Get a free personalised recommendation based on your fitness, race history, budget, and real-life constraints. Find out exactly which race is the right next step — and why.
Takes 4–5 minutes. No login required.
Who this is for
What you’ll get
Your best-fit feeder race
The race most likely to prepare you well, given your background, schedule, and goals.
Two strong alternatives
Different options with different trade-offs — if the primary race doesn't suit your timing or budget.
A lower-risk option
A more achievable race if you want to build confidence first before taking on a bigger challenge.
A stretch option
A more ambitious race for those who want to push harder and accelerate their MDS preparation.
Why each race fits you
Specific explanations of why each recommendation suits your current situation — not generic scoring.
Your MDS preparation gaps
An honest look at what you still need to develop before you're ready for Marathon des Sables itself.
Example results
Runner profile
First marathon completed. Training 4 days/week on road. UK-based, budget around £1,500. No desert or heat experience. Targeting MDS in 2–3 years.
Recommended race
Wadi Rum Ultra (Jordan)
A single-stage 50k desert race at an accessible price — builds desert confidence without the commitment of a 6-stage event.
Runner profile
50k ultra completed. Trains 5 days/week with some trail. Has done a 2-day trail race. Heat experience limited. Budget ~£3,000. Targeting MDS within 18 months.
Recommended race
Ultra X Jordan
A 5-stage self-supported desert race in Wadi Rum — develops pack carrying, stage-racing, and desert heat experience in one event.
Runner profile
Multiple ultramarathons completed, including a 100k. Regular trail runner. Good heat adaptation. Budget over £4,000. Wants the closest MDS simulation available.
Recommended race
Sahara Race Egypt (4 Deserts)
The gold standard for MDS preparation — 250km self-supported across 6 stages in extreme Saharan heat.
How it works
Answer a short assessment
We ask about your race history, training, budget, schedule, and MDS goals. No unnecessary questions — just what we need to give you a useful recommendation.
We score you against our race database
Our scoring engine compares your profile against each race across dimensions like endurance fit, heat readiness, budget, travel, and MDS progression value.
You get a personalised report
We show you the best-fit race plus alternatives, with specific explanations of why each suits you and what gaps you still need to close before MDS.
No account needed. Results in minutes.
FAQ
Do I need to have done an ultramarathon before?
No. The assessment is designed for everyone from first-time marathon runners to experienced ultra runners. We'll recommend a race that suits your current level, whatever that is.
Is this just for people targeting Marathon des Sables?
Primarily, yes — but the recommendations are useful for anyone interested in desert or multi-stage racing, regardless of whether MDS is their specific goal.
How accurate are the recommendations?
They're based on your honest answers to the assessment. The more accurately you answer, the more useful your result will be. These are good-faith recommendations based on a structured scoring model — not a guarantee of race outcome.
Is this free?
Yes, completely free. No payment, no login, no subscription.
What happens to my data?
Your name and email are stored so we can send your results and, if you agree, occasional relevant training content. We don't sell your data or share it with third parties.
Can I get coaching support after this?
Yes. If you'd like personalised coaching support for your MDS preparation, our coaches can help you build a structured plan from here. Your assessment data will be available to inform that conversation.
Stop guessing which feeder race is right for you. Get a personalised recommendation based on your background and goals.
Get my free recommendation →Takes 4–5 minutes. No login required.