A desert raid for all levels, offering an authentic discovery of the Moroccan Sahara!
After two successful editions in Jordan, the Raidlight Desert Trophy is teaming up with the
Trans Sahara Marathon to offer an authentic adventure in the Moroccan
desert with the following 3 formats:
- Trail over 4 stages,
- Trek over 4 stages,
- or 200 km NON-STOP GPS navigation.
YOU WILL REMEMBER
• The extraordinary sand dunes of Erg Chegaga and the desert plains of Iriki National Park,
• The warm hospitality of the Moroccan people and the friendly atmosphere of the semi-self-sufficient camps (dinners and breakfasts provided),
• The caring and welcoming organization run jointly by the Moroccan team and the French Raidlight team,
• The visits to Marrakech and Ouarzazate (half-day free time).
Trans Sahara Marathon (12th edition)
The Raidlight Desert Trophy – Trans Sahara Marathon will cross the djebels of Zagora to reach the dunes of the Erg Chegaga desert and Iriki National Park, offering a full range of the Sahara’s extraordinary and diverse landscapes.
The Raidlight Desert Trophy – Trans Sahara is designed as an authentic and “family-style” race, as well as a welcoming challenge in the heart of the desert, open to different levels of participants: Ultratrail, Trail, or Trekking.
- Bags are transported by the organization between stages,
- 5 nights in Bedouin tents at desert camps (and 3 nights in hotels),
- Dinners and breakfasts provided at the camps, half-board at the hotel,
- A human-scale event, limited to 120 participants.
THE PROGRAM
-
Saturday, February 7, 2026:
· Arrival of participants at Marrakech Airport
· Transfer to Ouarzazate in the afternoon
· Hotel in Ouarzazate
-
Sunday, February 8, 2026:
· Free morning in Ouarzazate
· Transfer from Ouarzazate to the bivouac
· Bivouac 1
-
Monday, February 9, 2026:
· Technical checks and race briefing
· PROLOGUE 10 km – untimed shared start
· Bivouac 1
-
Tuesday, February 10, 2026:
· Common starts: Stage 1 & 200KM – through the djebel and into the desert, a long downhill section through magnificent canyons
· Bivouac 2
-
Wednesday, February 11, 2026:
· Stage 2 – loop stage to the highest dune of Erg Chegaga
·
-
Thursday, February 12, 2026:
· Stage 3 – a varied stage between dunes and plateaus
· First ARRIVALS of the MX3–200KM–NON-STOP
· Bivouac 3
-
Friday, February 13, 2026:
· Stage 4 – a stage alternating between small dunes and the Draa wadi, finishing in M’Hamid El Ghizlane
· Final ARRIVALS of the MX3–200KM–NON-STOP
· Transfer to Zagora
· Solidarity initiative with the Moulay Sharif Al-Alaoui School in Zagora
· Awards ceremony evening
· Hotel in Zagora
-
Saturday, February 14, 2026:
· Transfer to Marrakech
· Free afternoon in Marrakech
· Gala dinner
-
Sunday, February 15, 2026:
· Return from Marrakech Airport
THE 4-STAGE COURSE
Two race options, for Runners or Walkers, with relatively accessible yet challenging distances. Backpacks are transported by the organization, and dinners and breakfasts are provided.
A human adventure to discover — or rediscover — the desert, whether running or walking.
2 ROUTES TO CHOOSE FROM
TRAIL Format:
150 km including 1 untimed prologue
4 stages (50 km, 28 km, 28 km, 32 km), RUNNING, marked course, timed with ranking.
TREK Format:
100 km including 1 prologue
4 untimed stages (30 km, 19 km, 22 km, 17 km),
TREKKING or RUNNING, marked courses, untimed and no ranking.
Flexible organization allows switching from TRAIL to TREK format for one or more stages if needed.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CARRY
• Their backpack, containing only safety equipment, and enough water and food to stay fueled between checkpoints.
• Backpack of approximately 10 to 25 liters (the list of mandatory gear will be available in the technical sheet)
• Food self-sufficiency.
PROVIDED BY THE ORGANIZATION
- Bedouin tents for 5 people
- Water every 10–12 km
- Marked stages
- Medical service
- Dinners and breakfasts
- Hot and cold water at the bivouacs
- Transport of one assistance bag between bivouacs (limited to 10 kg)
You will leave your suitcase before Stage 1 and retrieve it after the race, on the day you return to the hotel.
MX3 200 KM NON STOP
For its 2nd edition, the MX3–200KM–NON-STOP will take you into the solitude of the Sahara Desert, while also passing through the 4-stage bivouacs for an extraordinary shared atmosphere.
With 75 hours available to manage your own pace, time limits are based on a pace of 4 km/h, with approximately 5-hour overnight breaks. The concept is to offer a demanding challenge, with the comfort of dedicated organization, a lighter pack thanks to drop-bags, all within a friendly and supportive atmosphere.
COURSE: – 200 km non-stop, ranked – Unmarked route, GPS navigation – 75 hours
In case of early withdrawal, flexible organization allows participants to switch to the continuation of the 4-STAGE format.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CARRY:
- Their backpack, primarily containing sleeping bag, spare clothes, mandatory safety gear, and their own food supply between drop-bag zones
- Backpack of approximately 15 to 25 liters (3 to 6 kilograms). (The mandatory equipment list will be available in the technical sheet)
- Food self-sufficiency.
PROVIDED BY THE ORGANIZATION:
The organization supplies water every 20 km. Runners must manage their own nutrition using drop bags available every 20 to 40 km.
Rest tents will be available at drop-bag points, with hot water for freeze-dried meals.
4 shared bivouac zones with the 4-stage race.
Medical service.
Nights and meals in a hotel upon arrival at the edge of the desert, while waiting for the last runners and the stage race to begin.
Organisation
Benoît LAVAL and Mohamad AHANSAL, who have known each other for over twenty years, are combining their expertise and passion.
“I ran the TRANS SAHARA, and it’s an incredible stage race in a stunning desert! The camaraderie and sense of sharing are truly present — and that’s exactly what we love!” – Benoît LAVAL, President of RAIDLIGHT and TRAILtobeALIVE.
“I’ve been organizing the Trans Sahara Marathon for 12 years to create a race that is both challenging and accessible, family-friendly yet professional — and to help people discover the authentic Moroccan Sahara and my native region of Zagora.” – Mohamad AHANSAL, President of AE EVENTS, 5-time winner and 10-time runner-up of the Marathon des Sables.
With the sports travel agency TRAIL to be ALIVE, we offer an all-inclusive package — flights, transfers — for a worry-free adventure.
TOURISM PROGRAM
TOURISM PROGRAM
Marrakech (Half-day free time)
From the moment you arrive in Marrakech, you’ll be immersed in the unique atmosphere of the Red City. The air is filled with the scent of spices, orange blossom, and tanned leather, while the bustling alleyways invite you to explore. A first stop might lead you to the Bahia Palace, with its majestic corridors, colorful mosaics, and finely carved ceilings. Every corner tells a story, evoking the lives of the viziers who once lived here.After a visit to the Saadian Tombs — where silence contrasts with the city’s liveliness — you can head toward the Koutoubia Mosque, a symbol of Marrakech. Its minaret watches over the medina, a perfect landmark before diving into the unmissable souk. There, you’ll be swept up by the vibrant energy of the merchants: Berber rugs, hypnotic-patterned pottery, shimmering lanterns... It’s impossible not to fall for a souvenir!
The Majorelle Garden, the legendary Jemaa el-Fna square, a glass of mint tea in hand, a delicious tagine bursting with spices — your half-day in Marrakech will be a true immersion into a timeless universe. (Suggested itinerary)
Ouarzazate (Half-day free time)
Your visit can begin at the majestic Taourirt Kasbah. Wandering through its labyrinthine alleys, you’re transported to a time when Berber lords ruled the region. Just across the road, you’ll find the Cinema Museum. Ouarzazate is the Hollywood of the desert, and here you’ll step behind the scenes of legendary film productions. To truly experience the magic of the silver screen, head to the Atlas Studios — one of the largest film studios in the world. Wander through incredible film sets where movies like *Gladiator* and *Game of Thrones* came to life. The illusion is so complete, you’ll feel like you're in the heart of a historical epic. (Suggested itinerary)
After a visit to the Saadian Tombs, where silence contrasts with the city’s liveliness, you’ll head toward the Koutoubia Mosque — an emblem of Marrakech. Its minaret watches over the medina, serving as a landmark before diving into the unmissable souk.
There, you’ll be swept up by the vibrant energy of the merchants: Berber rugs, pottery with hypnotic patterns, shimmering lanterns… It’s impossible not to give in to the temptation of a souvenir!
The Majorelle Garden, the legendary Jemaa el-Fna square, a glass of mint tea in hand, a delicious tagine bursting with spices — your half-day in Marrakech will be a true immersion into a world where time seems to stand still.
(Suggested itinerary)
Ouarzazate (Half-day free time)
Your visit can begin at the majestic Taourirt Kasbah. As you wander through its labyrinthine alleys, you’ll be transported back to a time when Berber lords ruled the region. Upon exiting, you can cross the road to discover the Cinema Museum. Ouarzazate is the Hollywood of the desert, and here you’ll dive behind the scenes of legendary film productions. To truly experience the magic of cinema, head to the Atlas Studios, one of the largest film studios in the world. You’ll walk through impressive sets where movies like *Gladiator* and *Game of Thrones* came to life. The illusion is perfect — for a moment, you’ll feel like you’re inside a historical epic. (Suggested itinerary)
TEMPERATURES AND WEATHER IN ZAGORA, MOROCCO IN FEBRUARY
The Drâa-Tafilalet region in Morocco experiences typical weather conditions of its hot and dry desert climate. Maximum temperatures range between 17°C and 24°C, while minimum temperatures vary from 5°C to 12°C. Rainfall is nearly nonexistent, reflecting the arid nature of the area. Days are generally sunny, with an average of about 11 hours of daylight per day.
-
CULTURE & HOSPITALITY
Hospitality is a core value in Morocco, deeply rooted in both cultural and Islamic traditions. Mint tea — a symbol of welcome — is offered to guests along with dates or pastries. Shared meals are a sign of conviviality, often enjoyed by using bread to scoop up the food. Souks and bargaining are longstanding traditions in Moroccan markets, where negotiations are often accompanied by friendly conversation. In short, Morocco captivates not only with its heritage but also with the warmth of its people, who turn every encounter into a unique and memorable experience.
-
LOCAL CO-ORGANIZATION
This race is co-organized with Mohamad AHANSAL and his agency AE EVENTS, with the support of the local government and regional civil partners, whom we warmly thank for their support. Mohamad AHANSAL has been honored twice by HIS MAJESTY KING MOHAMMED VI for his outstanding performances in various endurance races, including five victories and ten second-place finishes at the Marathon des Sables. Mohamad also holds a Guinness World Record for the fastest desert crossing.
-
L'ORGANISATION TRAIL TO BE ALIVE
View other tripsThe RAIDLIGHT DESERT TROPHY is an event
organized by Nature Extreme Développement – TRAIL TO BE ALIVE, a French travel agency
specialized in organizing sporting events, with over 200 stage races abroad since 1995.The Raidlight Desert Trophy is designed by Benoît LAVAL, an ultratrail enthusiast for over 25 years, and President of both Raidlight and Nature Extreme Développement.
TRAIL TO BE ALIVE is a French travel agency specialized in organizing sports events, with more than 220 stage races abroad since 1995.
RAIDLIGHT, desert gear specialist
Raidlight is the title partner, bringing its expertise as a specialist in desert racing gear since 1999, and continuing to embody its core value: “Let’s share the Trail experience.”
During the last two editions of the Raidlight Desert Trophy in Jordan, in April 2023 and March 2024, the Raidlight team was fully committed to ensuring the success of this iconic event. The company’s staff actively contributed to logistics, stage marking, and participant support, truly embodying the values of solidarity and passion that define the brand. This hands-on involvement in the field strengthened the bond between employees and runners, creating a warm and authentic atmosphere in the heart of the Wadi Rum desert. Thanks to this collective commitment, the Raidlight Desert Trophy offered participants an unforgettable experience, combining sporting challenge and cultural discovery in a stunning natural setting.
MX3 Nutrition
MX3 Nutrition has been offering a complete range of freeze-dried nutrition for over 15 years — from breakfast to outdoor snacks. The nutrition packs were designed and approved by dietitians in collaboration with the Raidlight Desert Trophy teams. They are tailored to meet the requirements of most stage races, which typically require a minimum of 2000 calories per day. These packs provide the essential and necessary rations throughout your race.
Each daily kit includes a performance breakfast, a tabbouleh for midday, a main course and dessert for the evening — plus fruit purées, energy gels, and sweet snacks (energy bars and energy balls).
We selected them for their compact size and lightweight design, thanks to the freeze-drying preservation technique. Ultra-flat, they easily fit into your Raidlight Raid Legend 24L backpack or the Ultralight 24–30L trail backpack, made in France.
This is yet another common point between the two race partners: Made in France. MX3 is a Vendée-based brand that designs and produces its products in France — just like Raidlight, whose manufacturing takes place in the Chartreuse mountains of the French Alps.
The desert — an experience to live at least once in a lifetime
Joining the Raidlight Desert Trophy is more than just a race — it’s a unique human adventure in the breathtaking landscapes of the Moroccan desert.
It’s a chance to push your limits, share an intense experience with fellow enthusiasts, and be part of an event where every detail is designed to make it unforgettable.
What if it were your turn to leave your mark on the desert?
