Sahara Marathon 2025

• Unique Purpose: Supports Saharawi people and highlights their ongoing conflict and displacement.
• Location Insight: Held in Saharawi refugee camps near Tindouf, offering community connection.
• Distance Options: Full marathon, half marathon, 10km, and 5km races for various skill levels.
• Travel & Stay: Charter flight from Madrid available; accommodation with Saharawi families.
• Course Details: Compact earth, sand, rocks; water stations every 3 km; support vehicles provided.

The Sahara Marathon offers an extraordinary running experience that goes beyond the usual race. Set against the stark beauty of the desert, this marathon connects the refugee camps of Smara, Auserd, and ElAyoun, providing a symbolic journey through a region touched by a 42-year-long conflict. Organized by the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and supported by global volunteers, this event underscores a profound purpose: to promote sports among Saharawi youth, support humanitarian initiatives, and raise global awareness.

Runners can choose from a range of distances, including a full marathon, 21km, 10km, 5km, and even a children's race, making it accessible to all skill levels. What sets the Sahara Marathon apart is its emphasis on solidarity and cultural immersion. Participants not only tackle the desert's challenging terrain but also engage deeply with the Saharawi people and their stories. Unlike the grueling Marathon des Sables, the Sahara Marathon prioritizes community and awareness, creating a meaningful experience for those who wish to make a difference through their running journey.

For the Sahara Marathon in Tindouf, Algeria, expect temperatures between 47-77°F (8-25°C) with dry air conditions in late February. Daytime can bring warmer peaks, reaching up to 84°F (29°C) or even 95°F (35°C) on hotter days. With minimal precipitation and abundant sunshine, runners should be ready for warm, dry conditions.

The Sahara Marathon offers an extraordinary and demanding experience set against the backdrop of the vast Sahara Desert. Runners will traverse a predominantly flat course of compact earth, sand, and rocks, with occasional stretches of soft sand and gentle rises between kilometers 20 and 30.

Starting at El Ayoun and finishing at the Smara camp, the marathon journey includes key landmarks like Auserd. Participants in shorter races, such as the half marathon, 10km, and 5km, also conclude their runs at the Smara camp, creating a unified finish line atmosphere.

The primary challenges of this course stem from the unforgiving desert conditions. Runners face intense heat, swirling sand, and gusty winds, making protective gear like sunglasses and headscarves essential. Navigation through the desert's vastness is aided by markers such as stone piles and flags, though these can be tricky to spot. Water stations, strategically placed every 3 kilometers, provide essential hydration, while support vehicles are on hand for assistance.

The Sahara Marathon is less about conquering elevation and more about enduring the relentless desert environment. It tests the resilience and stamina of every runner, offering a truly unique and unforgettable racing adventure.

Visiting Tindouf, Algeria for the Sahara Marathon offers a distinctive blend of athletic challenge and cultural immersion. Beyond the race, the experience is enriched by the opportunity to stay with Sahrawi families in the refugee camps, providing a genuine cultural connection. This setting allows travelers to engage deeply with the local community, gaining insights into the Sahrawi people's history and resilience.

The region's vibrant culinary scene features a mix of Berber, Arab, and Andalusian influences. Exploring local markets and sampling traditional dishes are essential parts of the journey. Additionally, visiting during events like the Sahara International Film Festival can further enhance your cultural experience.

Travelers should be mindful of practicalities such as packing light for the desert climate and ensuring valid travel documents. The Sahara Marathon organization simplifies logistics by offering a charter flight from Madrid, which includes visa arrangements and transportation. Staying organized and following local advice ensures a safe and enriching experience in this unique setting.