Preparing for the Marathon des Sables: Equipment
Finally, we strongly recommend that you equip yourself properly for your sporting event. This is the final step in preparing for the MARATHON DES SABLES.
When properly chosen, your equipment will enable you to perform during your event. Even after months of preparation, race day will be a real challenge. For the first time, you will cover 250 km in one go. All while progressing through a difficult environment over several days.
By neglecting your equipment, you risk encountering new difficulties. Some of which may force you to abandon. Especially if you wear equipment that is too heavy and offers neither protection from the sand nor the sun.
Read our article on the outfit worn by the previous winner of the 2022 Marathon des Sables, Rachid El-Morabity, for more details on the subject.
Preparing for the MARATHON DES SABLES includes checking your gear before the start.
Running equipment for the Marathon des Sables
During the running phases, that is, during the day, we recommend wearing breathable, lightweight, and durable clothing. At temperatures of up to 50°C, your body will lose a large amount of water during the effort.
Choose trail running clothes with an airy mesh to stay dry. As a result, neither the wind nor the fall of night will be able to produce a chilling effect.
Opt for sturdy technical outfits that are unlikely to deteriorate during the race. Once you have set off for a 6-day event, you will not be able to ask to change your outfit along the way. Your equipment must hold up and under no circumstances tear or come unstitched. The preparation for the MARATHON DES SABLES is also and above all done when putting together your gear.
Against the sand, we invite you to wear compression clothing. This way, sand grains will not be able to get embedded under your clothes. And you will not experience any discomfort or burning sensation. Moreover, compression clothing even prevents body chafing. Mainly under the arms and between the thighs.
Here are examples of Bodycross clothing suitable for the Marathon des Sables :
T-shirt : the first garment in contact with the skin of the torso, the t-shirt is the basic piece along with the shorts. The DJOE t-shirt by Bodycross in a standard fit is lightweight (95g), soft, and breathable. It allows body heat to escape without creating a "bubble" effect.
The trail jersey : to be worn over the t-shirt or directly against the skin according to your preferences. The jersey features a zipper on the upper part of the product. The MILE or MILE ULTRA jerseys by Bodycross feature elastic pockets on the sides.
The shorts : the OURY shorts. Simple and lightweight, they are remarkably versatile. Alternatively, you can choose a model with built-in cycling shorts to avoid chafing and burning in the inner thighs. As well as to prevent sand from getting in. The BEN (men) and ANGY (women) 3-in-1 short-cycling shorts by Bodycross are ideal for the MDS.
Self-sufficiency accessories
Once night falls, you will go to rest at the camp. You must then cover yourself because the temperature will drop very quickly. Remember to bring a windbreaker and leggings to protect yourself from the cold. Also, keep in mind that during the day, you will carry this equipment in your bag. Opt for lightweight fabrics during the preparation for the MARATHON DES SABLES.
Here are Bodycross clothes suitable for camping :
The windbreaker : essential to avoid catching a chill during the night. Note that this garment can also be worn over you during the daytime stages to protect you from strong winds if necessary. The BRAN windbreaker by Bodycross weighs only 160g and has an adjustable hood to protect your head from sand and the sun during the day.
The leggings : perfect for keeping you warm and compressing your lower muscles during the night. The BOBBY compression leggings by Bodycross are extremely resistant and stretchy.
Also, the running bag, shoe covers, and caps are highly recommended to move around in the desert during the event.
