimate Desert Ultra, and Oman Desert Marathon.

What these events have in common: at least 250km (except Oman), 5-6 stages, self-sufficiency where you carry everything yourself, and an unforgiving environment. If you are considering any of these races — or have just signed up — this conversation is for you.

I will share what I have learned from five editions of the Marathon des Sables, including two victories; 17 multi-stage stages; and more than a decade of coaching people of all levels through desert multi-stage preparation.

Very few slides. No sales pitch. Just a fact-based, honest conversation about what these races demand — and what intelligent preparation actually looks like. Your questions are welcome.

What we will cover:

• The key characteristics of a multi-stage desert race

• The most common preparation mistakes

• What intelligent preparation looks like across training, kit, nutrition, and heat

• Race strategy and survival

This session is for you if:

• You have just signed up for the Marathon des Sables the Legendary

• You have registered for another similar self-sufficient desert multi-stage race

• You are considering entering one of these events and want an honest picture before committing

• You are already preparing and want to sense-check your approach

• You are curious about multi-stage desert ultra-endurance and want to know what these races are like

• You are overwhelmed by conflicting advice from social media groups, coaches, and prior participants

Practical details:

• Date: Wednesday 10th June 2026

• Time: 7pm London / 8pm Paris / 2pm New York / 11am Los Angeles

• Platform: Zoom

• Cost: Free

• This is a Zoom meeting — cameras on is encouraged

• No recording will be available — attendance is live only

• Registration is required

• We will spend 60 minutes together

About Elisabet Barnes

Elisabet Barnes has raced in deserts on four continents. She is a two-time Marathon des Sables champion (2015 and 2017), five-time competitor, and has coached athletes preparing for MDS and multi-stage desert races worldwide since 2014. She coaches in English and works with clients globally.

Register below to secure your place. You will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link.