Léon will tackle the Sahara Marathon in a joëlette
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three years ago, Léon‘s face became known to all through the Téléthon. His face, but also his little-known condition: giant axonal neuropathy, a neurodegenerative syndrome.
He will be carried in a joëlette to participate in the Sables marathon, which will take place in the Sahara from April 3 to 13, 2026.
french Athlete to Tackle Marathon des Sables with Support from “Du sable dans les yeux” Association
A French athlete is preparing to compete in the grueling Marathon des Sables, scheduled from April 3rd to April 13th, 2026, with the assistance of the association “Du sable dans les yeux” (“Sand in the Eyes”). The association will provide a joëlette, a specialized all-terrain wheelchair, allowing the athlete to be carried throughout the race.
About the Marathon des Sables
The Marathon des Sables is a notoriously challenging ultramarathon held annually in the Sahara Desert in Morocco. Participants run approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) over six days, carrying their own supplies. It’s considered one of the most demanding footraces in the world, testing endurance, physical strength, and mental fortitude. More information about the race can be found on it’s official website.
The Role of “Du sable dans les yeux”
“Du sable dans les yeux” is an association dedicated to enabling people with disabilities to experience challenging adventures. They specialize in providing adapted equipment and support for individuals to participate in events like the Marathon des Sables. The joëlette they will provide is a single-wheeled chair designed for off-road terrain, pulled by a team of runners.This allows individuals with mobility impairments to participate in events that would or else be inaccessible. You can learn more about the association and their work on their website.
What is a Joëlette?
A joëlette is a specialized, single-wheeled chair designed for all-terrain use. It’s typically used in trail running and hiking to allow individuals with disabilities to participate alongside able-bodied runners.The chair is pulled and steered by a team, distributing the effort and allowing for navigation over challenging landscapes.
This partnership highlights the growing inclusivity within extreme endurance sports and demonstrates the power of adaptive equipment and dedicated support organizations in breaking down barriers to participation. It will be interesting to follow this athlete’s journey and the impact of this collaboration at the 2026 Marathon des Sables.
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