Rachid El Morabity: Interview with the Great Champion of the MDS

You’ve won the Marathon des Sables multiple times. How did this passion for running begin?

Growing up in Zagora, I spent my childhood running in the dunes. I’ve always been familiar with the desert, which helped me adapt to the heat. I’ve loved sports for as long as I can remember. As a child, I played football and was particularly good at sprinting.

When I started middle school, I met an athletics coach who quickly recognized my talent for running. He believed I could excel and even become a champion one day. I began winning school competitions, followed by local events in my hometown of Zagora, Morocco. That’s how my passion for running was born.

Tell us about the physical preparation required for such an accomplishment.

First, I set my goals, and based on that, I prepare physically with strength training, endurance runs, intervals, cycling, and swimming. Preparing for the Marathon des Sables is a serious and challenging process. You need to be physically fit and follow a rigorous training regimen.

I work with osteopaths and get massages regularly. About five months before the event, I start intense training: strength workouts, running on dunes, rocky trails, and mountains to adapt to various terrains. I train for up to three hours, often twice a day, in the morning and evening. The goal is to diversify my training to prepare for different surfaces.

What does it take to become a great trail runner?

To be a great trail runner, you need mental strength and strategic thinking. You must adapt to different conditions—weather, pace, terrain—while staying focused on your initial goals. Above all, believe in yourself.

What psychological qualities are essential to finish—and ultimately win—a race like the Marathon des Sables?

You need to prepare both physically and mentally. For me, mental preparation accounts for about 30% of the total effort and success. I always visualize my victory from the start, through training, and at the finish line.

What are the four most important points for a beginner desert runner?

• Adapt to the heat.
• Manage your nutrition.
• Master running techniques on dunes.
• Get used to drinking mineral salts.

What was the most educational running experience you’ve had, and why?

The Oman Marathon, the Marathon des Sables, and the OCC. These are some of the toughest races in the world and a great test for trail runners. They challenge you on all levels: competitors, nutrition, climate, and elevation.

You’re undoubtedly a role model for young Moroccan athletes. Do you have a role model yourself?

I admire my friend Lahcen Ahansal. He won the Marathon des Sables 10 times, which is an incredible achievement and a great inspiration.

What’s your diet during long races?

I eat freeze-dried meals, energy bars, and dried fruits.

What’s your favorite freeze-dried meal for the desert?

I enjoy meals from Lyophilise & Co because they’re well-balanced. My favorites are fish with potatoes, dried meat packs, and rice-based dishes—they’re perfect!

What’s your recovery diet like?

My sponsor Lyophilise & Co provides excellent energy drinks for recovery.

What equipment do you carry to prepare your meals?

Everything has to stay light: a knife, a spoon, and a cooking pot. I gather wood, make a fire, and heat my pot directly over it.

How do you fit everything into your bag? Do you have any tips?

It’s all about balance. With experience, it’s become second nature for me. I use a 405-gram bag and repackage items to save space and weight, replacing original packaging with smaller, lighter bags.

What are your goals for the next edition?

To win the Marathon des Sables for the 10th time and match my friend Lahcen Ahansal’s record.

What’s your best memory from the Marathon des Sables?

My best memory is from the 2011 edition. Some friends formed a team and needed one more member. They called me at the last minute, and I joined them—and won! It was such a surprise victory, truly unforgettable.

Your brother Mohamed is also a great runner. Is he a rival to you during races?

He’s my biggest rival. As the older brother, I don’t want him to beat me!

What’s something people might not know about you?

I love sharing my passion for sports and encouraging others to make it part of their daily lives for their well-being.

And finally, what do you do when you’re not running?

I spend my free time with my family.