FAQ — Atlas to Sahara – Stage Race
Everything runners usually ask — FAQ Atlas to Sahara, If we’ve missed anything please ask.
1. Who is the Race for
This race is made for adventure runners, not only elite athletes.
The Distances and terrain for each stage is a challenge, completing all six stages is for those who can allow their mind to go beyond the bodies natural limits.
Whilst hiking the half is achievable for all with effort! it really is an adventure of a life time
All of this whilst each stage has a mix of running, culture, and exploration.
If you can comfortably run 45 km, or hike 15 km you can complete this event.
We are working in Partnership with MTB Morocco to deliver this epic race
2. Do I have to be fast?
No. But!!!!!
We will have generous cut-off times, and a large part of the event is about enjoying the landscapes and living the journey. The Cut offs will be 10 to 12hrs depending on the stage. Its more about managing your energy levels than speed over the six stages, but if your in it to win it, its a different story.
3. Are the stages difficult?
Every day has its own personality and Challenges: And we can not control the heat or wind that you may face.
- Aït Benhaddou: Good flowing trails to start, dramatic wilderness and introduction as to what is happening.
- Rose Valley: rolling terrain, nothing extreme accept the distance and heat
- Gorges: Dramatic, some rocky ground and one or two steep climbs
- Zagora: desert tracks, open and fast
- Chegaga: dunes, slower, leg sapping but magical
- Iriki: flat, wide, and perfect for a heroic finish Heat and Wind to battle.
4. What is included in the package?
- Full organisation of the 6-day race
- Professional timing and race support
- Medical team and safety crew
- Drinking-water stations every stage
- Luggage transport (you run with only essentials)
- All accommodation during the event
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
- Tea ceremonies, workshops, and cultural moments
- Transfers between locations
- Closing celebration in the desert
- Medal
- Finishers T-shirt
- Event Bag
- Live tracking GPS
6. What is the weather like?
Expect warm, dry days and cool nights.
The temperatures range between:
- Mornings: 10–15°C
- Afternoons: 20–30°C
- Nights in the desert: can drop to 6–10°C
The strong sun with clear skies and desert wind means you have to look after yourself, But as always, weather can be unpredictable and be ready for extremes.
7. Do I need a special shoe for sand?
Trail-running shoes are enough. Hiking boots might be more suitable for the hikers on the half section.
For the Chegaga dunes, gaiters help keep sand out, but they are not mandatory.
8. Is Morocco safe? / Do You require a visa?
This region of Morocco is deemed safe.
These regions are extremely peaceful, and we work with a local provider who are well established and well respected amongst the indigenous people, which they are part of. The area and local communities have hosted international film crews, adventure races, and travellers for decades.
UK/EU traveller to Morocco do not need to obtain a visa prior to travel. But please check your home nation guidance before travelling to check on latest updates
9. How big is the Field/Group?
To keep the quality high, we limit the event to a small number of runners for the first year.
And will grow the event organically from there on.
9. What if I Sign up for the big one but fail a cut off
If for any reason, you fail to make a cut off along a stage, we will pick you up and return you to the finish. You will then be removed from the leader board of the race. However you can still take part in the half each day from there on, if you so wish. You will be transferred back to Marrakech at the agreed time. Unless injury or illness and for your best interest and welfare this can be brought forward.
10. Can I run the half or walk the full
Yes you can run the half each day and finish early to have the rest of the day to explore, or hike it and enjoy the beauty, It is also possible to hike the full within the cut off times.
11. Will there be cultural activities available?
Yes — some moments will be built in to the day and others as extra options: However those who are running the full course will have limited time to do extras at the end of a gruelling day.
- Tea with nomads
- Rosewater workshop (Extras)
- Pottery moment in Zagora (Extras)
- Sandboarding in Chegaga (Extras)
- Music around the fire
- Visiting ancient kasbahs (Extras)
- Stargazing in the Sahara
12. What about the food?
You will enjoy healthy Moroccan meals prepared fresh and plenty of it:
- Tagines (Meat / Vegan / Vegetarian)
- Couscous
- Seasonal vegetables
- Fresh fruit
- Salads
- Bread
- Pasta/rice options for runners
- If you are running and need or rely on specific hydration / energy mixes we recommend bring them as these are very personal.
- Plenty of water will be available.
11. What kind of accommodation?
A mix of:
- Comfortable guesthouses
- Charming kasbah-style hotels
- Authentic desert camps
The accommodation will be based on 2 to 3 people sharing the rooms will be spacious, clean, comfortable and of good quality. There will be an option for a single room at a supplement. However whilst in the desert accommodation will be in tents and can be up to four sharing.
Be mindful of where we are going and the remoteness of the locations, be prepared for some showers to work better than others and some areas are void of wifi.
12. Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, personal travel insurance is required. One that covers the activities that you are doing.
We will provide a professional medical team on-site. To provide a first response to any injuries or medical emergencies that may occur and to assist with blister, aches and sprains between stages.
13. Payment/cancelation Options
We are very flexible on payment options but these are the most popular options
- The price of £1300 is a one off for 2026 as the first running of the event.
- A £200 deposit secures booking (50% refundable if cancelled by you 2 months prior to event, other than that it is none refundable) (If we cancel the event for any reason, including natural disaster, pandemic, operational reasons or anything else, a full refund will be given)
- Following on from the deposit 4 extra payments are to be made on pre determined dates to be agreed when paying deposit.
- Monthly direct debits following payment of deposit.
- You also have the option to pay in full at point of booking.
FAQ Atlas to Sahara
If we have missed any of your questions please ask.
THE HISTORY & CULTURAL STORY BEHIND THE RACE
This race doesn’t follow random locations — it follows the ancient route of caravans, nomads, and traders who moved between villages, valleys, and the Sahara. And is inspired by our close relationship with our Moroccan Friends, The Berber People, who have lived in the region for 1000’s of years, long before Arab or Western influence. There culture and trading route have shaped the region and the trails and paths that make up the Atlas to Sahara – Berber Challenge. Berber meaning – Free People and you certainly will feel the spirit of a free person on this adventure.
Aït Benhaddou
A fortress village on the old salt and gold caravan road.
Thousands of years of history, now a UNESCO site and filming location for many movies.
Rose Valley
Known for its once-a-year rose harvest, where families handpick thousands of petals to make the famous Moroccan rosewater.
The Gorges (Todra or Dades)
Carved naturally over millions of years by water.
These canyons were used by nomads as natural corridors.
Zagora
The traditional “Gateway to the Desert.”
The iconic sign “Tombouctou 52 days” celebrates the old camel trade route to Timbuktu.
Chegaga Dunes
One of the largest dune systems in Morocco — wild, untouched, and mystical.
A place where silence becomes a landscape.
Iriki Plateau
A dry lake once filled with water, now a place where the horizon looks infinite.
It is used today for rallies and film shoots because of its surreal, moon-like surface.
This race brings all these legendary locations into one story, one journey, one continuous adventure.
Thank you for reading the FAQ Atlas to Sahara – Berber Challenge to few the race and booking details please see –