Sahara Desert Trail Morocco 2026
- Next eventย :ย 1 Sun โ February 7, 2026Date confirmed
The event in a few words
As Moses Isegawa said in the Abyssinian Chronicles: "One cannot build on sand"... sure, but you can run on it ๐. And that's exactly what the Sahara Desert Trail Morocco offers through its journey in several stages ๐.
Specifically, the organizers have planned a week-long adventure for you between dunes, oases, and typical villages ๐๏ธ. You will discover the interior of Morocco and the vastness of the Saharan desert. To give you an idea ๐ก, Merzouga is located in the southeast of the country, in the Drรขa-Tafilalet region, representing the last foothold before the Algerian border. The dunes, rocky areas ๐ชจ, and dry riverbeds will thus form the backdrop of the movie in which you play the main hero ๐ฆธโโ๏ธ. Like in the homonymous film Sahara ๐ฌ, you will search for your treasure: the finish line. For this, the course has been marked over a distance of more than 130 km ๐, achievable in 5 days (the additional 2 days are for your arrival and departure from the site). Your only task is to follow the information to the finish, at Erfoud ๐. Each evening, a nice shower and a cozy bed await to restore you from the day's emotions. We spare you the uncomfortable sleep in a tent โบ๏ธ.
On average, you'll cover 27 km daily. And no, you're not hallucinating, you read that right! You might suffer, possibly, but you will conquer it, assuredly ๐ฅ. This Ultra Trail by stages, held in February, allows you to traverse very dry lunar landscapes in an optimal climate of late winter โ๏ธ. An identical circuit in July would be a different ballgame altogether ๐ฅต. The first and last stages are the "softest" with only 20 and 22 km long (each essentially a Semi-Marathon ๐ ). But, you must be in peak shape for the 3rd stage. 34 km eagerly await you. You'll sweat like a camel ๐ซ. Fortunately, there are no specific technical passages ๐ง according to the organizers. You can focus on moving forward without worrying about your footing. On the last day, finishers' gifts will be given out, and you can reflect on your adventure with all participants at the closing party ๐. A rather appreciable comfort after a tough week of exertion ๐ฅ.
To rest up properly, extend your flight ticket by a few days and enjoy the region you're in ๐คฉ. A few kilometers from Merzouga, you can visit the town of Rissani, famous for its lively souks and the Moulay Ali Cherif mausoleum ๐. You'll find enough souvenirs and trinkets to satisfy all your loved ones upon your return. If you prefer a change of scene, head south to Algeria ๐ฉ๐ฟ. The country, nicknamed "The Gateway to Africa," is the largest on the continent. So you have plenty to explore: the Casbah of Algiers, the Tassili nโAjjer, the Djurdjura National Park ๐ณ, or the Roman ruins of Timgad; you'll toggle between historic cities, natural discoveries, and ancient ruins ๐งฑ.
So, are you in search of solitude or shared adventure? ๐ค Whatever your will, you'll find your happiness during this legendary Saharan trail! ๐ And don't forget your shovel and rake; they'll help you build the most beautiful sandcastles ๐ฐ.
4 reasons to join this race
The organizer's word:
"The Sahara Desert Trail Morocco is a stage race across the Moroccan Sahara. Each day, you cover between 20 and 34 km in semi-autonomy to complete 130 km over 5 days. You only need to plan your lunch for race days. For everything else, we take care of it: breakfast, water and dried fruit refreshments every 10 km, and dinner under the stars. Every evening, you can relax in a bivouac or hotel, where you have access to a bed and shower. The organization transports a bag at each start where you can leave all the belongings you don't need during the race (toiletries, change for the night, lunch for the following days), which you collect at each finish. This race combines sport, relaxation, and discovery of Moroccan culture alongside the exceptional landscape offered by the Sahara in winter."
The distance you'll all agree on
132โkmTOP
- 1 Sun, 10:30 AM โ February 7, 2026
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Your race number bib will be given to you upon check-in on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Tombouctou hotel.
The first stage of the race will start at 10:30 AM in Merzouga on Monday, February 2, 2026. Stages 2, 3, and 4 will begin at 9 AM on February 3, 4, and 5, 2026. Stage 5 will start on February 6, 2026, at 5:30 AM. More precise information about each stage will be communicated to you the day before each stage, in case of changes or unforeseen events.
Yes, you must provide a medical certificate dated less than a year ago, stating: "does not contraindicate competitive running."
Yes, participants must be at least 18 years old on the start date.
The price of the bib is fixed: 1,800โฌ, or 19,290.98 DH
Checkpoints will be placed throughout the course. The closing times of each checkpoint will be indicated in a roadbook provided to each runner:
Any participant exceeding the time limit will be taken back to the stage and eliminated from the race. However, they may resume the next day and continue the adventure unofficially.
Participants who completely abandon will be returned to the hotel and may stay until the end of the event, provided they cover their accommodation costs.
Any runner who abandons must inform the organizers as soon as possible and hand over their identification marks to a race official.
Water and dried fruit refreshment points are provided every 10 km on average, as well as at the finish of each stage.
Every morning, a buffet breakfast will be served.
Every evening, a convivial meal is planned for the participants.
Yes, here it is:
A survival blanket
A backpack
A whistle
A water pouch or flasks with a total capacity of at least 1L
Salt tablets
A survival knife
A headlamp + 1 complete set of spare batteries
A mobile phone operational on Moroccan soil, with registered safety numbers
10 safety pins
A signaling mirror
Your passport (or for Moroccan residents, an ID card โ photocopy accepted)
A skin antiseptic
50โฌ in cash or 500 Dhrs
A windbreaker jacket.
It is also advised to bring:
Food supplements and a lunch meal (not provided)
Sunglasses
A cap with neck protection
Sand gaiters
Sunscreen (body, face, and lips)
Toilet paper
A swimsuit
A sleeping bag (if you are afraid of being cold)
Your registration includes:
Accommodation in bivouacs and hotels for 6 nights, from February 1 to 7, 2026.
The race bib, electronic chip, and finisherโs lot
Half-board during the race (dinners, nights, and breakfasts)
Lunch packs during transfers
Water for the entire duration of the event
Bus transfers
Baggage transport
Event organization and logistics
The prize-giving ceremony and closing party
Medical assistance
The roadbook detailing the course and stages of the race
It does not include:
Round-trip air transport
Cancellation, luggage, and repatriation insurance
The nights of January 31 to February 1, 2026, and February 7 to 8
Food reserve for each stage
Additional drinks and meals
If you have any remaining questions, you can contact the organizers by email:
saharadeserttrailmorocco@gmail.comYou can check the race rules here
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