The new edition of the Sahara Marathon 2027 will be held next March, Tuesday the 16th, in the Sahrawi refugee camps, near the Algerian town of Tindouf. The race is organized in collaboration with different local institutions such as the National Union of Sahrawi Women and the Sahrawi Athletics Federation, based in the Sahrawi refugee camps.
The race will start in the El Aaiún camp, cross Auserd and finish in Smara, and as usual there will be refreshment stations along the route and a team of volunteers and first aid personnel.
In addition to the 42 km race, there are other races of 21 km, 10 km and 5 km, which are alternative races for everyone, experts and amateurs alike.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Sahara Marathon is an international sporting event that combines sport and solidarity in support of the Sahrawi refugee population, who live in the camps located in the desert, near the city of Tindouf, in Algeria.
Participating means living a unique experience, capable of combining a passion for sport with the opportunity to get to know a people in exile up close, appreciating their resilience, their strength and their extraordinary hospitality.
During the week, in addition to the sporting event scheduled for Tuesday, March 16, participants will have the opportunity to share experiences with Sahrawi families, visit places of interest in the camps and take part in spaces for dialogue and reflection dedicated to the event and to the situation of the Sahrawi population.
The Sahara Marathon has no commercial purposes: it is an initiative made possible exclusively thanks to the registration fees of the participants and the commitment of the volunteers who organize it. Its aim is to promote solidarity and keep attention focused on the situation of the Sahrawi people through sport and encounters between cultures.
Although the event is held on Algerian territory, the Sahrawi refugee camps are administered by the Polisario Front, the movement that on February 27, 1976 proclaimed the creation of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). The SADR is recognized by approximately 46 States and is a member of the African Union, although its international status remains controversial and the question of Western Sahara continues to be part of a political process promoted by the United Nations.
TRAVEL
Travel dates: from March 13 to March 20, 2027
Air Algérie charter flight: Madrid, Spain (T4) – Tindouf (Algeria)
The departure and return times will be communicated 30 days before our trip.
We recommend waiting to book your outbound and return flight to Madrid from your country of origin until the schedules have been confirmed, as they could be in the morning or in the afternoon.
Travel documentation and visa:
Valid passport with 6 months of validity remaining from March 2027.
As this is a charter flight, there will be no individual tickets. On the day of our departure to the camps, at the airport, after checking that the passport is valid, we will give you the flight ticket.
The organization is responsible for managing the visa for all travelers on the charter flight (the organization does not need the physical passport; with the information from the registration form we will process the collective visa for all travelers).
The organization is responsible for arranging the basic travel insurance policy, from Madrid to the Camps. (Coverage from origin to Madrid and from Madrid to origin is excluded).
The Sahara Marathon organization takes out basic insurance, mandatory for the visa; therefore, it is the responsibility of each participant to take out their own travel and/or medical insurance if they want greater coverage.
The organization cannot guarantee the punctuality of the departure and return times of the charter flight. There may be delays on departure and on return. If you need to book a connecting flight for the return, even if the return is on Saturday, we recommend booking it for Sunday morning.
The organization can only provide proof of payment; under no circumstances can it issue invoices because the airline does not provide invoices for individual tickets.
If we are forced to suspend the trip for any reason beyond our control, the total cost will be refunded minus €50 for administrative expenses.
Personal luggage must not exceed 15 kg.
COST
850 euros for runners of the 42 km and 21 km races
800 euros for runners of the 10 km and 5 km races
Breakdown of travel and race registration costs:
620 euros for the charter flight, mandatory insurance for the visa and visa processing
230/180 euros for the following items:
– accommodation and meals throughout the week: each family receives 40 euros, which is a fee decided by the Sahrawi government in order to maintain a principle of equality among all families, and receives drinking water for all participants throughout the week
– race: race bib, medal made by Sahrawi women in the ceramics workshop, breakfast and lunch on race day, water and fruit for the race, commemorative T-shirt for all participants, folders and buff, T-shirts for the children’s race. Other expenses: banners, flags.
– logistics and activities: transport throughout the week, airport and activities, picnic in the dunes
– financial support for all Sahrawis who participate in the organization of the event: route marking, food and water distribution, preparations, organization of activities, translators, cooks, medical staff and staff at the water stations
– contribution to free participation for Sahrawi athletes
All funds raised through registrations are invested entirely in the camps, with the exception of medical material and T-shirts.
If, at the end of the event, all expenses incurred by the Sahrawi population have been covered, the remaining funds (together with those raised through the sale of T-shirts and buffs and donations) will be used to carry out a solidarity project or for humanitarian aid.
Please remember that all volunteers, regardless of their nationality, who help organize the event will receive no compensation and will cover their own travel and accommodation expenses in the camps, just like the participants.
REGISTRATION
Registration for the race is carried out through our website, by completing the corresponding form. Once confirmation has been received from the organization, it will be necessary to pay the full amount following the instructions provided.
When making the registration payment, it is very important that the name, surname and passport number of each person appear in the bank transfer form.
Registration for cooperation workers residing in the camps: only people who prove that they reside in the refugee camps as cooperation workers during the year may formalize their registration on the date of bib collection.
If the number of people registered to travel on the charter flight is fewer than 130, the trip will be made on a regular flight with a stopover in Algiers. In this case, the organization will handle the entire procedure.
The organization would like to make participants aware of the importance of traveling on our charter flight. It is organized to facilitate travel arrangements for many participants coming from other countries, in addition to being a direct flight to the camps and the only way to transport all the race material, medical material and humanitarian aid.
The charter flight is not just a travel option; it is an integral part of the project.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations must be requested in writing through the organization’s official email address; refunds will be applied according to the date of the request.
Administrative costs, bank transfers and contracted insurance are non-refundable. (T-shirts, buffs, bibs, banners and other material for the event).
From February 1, 2027, it will not be possible to refund the money corresponding to the flight, nor the administrative expenses, T-shirts, race bib, buff and travel insurance policy.
Before this date, a refund can be made, except for the 50 euros administrative fee.
RACE INFORMATION
The new edition of the Sahara Marathon 2027 will be held on Tuesday, March 16, 2027, in the Sahrawi refugee camps, located near the Algerian city of Tindouf.
The official race distances are:
Marathon: 42.195 km
Half Marathon: 21 km
10 km race
5 km race
The start of the marathon will take place in the El Aaiún camp. The route will pass through the Auserd camp, where the Half Marathon (21 km) will start, continue through the starting point of the 10 km and 5 km races, and finish in the Smara camp.
Refreshments: from kilometer 5 onward there will be refreshment stations every 2.5 km, with water and fruit. In addition, the route will have a team of volunteers and first aid personnel. The organization recommends that each participant carry their own bottle, as well as energy bars, gels and mineral salts.
Participation limit: 400 runners.
Type of route: combination of compact ground, sand, stones and some sections of dunes or soft sand.
Mostly flat profile, although there are small climbs between km 21 and 35 of the marathon.
Environment: the race crosses the Sahrawi refugee camps of El Aaiún, Auserd and Smara, in the heart of the desert.
Type of race: point-to-point marathon, not a closed circuit.
There will be a toilet at each start.
Signage: the route will be marked by refreshment stations, first aid points, security personnel, piles of stones, flags and other temporary markings commonly used in races held in the desert.
Both the scheduled day for the race and the program of visits during our stay in the camps may vary in the event of weather conditions, strong winds or siroccos. In this case, the organization, together with the local authorities, reserves the right to modify: the place, date and route of the race, both start and finish, in the event of force majeure weather conditions.
BIBS AND PRIZES
Bib collection will take place at the Smara Cultural Center upon our arrival in the camps. The date and time of collection will be communicated before the trip. On that same day, it will be possible to request a change of participation category, if any runner wishes to do so for any reason.
Note: Under no circumstances will bibs be handed out on race day.
All participants will receive an official T-shirt and a medal handcrafted by Sahrawi women in a local ceramics workshop in the El Aaiún camp. A special prize will also be awarded to the first three finishers, in both the male and female categories, for each race category.
VISITS
The travel program includes organized visits to several points of interest in the Sahrawi camps, some with bus transport, and lunch in the sand dunes on the last day.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Good physical condition: The organization warns that this is a race of great physical demand and strongly recommends that all participants undergo a prior medical check-up, including a stress test.
Important:
The organization reserves the right to suspend or stop the competition if sandstorms or adverse weather conditions occur that do not guarantee the safety of the participants.
In order to guarantee the safety of all participants, the organization, in coordination with its medical team, reserves the right to withdraw from the competition those athletes registered in the 42 km and 21 km races who, four and a half hours after the start of the race, have not reached the starting point of the 10 km race, on the grounds that continuing the route could put their health and safety at risk.
USEFUL INFORMATION FOR THE STAY
LUGGAGE
Although each traveler has an authorized limit of 15 kg, luggage is requested to be as light as possible in order to facilitate the transport of humanitarian aid. It is recommended to bring comfortable clothing in reduced quantity.
Temperatures are usually spring-like during the day (approx. 25 ºC) and cool at night (approx. 10 ºC).
Essential items in the luggage:
Sleeping bag
Toilet paper (optional, as it may be distributed at the destination if the organization considers it appropriate)
Wet wipes
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Shower sandals
Jacket or fleece
Shorts
Cap
ACCOMMODATION
All participants and companions will stay during the week with Sahrawi families in the wilaya of Smara, in family jaimas. Distribution is generally made in groups of approximately 5 people per jaima, randomly, unless a preference for grouping with friends or family is indicated in the registration form. If you have family members in the camps, it will be possible to stay with them.
Participants who wish to stay again with a Sahrawi family must indicate the name of the family, the daira and the telephone number. If any participant wishes to stay with a family outside the wilaya of Smara, they must organize their own transport.
All host families receive support from the organization, as well as prior instructions, and in general they are very hospitable, making participants feel at home.
The organization, in coordination with the local authorities and the Ministry of Youth and Sport (the Sahara Marathon counterpart in the camps), supervises the delivery of financial aid and water to the host families. Families receive 40 euros for each participant hosted, as a hosting contribution.
If someone wishes to make a donation to the host family, they may do so freely. In the case of several participants, it is recommended to distribute the aid among neighboring jaimas so that the benefit reaches more families. It is also possible to bring small gifts, especially toys for children or small gifts for adults.
Please remember the importance of taking into account the value of money in the camps and of properly calibrating any possible donations, in order not to generate significant social inequalities among the people living in the camps.
FOOD
The organization provides all participants with breakfast on race day before the start and a picnic after the finish. The rest of the meals take place in the jaimas with the respective Sahrawi families and include traditional dishes such as lentils, couscous, salads, camel or goat meat, fried potatoes, pasta, among others.
It is very important to consume only bottled water. Tea, however, does not pose any problem.
SHOPS
There are numerous shops in the camps where you can buy handicrafts, use telephone call centers (or buy SIM cards), have drinks or buy basic food such as biscuits and other products. Payment can be made in Algerian dinars or euros, although it is recommended to bring small-denomination banknotes to facilitate purchases.
HYGIENE
We are in a refugee camp in the middle of the desert, so the usual comforts should not be expected. In each home there is a basic washing area with a latrine and a basin with water is provided for personal hygiene.
On race day, depending on water availability, it will be possible to shower in the race organization building. It is recommended to bring sandals, a towel and personal hygiene products.
Important
Given the characteristics of a trip to the desert, unforeseen events related to weather conditions or other circumstances beyond the organization’s control may arise. For this reason, the organization reserves the right to modify the planned program whenever necessary, in order to guarantee the safety and best possible experience for all participants.
IMAGE RIGHTS
Participation in the Sahara Marathon implies acceptance that the organization may use images taken during the race and the rest of the event activities for dissemination purposes, both on its website and on its social media and other communication channels.
Likewise, any person who takes part in this Sahara Marathon solidarity trip will be subject to the same conditions regarding the use of their image.
HOW CAN I HELP?
Aid for the host family
Medicines and other very useful items for the general population and for S. Marathon participants, without prescription:
1) Ibuprofen 400 mg
2) Paracetamol 650 mg
3) Paracetamol 1 g
4) Low-sodium oral rehydration salts
5) Sunscreen
6) Gauze
7) Plasters
8) Betadine
9) Sanitary pads for women’s hygiene
10) Flashlights
11) Thermal pack to heat in a microwave for muscle pain
12) Gel pack to freeze and use in case of muscle injury
13) Sunglasses
14) Thermal clothing
15) Socks
16) If bringing sweets: they should be sugar-free
17) honey
18) Vitamins as a food supplement
19) Nasal decongestant
Aid for the SaharaMarathon organization
School supplies, toys for children, clothes in good condition for children, backpacks. (This material is delivered by the organization and the participants during the children’s race).
Medical material of all kinds to be delivered to hospitals
Prescription medicines:
1) Amoxicillin 500 mg
2) Amoxicillin 875 mg + Clavulanic acid 125 mg
3) Amoxicillin 250 mg/5 ml (children)
4) Azithromycin 500 mg (for those allergic to Penicillin)
5) Ibuprofen 600 mg
6) Ventolin 100 mcg/inha
7) Novidol 50 mg/g gel
8) Fortasec 2 mg
→ ****Emergency medical kit:
1. Pulse oximeter
2. Urbason 20 mg for injectable solution
3. Trinispray 0.4 mg/0.05 ml
4. Adrenaline: Altellus 300 micrograms adults, injectable solution in pre-filled pen
5. Atropine Sulfate Serra Pamies 1 mg/ml injectable solution
6. Amchafibrin (liquid serum)
Sports equipment in general
football and volleyball balls
sportswear,
sports shoes
Those who wish to make donations of any kind (medical, educational, sports material, etc.) for the trip must notify the organization before departure, so that it can coordinate with the local authorities and organize the activity within the week’s program.
Other frequently asked questions:
Do I have to get vaccinated? It is not necessary; certain precautions with food and water consumption are sufficient (bottled water only); runners are advised to have a medical check-up.
What temperature will I find? Between 8º and 28º. Cool nights and spring-like days. Possibility of a sandstorm.
What do I have to bring? Sleeping bag, warm jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, cap, toilet paper, towel, sandals…
What will we eat there? Your family will prepare pasta, omelette, couscous, lentils or some meat (chicken, goat or camel).
What shoes should I run in? The terrain is generally hard and stony with some sandy areas. You can run with trail shoes or gaiters, but in general the best choice is normal training shoes.
Is there a time limit for the race? No, some people do it walking.
Are there refreshment stations along the route? Yes, every 3 kilometers or less there is a station with water, dates, fruit, biscuits.
Can I change the distance for which I registered? Yes, until the night before you can change the distance by informing the organization.
Will I be able to shower after the race? Yes, but only on race day; in the jaimas you will be able to wash with water they have in tanks and buckets.
What currency is used there? The official currency is the Algerian dinar, but almost all shops accept euros (it is recommended to bring small banknotes).
What traditions do they have? They are a very tolerant and hospitable Muslim society; we will often be invited to the tea ceremony.
What language do they speak? Their language is Hassania, an Arabic dialect, but in almost every house there is someone who speaks Spanish because they study it at school and because many children have family in Spain or have come on holiday.
Should I bring a gift? As long as it is not too bulky or too heavy, toys for children, sweets, flashlights, multi-tool knives, pens or markers can be brought…
Can I use my mobile phone? Yes, and it is possible to buy an eSIM online or an Algerian card in the camps for about €15.
MAP
Download a map of the Smara camp
VOCABULARY
Download a basic Hassania to English/Spanish/Italian vocabulary
VOLUNTEERS
“Experience the Sahara Marathon from the inside”
Join the volunteer team of the Sahara Marathon 2027 and be part of a unique experience of sport, coexistence, solidarity and culture in the Sahrawi refugee camps in Tindouf, as well as their long path of resistance in pursuit of self-determination.
If you are a committed person, with a collaborative spirit and a desire to contribute to one of the most special solidarity marathons in the world, we invite you to take part as a volunteer.
As this is a solidarity race, there is no financial remuneration. The organization is looking for volunteers who participate out of commitment and personal motivation. Likewise, being a volunteer does not grant the authority to make decisions on behalf of the organization.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Support in promoting the event on social media
• Supervision of participants’ departure on the charter flight
• Distribution of race bibs
• Aid stations and cloakroom on race day
• Course control together with medical and first-aid teams
• Support at the start and finish line
• Support during visits and cultural activities
• Support with registration and timing
• Translator
COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA
• Photography
• Social media
• Video
• Interviews
MEDICAL AREA
• Healthcare staff: doctors and nurses
• Physiotherapists
• First aid
Support for the Sahrawi cause
• Participation in awareness-raising activities
• Promotion on social media
• Organization of conferences, cultural exhibitions and public events
• Contact with institutional representatives
• Talks in communities and educational settings
• Support for the “Holidays in Peace” programme, which hosts Sahrawi children during the summer
• Promotion of Sahrawi culture through literature, music and art
These actions help give visibility to the situation of the Sahrawi people and to their claim for self-determination in Western Sahara.