Sahara Race (4 Deserts) is a 250km / 7 stages ultra marathon in Merzouga, Morocco. Distance: 250km. Elevation: 1,500m D+. Difficulty: brutal (Challenge Rating 54/100). DNF rate: 15%. Time limit: 168h. Surface: sand. Established 2006.
Sahara Race (4 Deserts)
Merzouga, Drâa-Tafilalet, Morocco
"250km across the Sahara. Seven stages, self-supported, through the world's largest hot desert."
One of the 4 Deserts — a 250km self-supported multi-stage race through the sand dunes and hammada of the Sahara.
The Course
A 250km self-supported multi-stage race through the Sahara Desert. The course crosses sand dunes, rocky hammada, and dry riverbeds over seven stages. Runners carry all food and gear; water is provided. Navigation is by marked course, not self-navigated.
rolling
point-to-point
Runner Experience
Self-supported race — runners carry all supplies. Checkpoints for timing and safety only.
A legendary finish line atmosphere. Sahara Race (4 Deserts) is a bucket-list race with celebrations that match its reputation.
Race Day Weather
28°C
10° – 40°
20%
2%
Saharan desert — extreme heat during the day, cold nights. Sand, wind, and relentless sun.
Stats & Records
2006
100
6:00:00:00
Entry
USD 4,000
January
months
Lore & Trivia
Part of the 4 Deserts Grand Slam series, the Sahara Race sends runners across 250km of the world's largest hot desert in self-supported multi-stage format. The route varies each year but always features vast sand seas, rocky hammada, dried-up wadis, and occasional oases. Competitors carry everything except water and tent space. The Sahara has been the proving ground for desert runners since the Marathon des Sables launched in 1986, and this 250km variant pushes the distance further into the realm where desert survival skills matter as much as running fitness.
- ▸ The Sahara Race is one of the 4 Deserts series — completing all four makes you a 4 Deserts Grand Slammer.
- ▸ Running on sand dunes is exponentially harder than firm ground — energy expenditure roughly doubles.
- ▸ The 'Long March' stage of ~80km must be completed in a single push through the desert.
- ▸ Berber camps along the route offer a glimpse into the nomadic culture of the Sahara.
The Sahara doesn't negotiate. You respect it or it destroys you. There is no middle ground.
Notable Editions
The Sandstorm Stage
A severe sandstorm hit during the long stage, reducing visibility to metres and forcing runners to navigate by compass through a wall of flying sand. Several runners sheltered behind rocks for hours, losing their positions but saving their race.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Sahara Race (4 Deserts)? +
Sahara Race (4 Deserts) is a 250km / 7 stages (250km) ultra marathon with 1,500m of elevation gain. The course is point-to-point on sand terrain.
How hard is Sahara Race (4 Deserts)? +
Sahara Race (4 Deserts) is rated brutal with a Challenge Rating of 54/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 15%. Runners have 168 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Sahara Race (4 Deserts)? +
Average temperature is 28°C (range 10°C to 40°C) with 20% humidity and a 2% chance of rain. Saharan desert — extreme heat during the day, cold nights. Sand, wind, and relentless sun.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Sahara Race (4 Deserts)? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the average finish time for Sahara Race (4 Deserts)? +
The average finish time is 6:00:00:00. About 100 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 15%.
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