Sahara Desert Trail Morocco

Morocco flag Merzouga, Drâa-Tafilalet, Morocco

69 days left

Sahara Desert Trail Morocco www.finishers.com
Date 23 Jan – 30 Jan, 2027
Races 1 distance
Entry fee $2041.20
Runner rating Be the first to rate
Sahara Desert Trail Morocco

About the event

Embark on an epic journey through Morocco’s vast Saharan landscapes with the Sahara Desert Trail Morocco. This week-long adventure takes runners across diverse terrains, from towering dunes to serene oases and traditional villages nestled along ancient trade routes.
Starting near Merzouga in the southeastern Drâa-Tafilalet region—a gateway to Algeria—the trail spans over 130 kilometers across five days of grueling yet rewarding runs. The course winds through lunar-like desertscapes, rocky outcrops, and dry wadis, offering a breathtaking backdrop for endurance runners.
Each day presents new challenges as you cover an average distance of 27 kilometers. While the first and last stages are relatively manageable at 20 to 22 kilometers, the fourth stage demands peak fitness with its daunting 34-kilometer stretch. Despite these rigorous distances, technical difficulties remain minimal thanks to well-marked routes.
At nightfall, runners can unwind in comfortable accommodations, enjoying hot showers and restful nights that prepare them for the next day’s adventure. The event culminates at Erfoud, where finishers are celebrated with rewards and a festive closing ceremony marking the end of an unforgettable week.
Participants have the option to extend their stay after the race to explore nearby attractions such as Rissani, known for its bustling souks and historic mausoleum. Alternatively, cross into Algeria to experience more desert landscapes, ancient ruins like Timgad, and natural wonders including the Djurdjura National Park.
Whether you seek solitude or camaraderie on this mythical trail, prepare yourself for a transformative journey through some of Morocco’s most awe-inspiring terrain. Don’t forget your shovel and rake—though not essential, they might come in handy for building sandcastles amidst the dunes.
This event offers runners an unparalleled opportunity to test their limits while immersing themselves in the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty of Morocco's Sahara Desert.

Races offered

23Jan

Trail 132 km

Running

Distance
132K
Countdown
69 days
Entry fee
$2041.20

Weather history

3-year monthly averages for January in Merzouga.

Temperature4.5° / 18.5°
Feels like0.5° / 14.0°
Sunshine hours9h 38m
Rainfall—
Snowfall—
Wind9.1 km/h (Light breeze)
Humidity38.8%
Max UV indexLow (2.0)
Sweat lossLow
Course conditionsFirm and slightly soft
Sunrise08:13
Sunset18:36

About Merzouga

Learn more about the host city, Merzouga.

Scenic view of

Merzouga is a village in the Sahara Desert in Morocco, on the edge of Erg Chebbi, a 50-km long and 5-km wide set of sand dunes that reach up to 350 m above the plain and 808 m above sea level.

Read more

Hotels & places to stay

Things to do nearby

Tours and activities near Merzouga, powered by Viator.

Loading nearby tours and activities…

Video

Watch highlights and course previews from previous years.

Runner reviews

Read what other athletes have to say about their experience at the Sahara Desert Trail Morocco.

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience with the community!

Suggest an edit

Spotted an error or missing detail about the Sahara Desert Trail Morocco? Help us improve.

Nearby races

Explore other exciting events happening in this same region.

Hand-picked events we think you’ll love.

  • 5k Stampede through Clifton Nov 15, 2026

    5k Stampede through Clifton

    Awards: Top three Male & Female in each Age Category. 1st place - Police Officer, Firefighter, Doctor/Chiropractor, Edu…

    Read more about 5k Stampede through Clifton
  • 5K Trail Run For Veterans Housing Nov 15, 2026

    5K Trail Run For Veterans Housing

    Old Bridge-Sayreville Rotary Club and Friends of Luke A Lovely American Legion Post #62, South Amboy, NJ presents 5K TR…

    Read more about 5K Trail Run For Veterans Housing
  • Bowman Run with the Bulls presented by Hotel Vista Sierra Nov 15, 2026

    Bowman Run with the Bulls presented by Hotel Vista Sierra

    Join us for the annual Bowman Run with the Bulls 5K Run/Walk presented by Hotel Vista Sierra! Lace up your shoes and be…

    Read more about Bowman Run with the Bulls presented by Hotel Vista Sierra
  • BROOKHAVEN TRAIL HALF MARATHON and 5 MILE Nov 15, 2026

    BROOKHAVEN TRAIL HALF MARATHON and 5 MILE

    RACE DAY REGISTRATION OPENS UP ON SITE @ 7:30 SUNDAY MORNING! JUST LOOKS FOR THE BIG RED TENT. CASH OR CARD. WE HAVE A …

    Read more about BROOKHAVEN TRAIL HALF MARATHON and 5 MILE
  • Celebrate Veterans 5K Nov 15, 2026

    Celebrate Veterans 5K

    Date: Sunday, November 15thLocation: Pipeline/Orange Trail: 84th and Pipeline Road Time: 9:10 AM Packet Pick -up Novemb…

    Read more about Celebrate Veterans 5K
  • Cocoa Beach Half Marathon Nov 15, 2026

    Cocoa Beach Half Marathon

    Off the coast you are very likely to see fishing boats, giant cruise ships, porpoises and diving birds. Once off the be…

    Read more about Cocoa Beach Half Marathon
  • DUKE OF DOUGH "DONUT" RUN 10K, 5K AND KIDS K Nov 15, 2026

    DUKE OF DOUGH "DONUT" RUN 10K, 5K AND KIDS K

    It’s time to lace up and satisfy your sweet tooth! Join us for the 2026 Duke of Dough Donut Run — featuring a 10K Run, …

    Read more about DUKE OF DOUGH "DONUT" RUN 10K, 5K AND KIDS K
  • EBEF Bear Crawl: A 5K Run/Walk Nov 15, 2026

    EBEF Bear Crawl: A 5K Run/Walk

    Sunday, November 15, 2026 at the Community Arts Center 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816 8:15 warm up stretch…

    Read more about EBEF Bear Crawl: A 5K Run/Walk

Get race deals and updates

Subscribe to our newsletter for curated race picks and discounts.