The Half Marathon des Sables
Peru 2023

  • December 11, 2022
  • Quentin
  • French

Hello,

I would like to share with you a sporting challenge that I have had in mind for more than 2 years now: the HALF MARATHON DES SABLES, it is a trek in self-sufficiency in a desert organized by WAA, the first edition took place in 2017 in Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands in Spain. For 2023, it will be possible to go to 6 of the most beautiful deserts in the world, Fuerteventura, Peru, Morocco, Jordan and for the first time Egypt and Turkey.

Film HMDS Peru 2022

My goal is to participate in the 4th edition of the HMDS Peru in December 2023. The race will take place in 3 stages in the desert of Ica. Each participant has the choice between 3 different formats: 70, 100 or 120 km to cover at his own pace by walking or running.

Here is the breakdown:

  • Stage 1: 25 to 30 km approximately
  • Stage 2: 20, 40 or 60 km approximately
  • Stage 3: 25 to 30 km approximately
I will train for 1 year to be able to complete the 120 km course!

The participants will sleep 3 nights on the bivouac of the HMDS Peru which is located off the Pacific Ocean, isolated from any civilization. As a reminder, the nights in the desert are around 10°C, so it will be necessary to find a warm enough comforter but not too heavy because it will be necessary to carry it throughout the race.

A non-exhaustive list of the equipment to bring, to give a foretaste of what it will be necessary to carry throughout the race:

  • Backpack plus 2 water bottles (type Ultrabag 20L)
  • T-shirt + running shorts
  • Trail shoes + anti-sand gaiters
  • Cap and sunglasses
  • Change: T-shirt + light shorts / leggings
  • Windproof jacket for the evening and morning
  • Down + mattress for the night
  • Hygiene products (sun cream, soap, antiseptic...)
  • Toilet paper
  • Food and kitchen utensils (cooking utensils, lighter, fire pellets...)

The 4th edition in Peru takes place the first week of December from Saturday 2nd to Friday 8th. In my case, I think I will arrive 1 day before to acclimatize myself (Montreal: about -10°C during this period) and to avoid potential problems related to the airlines.

Benjamin Soto HMDS Peru 2019 Benjamin Soto HMDS Peru 2019

Here is what the program looks like :

  • Saturday :
    arrival at the hotel, material/medical controls, handing over of the Road Book containing all the information of the adventure.
  • Sunday :
    transfer by bus, first stage, night at the bivouac.
  • Monday :
    second stage, night at the bivouac.
  • Tuesday :
    rest day, night at the bivouac.
  • Wednesday :
    third stage, night at the hotel.
  • Thursday :
    day in Paracas.
  • Friday :
    transfer to Lima and end of the HMDS adventure.

Following the adventure in the desert of Ica, it is possible to extend your stay in Peru by 2 nights to visit the inescapable site of Machu Picchu and the historical city of Cusco. The organization takes care of everything: bus, plane and train transfers, lodging, guides, meals... I will just have to let myself be carried in this trip that will close my Peruvian adventure in beauty.

HMDS Peru

I will start to prepare myself for this challenge in order to enjoy it to the maximum! Don't hesitate to contact me if you want to join the adventure!

See you on Strava,
Quentin