2026 Sahara Marathon
The 2026 Sahara Marathon will take place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in the Sahrawi Refugee Camps of Tindouf Province, Algeria, specifically in the El Aaiún (Laayoune), Auserd, and Smara camps. The event will occur in a mixed-terrain desert environment that includes compact earth, sand, and rocks, with specific sections of soft sand. Weather conditions in Tindouf during this time are expected to be mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C and nighttime temperatures around 10°C. Participants will navigate a course that is largely flat, with some low rises between the 20km and 30km marks. The marathon route starts in El Aaiún, crosses Auserd, and finishes in Smara, while the half marathon begins in Auserd and also concludes in Smara. The 10km and 5km races start from local landmarks, Farmacia and Paco, respectively, and both end in Smara. The course is marked using piles of stones, flags, and other temporary markers, requiring runners to remain attentive to the desert landscape. The event emphasizes sustainability, with water stations every 3km and the use of biodegradable cups instead of single-use plastic bottles. Medical support is provided by the International Red Crescent and the Sahara Marathon organization, with 4x4 vehicles available for emergency assistance.
What distances are available for this event?
- →Marathon (42km) starting in El Aaiún
- →Half Marathon (21km) starting in Auserd
- →10km race starting at Farmacia
- →5km race starting at Paco
What is the course profile like?
The course is largely flat with a series of low rises occurring between the 20km and 30km marks. The terrain consists of a mix of compact earth, rocks, and sand, with specific sections of soft sand.
What is the race route?
- →Marathon: El Aaiún → Auserd → Smara
- →Half Marathon: Auserd → Smara
- →10km: Farmacia → Smara
- →5km: Paco → Smara
How is the course marked?
The route is marked using piles of stones, flags, and other temporary markers typical of desert racing. Runners must stay alert for these natural and artificial markers as the landscape can be uniform.
What is the hydration policy for this event?
Water stations are located every 3km along all courses. Single-use plastic bottles are not provided; instead, large water tanks filled with mineral water equipped with taps are available. Biodegradable cups are provided, and participants must bring their own reusable water bottle or hydration pack (camel bag) to fill up at the taps.
What safety and medical support is available?
Medical teams are provided by the International Red Crescent and the Sahara Marathon organization at fixed locations along the course. Four-wheel drive (4x4) vehicles patrol the entire course to provide immediate assistance, medical evacuation, or transport for exhausted runners if required.
What gear is recommended?
Due to intense sun, wind, and blowing sand, the use of sunglasses and a hat or headscarf is strongly recommended for protection.
What are the registration modules?
Registration is divided into four modules: Trip, Staying, Race, and Visits. These modules include transport to Tindouf, accommodation and meals with a Sahrawi family, race entry fees, and cultural visits to the camps.
How much does registration cost?
- →Trip (Organized Charter): Includes visa, insurance, transport, accommodation, race entry, and bib
- →Staying: €100 for 1 week with a Sahrawi family, including breakfast and two daily meals
- →Race: €80 for 42km and 21km, €40 for 10km and 5km, €40 for volunteers (1+ month in camps), and free for Sahrawi athletes
- →Visits: €30 for guided tours of the camps and a traditional lunch in the dunes
What is included in the registration?
- →T-shirt and handmade ceramic medal
- →Awards for top 3 male/female in each category
- →Access to water stations and medical support
- →Cultural visits to the camps
What are the essential logistics for runners?
Runners must bring a reusable water bottle or hydration pack, sunglasses, a hat or headscarf, and trail shoes suitable for sand and rock. Camping essentials include a sleeping bag, toilet paper, headlamp, warm clothing for nights, and sandals. Sanitation facilities are basic, with outdoor WCs near tents and basins for washing. Showers may be available at the protocol building on race day if water supply permits, but participants should bring their own soap and towel.
What are the weather conditions expected?
Daytime temperatures are expected to range from 20°C to 25°C, while nighttime temperatures will be around 10°C. Strong winds, sirocco (sandstorms), and intense UV radiation are potential hazards. The organizers may change the date, route, or start/finish points due to severe weather.
What are the hygiene and water safety guidelines?
Participants are advised to drink only bottled water provided by the organization or water from the official race tanks. Tap water should not be consumed. Sanitation facilities are basic, with outdoor WCs and basins for washing. Showers may be available, but participants should bring their own soap and towel.
What are the travel warnings for participants?
Charter flights are subject to delays, and participants should schedule their return flight for late Sunday morning at the earliest. Cancellation policies include a refund minus a €50 fee if canceled before February 1, and only race/accommodation refunds after that date, with flight costs lost. A liability waiver must be signed on-site.
What is required for packing?
Running essentials include a reusable water bottle or camel bag, sunglasses, a hat or headscarf, and trail shoes. Camping essentials include a sleeping bag, toilet paper, headlamp, warm clothing, and sandals. Small gifts for host families are welcome but must be coordinated, while large aid donations require prior approval.
What are the payment instructions?
When transferring fees, ensure that all bank charges are covered so the organization receives the exact amount. Include the participant's name in the transfer reference.