Last Updated on December 23, 2023

Desert races and marathons represent the ultimate challenge for runners facing hostile environments and extreme environmental conditions.

The most famoust desert race is undoubtedly the Marathon des Sables in the Sahara desert in Morocco, but today it is possible to take part in a desert run in several countries around the world.

Below, a list of upcoming desert runs and ultra marathons:

Desert runners at the Marathon des Sables in 2010
Marathon des Sables 2010, Morocco.

Desert Marathons Worldwide [2024-2025]

BIG BEND ULTRA

January 19th, 2024

Big Bend National Park, Texas (USA)

https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=82003

The Big Bend Ultra is a scenic and challenging race that takes place in the remote and beautiful Big Bend National Park, in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas.

The race offers four distances: 10K, 30K, 50K and 100K, all of them on dirt roads and trails, with stunning views of the Chisos Mountains, the Rio Grande River, and the Mexican border.

The Big Bend Ultra is a true desert adventure, with high temperatures, low humidity, and unpredictable weather. The elevation ranges from 1800 ft (550 m) to 4800 ft (1460 m) above sea level, and the terrain is rugged, rocky, and sandy.

The race is also a fundraiser for the Big Bend Conservancy, a non-profit organization that supports the park’s natural and cultural resources.


DESERT CLASSIC MARATHON

January 28th, 2024 Surprise, Arizona (USA) https://arizonaroadracers.com/portfolio-item/https-runsignup-com-race-az-surprise-desertclassichalfmarathonand5k/

The Desert Classic Marathon is an Arizona Road Racers original. Join in on the tradition! The marathon offers a beautiful out-and-back course and offers runners spectacular desert scenery.

The Desert Classic Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K takes runners on a long, mostly straightaway course just to the north of Arizona’s White Tank Mountain Regional Park, a 30,000-acre park filled with rugged, rocky, mountainous terrain and which lies to the west of the Phoenix metro area.

The course is lined with ample views of the majestic mountain scenery in all directions around, as well as the thrill of running through a true arid, desert climate.


DEATH VALLEY MARATHON

February 3rd, 2024

Death Valley National Park, California (USA)

https://raceroster.com/events/2024/72825/2024-death-valley-marathon-half-marathon-and-10k

The Death Valley Marathon is a unique and unforgettable race that takes place in the lowest and hottest place in North America, the Death Valley National Park.

The race features a relatively flat course (fewer than 500 feet of climbing and descending) on paved roads and trails, with amazing views of the surrounding desert and mountains.

The race offers three distances: 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon, all of them below sea level and with temperatures ranging from 30°F to 70°F.

The Death Valley Marathon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as it is limited to 300 participants and requires special permits from the park authorities.

The race is also a supporter of the Death Valley Natural History Association, a non-profit organization that promotes education, research and preservation of the park.


SANDMAN EXTREME

February 10th, 2024

Lanzarote, Canary Islands (Spain)

The Sandman Extreme is a challenging and spectacular race that takes place on the volcanic island of Lanzarote, part of the Canary Islands archipelago.

The race offers four distances: 10K, 21K, 42K and 100K, all of them on sandy trails and dunes, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged landscape of the island.

The Sandman Extreme is not only a race, but also a unique experience of running in a desert-like environment, with the constant presence of the wind, the sun and the sand.


MARATHON DES SABLES

April 5th-15th, 2024

Sahara Desert, Morocco

The Marathon des Sables is the most famous and legendary desert race in the world. It is a grueling multi-stage adventure through a formidable landscape in one of the world’s most inhospitable climates – the Sahara desert. The rules require you to be self-sufficient, to carry with you on your back everything except water that you need to survive. You are given a place in a tent to sleep at night, but any other equipment and food must be carried.

The Marathon des Sables covers 250 km (156 miles) in six stages over seven days. The longest stage is about 90 km (56 miles) and the shortest is 10 km (6 miles).

The terrain is varied, from hard-packed sand to soft dunes, from rocky plateaus to dry river beds, from salt flats to palm oases. The temperature can reach up to 50°C (122°F) during the day and drop to 5°C (41°F) at night.

The Marathon des Sables is more than just a race, it is a journey of self-discovery, a test of mental and physical endurance, and a celebration of the human spirit.


NAMIB DESERT CHALLENGE

April 20th-24th, 2024

Namib Desert, Namibia

https://www.namibdesertchallenge.com/

The Namib Desert Challenge is a multi-stage race that covers 220 km (137 miles) in five days, across the oldest desert in the world.

The race is a self-supported event, meaning that runners must carry all their equipment and food, except water and tents, which are provided by the organizers.

The Namib Desert Challenge is a spectacular and diverse race, with a variety of landscapes and terrains, such as sand dunes, salt pans, gravel plains, river beds, and canyons.

The race also offers a unique opportunity to see the wildlife and flora of the desert, such as oryx, springbok, ostrich, zebra, and the famous welwitschia plant.

The Namib Desert Challenge is more than just a race, it is a journey through one of the most ancient and pristine environments on Earth.


DESERT NEWS MARATHON

July 24th, 2024

Salt Lake City, Utah (USA)

The Desert News Marathon is the longest-operating marathon in Utah. 2024 will be its 54th year that runners have been racing down the historic pioneer route into the Salt Lake Valley and through the Days of ’47 Parade.

The Desert News Marathon is a fast and downhill race, with a net elevation drop of 3200 ft (975 m) from start to finish.

The race starts at the top of Big Mountain, passes through Emigration Canyon, and follows the parade route along South Temple Street to the finish line at Liberty Park.

The Desert News Marathon is more than just a race, it is a celebration of the pioneer spirit and the state’s heritage.


PETRA DESERT MARATHON

September 7th, 2024

Petra, Jordan

The Petra Desert Marathon is a unique and unforgettable experience, running through the ancient cave city of Petra and the arid, lunar-like landscapes of the Jordanian desert. Rich in history, culture and scenic nature, Jordan offers its visitors superb possibilities for an exciting Marathon adventure. Runners will start in the Street of Facades, following a route that passes tombs, caves, mountains and the impressive Monastery.

The Petra Desert Marathon is a challenging race, with hilly and rocky sections, as well as sand and gravel. The elevation gain is about 700 m (2300 ft) for the marathon and 350 m (1150 ft) for the half marathon. The weather can be hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 35°C (95°F).

The Petra Desert Marathon is more than just a race, it is an opportunity to explore one of the world’s most amazing archaeological sites, and to experience the hospitality and culture of the Jordanian people.


ATACAMA CROSSING

October 6th-12th, 2024

Atacama Desert, Chile

https://www.racingtheplanet.com/atacamacrossing

The Atacama Crossing is a 250 km (155 mile) self-supported footrace that takes place in the Atacama Desert of Chile, the driest place on the planet. The race is part of the 4 Deserts Race Series, which also includes races in the Sahara, Gobi, and Antarctic deserts.

The Atacama Crossing is a tough and rewarding race, with a variety of terrains and altitudes, such as sand dunes, salt flats, canyons, valleys, and volcanoes. The race also offers a rich cultural experience, as runners pass through local villages and ancient ruins, and interact with the indigenous people of the desert.

The Atacama Crossing is more than just a race, it is a challenge of endurance, resilience, and camaraderie.


Past races:

DEATH VALLEY TRAIL MARATHON & HALF MARATHON

December 2nd, 2023
Beatty, Nevada (USA)
https://raceroster.com/events/2023/67763/2023-death-valley-trail-marathon-and-half-marathon

This scenic wilderness trail run is on a gravel jeep road from Beatty, NV through the picturesque Titus Canyon, finishing in Death Valley (entire run is in Death Valley National Park).

The desert is beautiful this time of year with mild temperatures; lows at night between 30 and 40 degrees and highs during the day from the low-60s to mid-70s.

This is our most spectacular trail event of the year and well worth the weekend away. Truly, an experience you won’t forget.


Badwater 135

July 4-6, 2023

Badwater Basin, Death Valley, CA (USA)

https://badwater.com/event/badwater-135/

Covering 135 miles (217km) non-stop from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney, CA, the Badwater® 135 is the most demanding and extreme running race offered anywhere on the planet, as well as the 135-Mile World Championship. The start line is at Badwater Basin, Death Valley, which marks the lowest elevation in North America at 280’ (85m) below sea level.

The race finishes at Whitney Portal at 8,300’ (2530m), which is the trailhead to the Mt. Whitney summit, the highest point in the contiguous United States.** The Badwater 135 course covers three mountain ranges for a total of 14,600’ (4450m) of cumulative vertical ascent and 6,100’ (1859m) of cumulative descent.

Competitors travel through places or landmarks with names like Mushroom Rock, Furnace Creek, Salt Creek, Devil’s Cornfield, Devil’s Golf Course, Stovepipe Wells, Panamint Springs, Darwin, Keeler, Lone Pine, Alabama Hills, and the Sierra Nevada.


EILAT DESERT MARATHON

December 16th, 2022

Eilat, Israel

https://worldsmarathons.com/marathon/desert-marathon

The Desert Marathon in Eilat: The most beautiful and wildest route in Israel!

Join a race that begins in the desert and ends on the Red Sea shore.

The route will lead you on a trek through the mountains surrounding the city of Eilat with their beautiful shades of sand, and breathtaking views to boost runners’ energy.

Come and take part in a huge festival of running in Israel!


DESERT CLASSIC MARATHON

January 28th, 2023
Surprise, Arizona (USA)
https://arizonaroadracers.com/portfolio-item/https-runsignup-com-race-az-surprise-desertclassichalfmarathonand5k/

The Desert Classic Marathon is an Arizona Road Racers original. Join in on the tradition! The marathon offers a beautiful out-and-back course and offers runners spectacular desert scenery.

The Desert Classic Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K takes runners on a long, mostly straightaway course just to the north of Arizona’s White Tank Mountain Regional Park, a 30,000-acre park filled with rugged, rocky, mountainous terrain and which lies to the west of the Phoenix metro area.

The course is lined with ample views of the majestic mountain scenery in all directions around, as well as the thrill of running through a true arid, desert climate.


OMAN DESERT MARATHON

January 21st – January 24th, 2023

Bidiyah, Oman

https://marathonoman.com/

The 8th edition of the Oman Desert Marathon, a 165 km four-stage desert self-sufficient race will be held in the Sultanate of Oman, confirms January 21st to 24th 2023 dates.

With an average high temperature of 25 degrees during the day, and an average low temperature of 17.3°C at night, January offers to the participants of the Oman Desert Marathon the perfect conditions to enjoy the race to the fullest.


DEAD SEA MARATHON

February 3rd, 2023

Ein Bokek, Israel

https://worldsmarathons.com/marathon/dead-sea-marathon-israel?ref=Wo2X9tu

Israel’s Dead Sea Marathon is a fast race around the shores of the southern Dead Sea up to 21 km on the dike.

The highlight of the race is a run towards the sea on the border embankment of the Dead Sea Works that surrounds the southern part of the Dead Sea.

Only once a year due the security forces permit use of the dikes for sporting purposes and this gives the runners the opportunity to discover breathtaking views that have so far been observed by employees of the Dead Sea factories or security personnel.

The dike serves as the border area between the Israeli Dead Sea and the Jordanian Dead Sea and serves as a barrier without a fence between the two countries that maintain a common and peaceful daily routine.

The route mostly takes place on a dense and flat graveled area and will be secured by the security forces and the army.

The race takes place with the assistance and support of the Israel Chemicals Company, the Dead Sea Drainage Authority and the Government of the Dead Sea Protection Company.


THE PALM DESERT 1/2 MARATHON & 5K

February 12th, 2023

Palm Desert, California (USA)

The Palm Desert 1/2 Marathon & 5K returns to the heart of the desert on Sunday, February 12, 2023! Race the Coachella Valley’s original half marathon, or run/walk our flat, fast 5K course. Kids four to 13 can run our 1K kids run. 1/2 marathon & 5K participants receive an official race t-shirt, finisher medal, timing and post-race food. Kids run participants receive a finisher medal and post-race food. This year will be bigger than ever, so register today and join in on the fun!


THE BORDER TO BADLANDS ULTRA

February 25th, 2023

Comstock, Texas (USA)

​Come run through the second largest desert in North America. Seminole Canyon State Park is a prehistoric area dating back 10,000 years. This is where Indigenous people left cave art as evidence of their presence tucked into the weather-beaten Chihuahuan Desert.

Experience the unique desert wildlife and flora. Be awe-inspired by the incredible views of where the Seminole Canyon meets the Rio Grande River. View from a distance, cave art as you traverse this loop course over technical single-track trail and backcountry jeep roads.

This is a bucket list event that you don’t want to miss. 


SAHARA MARATHON

February 28th, 2023
Tindouf, Algeria

http://www.saharamarathon.org/

The Sahara Marathon is an international sport event to demonstrate solidarity with the Saharawi people and this year celebrates its twelfth edition.

It’s organized by the Secretary of State for Sport, Government of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic with the help of volunteers from all over the world. 

For the promotion and coordination of participants from other countries, the organization also partners with Marie Frison from France, Wolfgang Hoffman from Germany, Oddvar Rosten from Norway and Danielle Smith from England.

The Sahara Marathon, which along with the standard-distance marathon also includes the shorter distances of 21km, 10km, 5km and the children’s race, is aimed at promoting sport activity among Saharawi young men and women and financing and developing humanitarian programs.

But also wants, through sport, raise awareness and sensitize the world about a 35-year-long conflict.
37 years of suffering for a population affected by a conflict that is burying their hopes, generation after generation, in the refugee camps of Tindouf (Algeria), far from their home.

37 years during which the international community has not been able to unlock the situation. A race to prevent the Saharawi people from being forgotten.


Desert R.A.T.S. Trail Running Festival

April 15th – 16th, 2023

Fruita, Colorado (USA)

https://www.ahotu.com/redirect/33229/official_website

A weekend of fun and running on the beautiful trails near Fruita, Colorado. The weekend kicks off on Friday night with packet pickup and a pasta dinner.

Saturday is the trail marathon and 50K, followed that night with a racer party at a local brewery. Sunday’s events include a 10K, half marathon and kid’s races.


MARATHON DES SABLES 2023 – MOROCCO

April 21st – May 1st, 2023

Ouzarzate (Morocco)

www.marathondessables.com

Back for its 37th edition, the Marathon des Sables is a six-day, 251 km desert ultramarathon, which is about the distance of six ordinary marathons. The longest leg is 91 km.

This multi-day race takes place every year in southern Morocco, in the Sahara Desert, and it is considered the most challenging foot race in the world.

The 37th MARATHON DES SABLES is a foot race, open to runners and walkers, with several stages, free style, and with food self-sufficiency over a distance of about 250 Km.

Each participant must carry his/her own backpack containing food, sleeping gear and other material.


GOBI MARCH

June 18th, 2023
Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia)

www.racingtheplanet.com/gobimarch

The Gobi March is a 7-day, 250 km / 155 mile footrace that takes place in the stunning Karakorum region of Central Mongolia.

Through the seven days competitors traverse through the vast Mongolian steppes, sand dunes and great rock valleys as they complete the 250-kilometer / 155-mile course.

The race goes through the Khar Bukh Balgas Fortress, many stupas and temples, traditional Mongolian ger villages, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre of the Orkhon Valley and finally ends at the Ancient City of Karakorum.


LA PISTE DES OASIS – NAMIBIA

TBD

Sesriem (Namibia)

www.lapistedesoasis.info

La Piste des Oasis organizes desert foot races, especially trail stages in several countries of the world. Today, more than 15 countries.

If you are passionate about sports travel, treks, La Piste des Oasis organizes races in several countries of the world, these races are done in 4 stages, about 100km of adventure.



NAMIB RACE

April 28th – May 4th, 2024
Swakopmund (Namibia)

www.racingtheplanet.com/namibrace

The Namib Race is a 7-day, 250 km / 155 mile footrace that takes place within the oldest desert and the largest dunes in the world.

Through the seven days, competitors experience some of the most stunning and iconic desert landscape.

The course takes you through amazing desert scenery including wide-open red plains, scattered mountain outcrops, huge expanses of dramatic sand dunes, moon-like landscape, Atlantic waves crashing against the sandy desert shore-line, and a fascinating array of plants and animals.



THE NAMIBIA CROSSING

TBD

Sendelingsdrif (Republic of South Africa)

www.wildrun.com/experiences/namibia-crossing

A 200km, five-day foot race from South Africa to Namibia through the ancient arid landscape of the /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

From the crystal fields of Sendelingsdrif in South Africa to the infamous giant boulders of Tatasberg deep in the /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park; this unparalleled journey then crosses the Orange River into Namibia and the wild lands of the Fish River Canyon.

This is the running experience of a lifetime; this is the this is the Namibia Crossing.


ULTRA MIRAGE EL DJERID 50/100K (UMED)

September 30th, 2023
Tozeur (Tunisia)

www.ultramirage.com

The Ultra Mirage© El Djerid (UMED) Race series is the first desert Ultra taking place in the stunning Tunisian Sahara desert.

The Event is organised in the Djerid region every first weekend of the month of October. 

Both 100km and 50km single stage races take runners across a wide diversity of terrains, ranging from soft sand, small dunes, rocks, dried river beds, oasis…

Both medical and technical help as well as water supply will be available at each checkpoint.

This race is open to all types of athletes, from professional ultra runners to anyone passionate about ultra trails.


JORDAN RUNNING ADVENTURE RACE

October 31st, 2022
Petra (Jordan)
www.jordanrunningadventurerace.com

Unique and incomparable, The Tendao Running Adventure Races are achievableby all.

Ultra-runners, adventurers, well-trained runners or evenaccompanying people will live huge emotions. Your only one goal will be tofollow the path, to realize your dreams and discover the most beautiful places of the Earth. Three Races are proposed:

100 km in 3 stages or 60 km in 3 stages (the routes are marked) in semi autonomy.

The first (24 km) and third stages (25 km) are common to the 2 races. The second is 51 km for the 100 km race and 11 km for the 60 km race.

185 km non stop with a departure from Petit Petra, a passage in the ancient site of Petra, then a final of more than 100 km in the exceptional Wadi Rum desert!


SAHARA DESERT TREK (GURUN SAHARA) – MOROCCO

26th November, 2022 at 7:00am – 3rd December, 2022 at 6:00pm

https://www.charitychallenge.com/challenge/60/Sahara-Desert-Trek

Rediscover true adventure in the awe-inspiring Sahara Desert. This five day trek covers 100km; passing through Morocco’s forbidding landscape punctuated by peaks, gorges, dunes and oases.

At night, sleep under Africa’s star strewn skies and enjoy traditional Berber hospitality.

This challenge goes beyond the Jebel Saghro region, starting on the Maider El Kbir plateau, before ascending Jebel El Mrakib, and admiring the stunning views.

Walking through palm gorges, the route joins the dry Rhris River and heads towards an oasis of tamarisk trees.

The final days are spent trekking along the Tikertouachene River, before celebrating a successful end to the challenge in Ouarzazate.

  • Cover 100km on this five-day trek
  • Pass through valleys, gorges, plateaus, sand dunes and oases
  • Climb Jebel Lamrakeb, with incredible views of the region

HALF MARATHON DES SABLES – PERU

December 3rd, 2022
Lima (Peru)

www.halfmarathondessables.com

Spend 7 days out of time in the most beautiful places in the world. 4 days of adventure in the middle of the desert, a route divided into 3 stages, 100 or 120km, to be done by running or walking.

Each HMDS includes a majority of walkers, with an average of 50% women and a 94% finisher rate.

Read also: Desert Running Preparation


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Desert Running Gear

Clothes


Hanes Men’s Long Sleeve Cool Dri T-Shirt UPF 50+


Little Donkey Andy Men’s Stretch Convertible Pants, Zip-Off Quick-Dry Hiking Pants, UV Protection, Lightweight


Butrends Women’s Hiking Capris Pants Outdoor Zipper Pockets Workout Travel Cargo Pant
Read more: best clothing for desert

Footwear

Oboz Sawtooth II Low B-Dry

Oboz Sawtooth II Low B-Dry
Hoka One One Clifton 7

HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 7
Xero Shoes Terraflex
Xero Barefoot Shoes Terraflex
Read more: Best Shoes for Desert Running
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75% Merino wool socks
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66% Merino wool socks

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40% Merino wool socks
Read more: Best socks for desert running

Headwear


Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat

Columbia Unisex Adult Bora Bora Booney

Panama Jack Mesh Crown Safari Sun Hat
Read more: Best hat for desert
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100% cotton shemagh
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100% cotton keffiyeh
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Cotton/Polyester blend shemagh

Sun Protection


SPF 100 Banana Boat Sport Ultra

SPF 100 Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch

SPF 100 La Roche-Posay Anthelios

SPF 110 Neutrogena Age Shield
Read more: Best sunscreen for desert
BEST BUDGET GLASSES

SUNGAIT Ultra Lightweight Rectangular Polarized Sunglasses UV400 Protection

SUNGAIT Polarized Sunglasses
TOP DESIGNER
GLASSES

Handmade Wood Sunglasses with UV400 Polarized Lenses & Spring Temples

Hammockable Handmade Wood Sunglasses
TOP QUALITY GLASSES

BNUS Sunglasses for Men & Women, Polarized glass lens, Color Mirrored Scratch Proof

BNUS Sunglasses
BEST KIDS GLASSES

ACBLUCE Kids Polarized Sports Sunglasses TPEE Flexible Frame with Adjustable Strap for Boys Girls Age 5-13

ACBLUCE Kids Polarized Sunglasses
Read more: Best sunglasses for desert

Sandsports


Sandboarding
Sand Sledding
Volcano boarding

Sand Skiing
Sand Kiting

Desert Racing
Dune Bashing
Desert Hiking & Camping
Desert Travel
Desert Camping
Desert Running

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