Covid-19
The organisation of the HALF MARATHON DES SABLES has done its best to ensure that the event takes place in the best possible conditions, and that participants who sign up do not take any risk.
1. Book without risk
Because booking in an epidemic period can be complicated, we have introduced new options to reassure participants who register:
Refund in case of cancellation of the event:
If the event is cancelled or postponed due to COVID, each participant will get a 100% refund of the amount committed (within 60 days).
Free report:
If, as the race approaches, you do not feel ready to participate or if for any reason you cannot come, you can postpone your participation to the next edition until August 26th, free of charge.
If you are not a finisher, you will be invited the year after the race:
If you do not manage to complete one of the HMDS stages, you will be invited the next year to the same destination and on the same registration offer (does not include flight, equipment and other additional options).
2. A Covid-Compatible event
The HMDS, unlike many other races, has the particularity of bringing together all the conditions to take place in compliance with the barrier rules:
Tentes et repas individuels
Chaque participant dispose d’une tente individuelle fournie par l’organisation, espacée des autres tentes, ainsi que de ses propres ustensiles pour cuisiner et manger.
Desert environment
The HMDS takes place in the middle of the desert, in huge places where it’s very simple to respect social distancing, and where there are no enclosed spaces. A delayed departure, organized in several "departure airlocks", can be set up if necessary.
Tents and individual meals
Each participant has an individual tent provided by the organization, spaced from the other tents, as well as his or her own utensils for cooking and eating.
3. Frequently asked questions
Below, you will find answers to other questions you may have. The different elements related to the epidemic context will evolve according to the situation.
Outside race times
During bus transfers, briefings, or other times when it is difficult to respect social distancing, the wearing of a mask will be compulsory.
During the race
In the desert, you will not lack space to maintain a social distance from others. Regular reminders will be made by members of the organisation on the importance of respecting barrier gestures.
Members of the organisation will wear the mask at all times and will have to disinfect their hands regularly.
The checkpoints will be set up to allow participants to keep their distance during water supplies. These checkpoints will also be regularly disinfected by the organisation.
On the bivouac
On the bivouac, the layout of the tents will be reviewed compared to previous editions, in order to put even more distance between the participants. Hydroalcoholic gel dispensers will be available.
Here are the cancellation conditions:
- No cancellation fees until 30th June 2021
- From 1 July 2021 to 31 July 2021 included, 25% of the total registration fee will be retained by the organisation in case of cancellation.
- From 1 August 2021 to 26 August 2021 included, 50% of the total registration fee will be retained by the organisation in case of cancellation.
- After 26th August 2021, no refund is possible, however it will still be possible to postpone according to the conditions detailed below.
Here are the conditions for postponing:
- Up to 26 August 2021 included, free postponement to the next edition is possible
- From 26th August 2021 to 11th September 2021 included: 150€ fee for a report
- From 12 September 2021: no postponement possible
It is your responsibility to find out about travel restrictions in your country. You will be able to postpone or cancel your participation according to the above conditions.
However, in the case of specific cases such as a prohibition from your country to come, implemented a few days before the event for example, the organisation will deal with your case separately.