There was drama and controversy in buckets and spades at the 37th Marathon des Sables (MDS) held from Sunday 23 April to Friday 28 April 2023. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson may have been (allegedly) ambushed by a birthday cake but MDS hero and nine-time champion Rachid El Morabity (Morocco) was penalised due to an empty yoghurt pot!

MDS is a 245K (152 miles) five-stage adventure race in the Sahara Desert in Morocco. Up to 1,000 runners compete in this annual bucket list ultra-marathon, sleeping eight to a bivouac tent and largely operating with self-sufficiency on the course. The organisers provide water, full medical and emergency assistance and shaded tents. This year the daytime temperature hit 40C, with ground temperatures peaking at 46C (115F) and there were 2,100 metres of elevation on the extremely tough terrain.

There are strict rules regarding safety equipment that must be carried and food and drink that can be consumed en route. This ensures a level playing field for all competitors. Among the race regulations is this warning to competitors: "Any outside assistance is strictly prohibited. Replenishment during the race shall incur a minimum penalty of three hours and possibly exclusion."

After four stages, Rachid El Morabity was in second place, around two minutes behind his younger brother Mohamed El Morabity, when race officials conducting a random kit check discovered an empty yoghurt carton in Rachid's rucksack indicating possible outside assistance. The result was a three-hour penalty and a distraught Rachid withdrew from the contest while protesting his innocence.

Mohamed El Morabity powered to victory in 19:19:54 with nine minutes to spare from fellow Moroccan Aziz Yachou (19:29:09). The first British finisher, in 18th overall, was Robert Fiford (29:39:00).

The women's race seemed to be heading towards an easy victory for 2019 champion Ragna Debats (Netherlands) who had built a big lead on the first three stages. However, she suffered severe stomach problems on the long fourth leg, eventually finishing eighth. Marilyne Nakache (France, 27:02:17) was the champion from Aziza El Amrany (Morocco, 27:53:37). Catherine Young (34:21:18) led the British contingent in 56th overall.

All the MDS race details and results can be found on the official website here.

Image of Tomomi Bitoh (Japan) courtesy MDS Media Area