SAHARA DESERT, MOROCCO
21-28 NOVEMBER 2027
£1699PP (PLACE SECURED WITH £200 DEPOSIT)
21-28 NOVEMBER 2027
£1699PP (PLACE SECURED WITH £200 DEPOSIT)
ABOUT
Running Adventures has teamed up with the incredible crew at Adventurous Ewe to bring you an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking Sahara Desert.
Few places on Earth compare to the raw beauty and vastness of the Sahara. Stretching along Morocco’s eastern border with Algeria, this iconic landscape is the world’s largest hot desert, a place of endless horizons, shifting sands, and unforgettable adventure.
Ever been fascinated by the Legendary Marathon des Sables, but don’t quite fancy the extreme distances, self-supported racing, or the price tag? Perhaps it’s a race you dream of taking on one day and you’d love to experience a taste of what it’s really like. Or maybe you simply want the chance to run through this extraordinary landscape and sleep beneath the stars with no one else around for miles. This adventure is designed for exactly that.
Your experience begins with a spectacular journey across the High Atlas Mountains before heading deep into the desert for an extraordinary running adventure. Traverse wide-open plains, winding wadis, dramatic plateaus, hidden villages, palm-filled gorges, dry riverbeds, and surreal moon-like landscapes. Shaped by the heat and desert winds, the terrain is constantly evolving, with mesmerising patterns and formations etched across the sands.
Beyond the trails, the cultural experience is just as memorable. Our Berber crew will prepare incredible home-cooked meals bursting with flavour, from traditional tagines to freshly baked bread uncovered from desert ovens. Evenings are spent gathered beneath traditional Bedouin tents, sipping sweet mint tea beneath some of the clearest, star-filled skies imaginable.
This is more than just a running trip, it’s an opportunity to disconnect from the noise of everyday life, reconnect with nature, and experience the simplicity and beauty of a nomadic way of life
Pace Guidance
This is a challenging week in a wild environment and requires a good level of fitness. If you’re unsure whether it’s suitable for you, please get in touch.
This pace guidance is to ensure that you have the correct level of fitness to enjoy this trip, not the pace we run all day. We often move at a more relaxed pace, hike hills, and regroup regularly, but you should be capable of covering undulating UK trails at around 10–11 min/mile (6:15–6:50 min/km) to enjoy this trip comfortably.
The terrain will vary hugely and don't worry, it's not all sand!
Travelling alone?
Don't worry, many people attend our trail holidays on their own, it's a great way to meet new people and I can guarantee that you will have a bunch of new best friends within an hour of meeting everyone.
Running Adventures has teamed up with the incredible crew at Adventurous Ewe to bring you an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking Sahara Desert.
Few places on Earth compare to the raw beauty and vastness of the Sahara. Stretching along Morocco’s eastern border with Algeria, this iconic landscape is the world’s largest hot desert, a place of endless horizons, shifting sands, and unforgettable adventure.
Ever been fascinated by the Legendary Marathon des Sables, but don’t quite fancy the extreme distances, self-supported racing, or the price tag? Perhaps it’s a race you dream of taking on one day and you’d love to experience a taste of what it’s really like. Or maybe you simply want the chance to run through this extraordinary landscape and sleep beneath the stars with no one else around for miles. This adventure is designed for exactly that.
Your experience begins with a spectacular journey across the High Atlas Mountains before heading deep into the desert for an extraordinary running adventure. Traverse wide-open plains, winding wadis, dramatic plateaus, hidden villages, palm-filled gorges, dry riverbeds, and surreal moon-like landscapes. Shaped by the heat and desert winds, the terrain is constantly evolving, with mesmerising patterns and formations etched across the sands.
Beyond the trails, the cultural experience is just as memorable. Our Berber crew will prepare incredible home-cooked meals bursting with flavour, from traditional tagines to freshly baked bread uncovered from desert ovens. Evenings are spent gathered beneath traditional Bedouin tents, sipping sweet mint tea beneath some of the clearest, star-filled skies imaginable.
This is more than just a running trip, it’s an opportunity to disconnect from the noise of everyday life, reconnect with nature, and experience the simplicity and beauty of a nomadic way of life
Pace Guidance
This is a challenging week in a wild environment and requires a good level of fitness. If you’re unsure whether it’s suitable for you, please get in touch.
This pace guidance is to ensure that you have the correct level of fitness to enjoy this trip, not the pace we run all day. We often move at a more relaxed pace, hike hills, and regroup regularly, but you should be capable of covering undulating UK trails at around 10–11 min/mile (6:15–6:50 min/km) to enjoy this trip comfortably.
The terrain will vary hugely and don't worry, it's not all sand!
Travelling alone?
Don't worry, many people attend our trail holidays on their own, it's a great way to meet new people and I can guarantee that you will have a bunch of new best friends within an hour of meeting everyone.
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meet your host and guideI’m Matt Buck, a Salomon and Suunto Ambassador, experienced trail and ultra runner, mountain leader, qualified guide, and coach.
I’ve taken on some of the world’s toughest races and challenges (including the Legendary Marathon Des Sables), fueling my passion for trail running and adventure. With over 20 years of experience hosting events, I promise to provide expert guidance, inspiration, and seamless organisation throughout the week. All you need to do is run, relax, and enjoy the epic trails, I'll worry about the rest. |
PRICE
£1699 per person.
£1699 per person.
- Secure your spot with a £200 non-refundable deposit upon registration.
- The remaining balance is due 10 weeks before the event.
- Running Adventures are happy to accommodate balance payment in smaller instalments — once registered, simply get in touch to discuss a plan to suit your needs.
ITINERARY
Note: All run distance approximate and subject to change.
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer
Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara (RAK) airport, you will be met by your driver for your group transfer to Ait Ben-Haddou (approximately 5 hours).
The journey travels over the Tizi ‘n’ Tichka pass, offering incredible views of the High Atlas, and is quite possibly the most scenic drive in Morocco.
Ait Ben-Haddou lies just below the High Atlas Mountains, on the edge of the Sahara Desert. This UNESCO-protected red mudbrick ksar seems frozen in time, still resembling its days of the 11th century as an Almoravid caravanserai.
Day 2: Ait Ben-Haddou to M’hamid
After an early breakfast you'll continue your journey through the Draa Valley, Morocco's longest river valley, stretching from the High Atlas mountains to the Sahara. Known for its lush palm groves, mud-brick kasbahs (fortresses), and ancient Berber villages, it offers a stunning, green contrast to the surrounding desert.
We'll stop along the way for a gentle shake-out run of around 8km to stretch the legs mid-journey and begin to acclimatise to the heat, and you'll also have the chance to purchase a traditional headscarf from a local trader for your desert journey ahead.
Your first night’s camp will be on the outskirts of M’Hamid, a village on the edge of the Sahara Desert.
Day 3: Run Stage 1
The full colour of the landscape erupts as the sun rises across the vast desert landscape. A freshly made breakfast will prepare you well for a your first day's run. Breaking camp you’ll head off across the desert, supported by your local crew.
You'll stop for lunch at a palm oasis where you may have the chance to meet some nomadic families, before continuing your journey across more sand dunes, soaking in the desert scenery that surrounds you as far as the eye can see.
Running: approx. 18km
Day 4: Run Stage 2
Leaving camp in your trails, you’ll wind your way towards some low dunes. Skirting the edge of the dunes, you’ll run on both soft sand and a stony plateau where you can find the occasional fossilised sea creature. During the hottest part of the day you'll have lunch in the shade, with time to relax and refill the water bottles. Once the highest temperatures have passed you’ll continue across more dunes, alternating between volcanic rock, sandy sheets and arid plains.
To the south are rolling dunes as far as you can see, and to the north the Hamada, all whilst passing the occasional nomadic encampment. The nomadic people move here with their animals from the Atlas to the south in the Autumn when the snows begin.
Running: approx. 22km
Day 5: Run Stage 3
This is a day you’ll remember as you set off before breakfast under a blanket of stars to trek to the summit of the highest dune for sunrise. As a new day awakes, immerse yourself in the golden colours of a Saharan sunrise and the peacefulness of the desert setting. It’s the perfect way to start the day.
Returning to camp for another home-cooked breakfast, you’ll continue the day winding your way along dunes with views cross the desert landscape. Today sees little vegetation, though lunch will be enjoyed under the shade of the very few trees found in this vastness. The desert air, meanwhile, makes the distances hard to assess, with panoramas as far as the eye can see that shimmer in the heat.
Your desert camp set amidst the ever impressive dunes is a welcome sight to see.
Running: approx. 25km
Day 6: Run Stage 4
Today is a tough one, as you journey towards Erg Chigaga, the largest and most remote dune in Morocco.
The going is tough as your feet sink into the dunes, however the climb is spectacular as you reach the highest point of the dune. There’s time to absorb the incredible 360 desert views before the fun descent to your 4WD transfer back across the desert to M'hamid, and your final camp, where you will say farewell to your local support crew.
Running: approx. 25km
Day 7: M’hamid – Marrakech
After an early final breakfast in the desert it's time to load up for the journey back to Marrakech. The route winds its way over the High Atlas with incredible views before finally arriving at our traditional riad in Marrakech. Please note this journey is long - we'll depart around 6:00am and arrive back in Marrakech mid- to late afternoon. We'll stop on the way for comfort breaks as needed.
There’s time for a welcomed shower and a clean change of clothes before heading into Jma El Fnaa, the main square, and exploring the maze of souks before enjoying a celebratory dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 8: Departures
Depending on your plans, you can either explore Marrakech at your leisure, or be transferred directly to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Please note. Itinerary subject to last minute changes without warning.
Included
Not Included
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Note: All run distance approximate and subject to change.
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer
Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara (RAK) airport, you will be met by your driver for your group transfer to Ait Ben-Haddou (approximately 5 hours).
The journey travels over the Tizi ‘n’ Tichka pass, offering incredible views of the High Atlas, and is quite possibly the most scenic drive in Morocco.
Ait Ben-Haddou lies just below the High Atlas Mountains, on the edge of the Sahara Desert. This UNESCO-protected red mudbrick ksar seems frozen in time, still resembling its days of the 11th century as an Almoravid caravanserai.
Day 2: Ait Ben-Haddou to M’hamid
After an early breakfast you'll continue your journey through the Draa Valley, Morocco's longest river valley, stretching from the High Atlas mountains to the Sahara. Known for its lush palm groves, mud-brick kasbahs (fortresses), and ancient Berber villages, it offers a stunning, green contrast to the surrounding desert.
We'll stop along the way for a gentle shake-out run of around 8km to stretch the legs mid-journey and begin to acclimatise to the heat, and you'll also have the chance to purchase a traditional headscarf from a local trader for your desert journey ahead.
Your first night’s camp will be on the outskirts of M’Hamid, a village on the edge of the Sahara Desert.
Day 3: Run Stage 1
The full colour of the landscape erupts as the sun rises across the vast desert landscape. A freshly made breakfast will prepare you well for a your first day's run. Breaking camp you’ll head off across the desert, supported by your local crew.
You'll stop for lunch at a palm oasis where you may have the chance to meet some nomadic families, before continuing your journey across more sand dunes, soaking in the desert scenery that surrounds you as far as the eye can see.
Running: approx. 18km
Day 4: Run Stage 2
Leaving camp in your trails, you’ll wind your way towards some low dunes. Skirting the edge of the dunes, you’ll run on both soft sand and a stony plateau where you can find the occasional fossilised sea creature. During the hottest part of the day you'll have lunch in the shade, with time to relax and refill the water bottles. Once the highest temperatures have passed you’ll continue across more dunes, alternating between volcanic rock, sandy sheets and arid plains.
To the south are rolling dunes as far as you can see, and to the north the Hamada, all whilst passing the occasional nomadic encampment. The nomadic people move here with their animals from the Atlas to the south in the Autumn when the snows begin.
Running: approx. 22km
Day 5: Run Stage 3
This is a day you’ll remember as you set off before breakfast under a blanket of stars to trek to the summit of the highest dune for sunrise. As a new day awakes, immerse yourself in the golden colours of a Saharan sunrise and the peacefulness of the desert setting. It’s the perfect way to start the day.
Returning to camp for another home-cooked breakfast, you’ll continue the day winding your way along dunes with views cross the desert landscape. Today sees little vegetation, though lunch will be enjoyed under the shade of the very few trees found in this vastness. The desert air, meanwhile, makes the distances hard to assess, with panoramas as far as the eye can see that shimmer in the heat.
Your desert camp set amidst the ever impressive dunes is a welcome sight to see.
Running: approx. 25km
Day 6: Run Stage 4
Today is a tough one, as you journey towards Erg Chigaga, the largest and most remote dune in Morocco.
The going is tough as your feet sink into the dunes, however the climb is spectacular as you reach the highest point of the dune. There’s time to absorb the incredible 360 desert views before the fun descent to your 4WD transfer back across the desert to M'hamid, and your final camp, where you will say farewell to your local support crew.
Running: approx. 25km
Day 7: M’hamid – Marrakech
After an early final breakfast in the desert it's time to load up for the journey back to Marrakech. The route winds its way over the High Atlas with incredible views before finally arriving at our traditional riad in Marrakech. Please note this journey is long - we'll depart around 6:00am and arrive back in Marrakech mid- to late afternoon. We'll stop on the way for comfort breaks as needed.
There’s time for a welcomed shower and a clean change of clothes before heading into Jma El Fnaa, the main square, and exploring the maze of souks before enjoying a celebratory dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 8: Departures
Depending on your plans, you can either explore Marrakech at your leisure, or be transferred directly to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Please note. Itinerary subject to last minute changes without warning.
Included
- Pre trip support by both Running Adventures and Adventurous Ewe/
- Running guiding by Matt Buck of Running Adventures.
- Local Berber support crew including cook, support vehicle and camel caravan.
- 1 night riad or guesthouse accommodation in Ait Ben-Haddou.
- 5 nights full-service desert camping in traditional Berber tents.
- 1 night riad accommodation in Marrakech.
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8.
- All transfers per your itinerary in private vehicles (either minibus or 4WD as appropriate for the journey).
- 4WD vehicle support during all running stages 1-4 (where accessible).
- Camel support during any section of running stages where vehicle support is not possible.
- Luggage transfers (either by vehicle or camel).
- Coaching advice and guidance throughout the week.
- Complimentary training plan.
- Video and photos.
Not Included
- Travel insurance (mandatory).
- Return flights to Marrakech Menara (RAK) airport.
- Visas.
- Vaccinations.
- Personal spending money and drinks.
- Tips for local crew.
- Single supplement where available.
- Any associated costs with leaving the trip early.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
"I Just got back from the Running Adventure trail weekend. It was very well organised from pick up to drop off, and the weekend was a perfect balance of stunning trail running and social/downtime. Matt is an excellent trail leader and his relaxed and inclusive attitude fostered a feeling of camaraderie within the group, which meant that we stuck together throughout and helped each other out. I would highly recommend Running Adventures, whether you’re new to trails or a seasoned pro. I cannot wait to book my next weekend."
Jessica Woolcott
"The best trails I’ve ever run combined with brilliant company, loads of laughter and excellent running advice from Matt. Will be booking more trips with Running Adventures and hoping Matt will have availability for some coaching next year as I prepare for a big challenge."
Lou Adeline
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