Marathon Des Sables Insurance
The Marathon des Sables (MDS) is a gruelling 6-day multi-stage ultramarathon race which takes place in the harsh conditions of the Moroccan Sahara. The event is held annually – typically towards the start of April – and attracts over 1500 athletes eager to compete in the 250 km event.
The race conditions are extremely harsh, with intense Sahara desert heat (often 40°C+), wind, sandstorms, and demanding terrain, including dunes, rocky terrain, and salt pans, all increasing the risk for participants.
To get a quote for Sport + travel insurance for The Marathon des Sables – or any other ultra event – please quote and buy here.
Normal travel insurance will not cover extreme sports like MdS, UTMB, Atacama Crossing and other ultra-races, adventure races and endurance events. Our Sports Travel + insurance policy is specifically designed for adventurous travellers who require cover either for a single trip or an annual policy covering multiple events.
The policy gives the normal covers you would expect from a travel insurance policy, including medical and repatriation expenses, cancellation costs, personal liability, personal accident, baggage, money and documents.
The policy also gives options for additional covers, such as enhanced cover for winter sports and sports equipment.
Getting a quote and going on cover is quick and easy via our online system, allowing you to select the optional extras you require, annual or single trip cover, number of travellers and which sports and activities you want to be covered for.
Therefore, whether you are entering a marathon in the desert, an ultra race in the mountains or an adventure race in the jungle, we probably have the solution for you.
As well as travel insurance, why not also talk to us about private medical insurance, personal accident insurance and even commercial insurance for event and race organisers. We have specific policies for ultra race insurance, adventure race insurance and obstacle race insurance, so we are sure to have a policy to suit.
Mann Broadbent has been a specialist in sport and leisure for over 60 years, and our clients include world record holders, teams, clubs, event companies, governing bodies and ordinary people who like to do extraordinary things.
Marathon des Sables emergency evacuation
As expected with such a difficult and demanding race in extremely harsh environments, race organisers put in place emergency protocols when disaster strikes for the runners, such as severe exhaustion or injury.
Every runner is provided with a GPS tracker, which allows course officials to monitor participants to ensure safety.
If runners need evacuation, they can blow three times on their whistle provided, or wait for the event closer vehicles to approach them.
In extreme circumstances, you may find yourself transported to nearby hospitals if medical teams on site advise. The costs incurred from receiving treatment in foreign countries can be extremely high, depending on the treatment needed. If you do not have the correct sports travel insurance, these costs will be paid out of pocket. A solid sports travel insurance policy can cover the costs of medical treatment and repatriation costs abroad.
Process for getting your sports travel insurance
This is a Sports Category 2 activity; you will be covered for all other Category 2 activities, as well as all Standard and Category 1 activities.
Categories 1 to 4 cover training and competition (including racing). There is no cover for personal liability whilst participating in these or related activities.
When quoting for your insurance, we use a category system. Activities are categorised from standard to extreme, with each category reflecting the level of risk. The higher the category, the higher the level of risk. Selecting the correct category will ensure you are adequately covered. There are optional extensions for Winter Sports. Follow the link and click ‘sports travel insurance’ to view the policy wording, and scroll to find specific sports and the category they sit in.
Are you a race organiser?
If you organise events similar to the Marathon des Sables – such as ultra marathons and adventure races – in the UK, Mann Broadbent can provide commercial and event insurance for your specific needs.
If you are organising an event abroad in a harsh environment, as long as you are a UK-domiciled business, we can assist in providing insurance for your specific needs.
