Based in the Netherlands, Jelle’s Marble Runs is a unique athletic sport division. Teams of marbles race one another through perilous sand courses, Olympic games and “Marbula” One tournaments. To great excitement and anticipating, the sixth sand marble rally has finally commenced. (This piece includes spoilers for the qualifying races.)

The qualifiers, aired on Jan. 29, 2023, showcased the strength and athleticism of established marbles such as Silver Bolt and Red Number Three, as well as newcomer Amethyst. Of course, announcer Greg Woods provided fantastic commentary throughout the rounds. 

With sand and weather conditions at a standard 3/5 for quality, the marbles were not in the most favorable starting positions. However, the weather was a cheerful 18 degrees Celcius, helping to even the playing field. With a 41-meter qualifying track, the marbles could only focus on one thing: moving forwards. 

I should also note that the sand rally comes with its unexpected obstacles—this is no ordinary regulated course that we are used to seeing during Marbula One events. In the first qualifying round, a rogue leaf caught Marbly McMarble Face unexpectedly, resulting in the marble sadly being unable to complete the entire length of the course. This goes to show that in the sand rally, anything is possible. Competitor Lollipop pulled an advanced move by slowing down, which sent Marbly into the sights of the leaf. In sand rally, almost anything goes.

I would also be remiss not to mention the potential issues with the qualifying track.  Allegedly, marbles beginning in lane two (such as Marbly McMarble Face) had an unfair disadvantage due to improper track preparations, and as such, were automatically less likely to qualify. Marbly, Black Night, White Widow and Nemo all found themselves at the back of the pack during their rounds, and all four marbles began in the second starting block. I wonder if this is more than just a coincidence. I hope that this issue is carefully investigated as the sixth season continues onwards, and I would not be shocked if some retroactive changes need to be made. 

In a surprising turn of events, Grasshopper, Reflektor and Ducktape have finally requalified and will make their returns to the sand rally this season. The marble sand rally is not the same without them, and I am happy to see their comebacks. Automatic qualifier Slimer, of course, has a special place in my heart. Always glad to see Slimer compete, despite the marble automatically qualifying, placed 15th of 16th timewise overall. I am rooting for Slimer, but ultimately, I am worried. Slimer should be trying harder, even as an automatic qualifier. 

The many fans for Red Number Three, affectionally called RN3, also made it through the qualifiers, coming in ninth overall. As such an established marble, RN3 is no stranger to the stress of the sand rally, and RN3’s fan base always puts out such a strong show of support for the marble. The marble fan base is truly amazing. 

I am also intrigued by Amethyst. As a newcomer and sole new addition to the sand rally, Amethyst does not have the same track record as many of the other marbles. I would consider Amethyst to be a serious threat to the competition for this season, especially as Amethyst placed second in its individual qualifying round and fifth overall in time between qualifying rounds. Amethyst is the one you want to look out for, folks. Mark my words.

Overall, I am very impressed by the sixth-season qualifying rounds. The upcoming sand rally season should be an interesting one to follow, with so many familiar faces returning to the tracks, balanced by just as many lesser-known marbles. (You can watch the sand marble rally qualifiers here.)