SAHARAN TOUGH
TRAILS CHALLENGE
SAHARAN TOUGH
TRAILS CHALLENGE
- 2 trails, 2 days
- Full or half marathon
- Run it, jog it, walk it
- Spectator passes
- Flight packages
- Food & drink inc
- Camp & hotels inc
- Transfers
- Finisher medal
REGISTRATION OPENS
The Experience
The UNESCO World Heritage Draa Valley provides a dramatic backdrop for our double marathon distance challenge, across baked rocky trails, through red clay Berber villages, and palmeries, down to the sandy dunes of the mighty Sahara. After a tough day under the Moroccan sun, relax in our private Bedouin style campsite with hot showers, dining tents, a bar with cold drinks, entertainment, and luscious local food.
Enjoy first‑class support from our UK crew, medics, and local team – plus great hospitality and real camaraderie. It’s an exciting way to push yourself. Make it a bucket‑list goal, or a fundraiser. Join solo, with a friend or a group, and tackle the Tough Trails at your own pace.
Full or Half Marathon
It’s your choice.
Half Challenge: The Saharan Tough Trails Half Challenge is 2 half marathons over 2 days.
Full Challenge: Or step up for the Saharan Tough Trails Full Challenge, tackle back to back 42km marathons over 2 days.
Walk it. Jog it. Run it.
Find your pace. Our support is geared up to handle leisurely walkers, seasoned trail runners, and all in between! The route is fully signed, our fully stocked rest stops will keep you going, and we have pace walkers & runners out on the course to team up with.
Full Support
Focus on the trails, not on boiling up noodles for dinner. We include all transfers, accommodation, and delicious meals. Expect a fully signed route, well-stocked aid stations, and expert trail guides & UK medics.
Flight packages
For early birds, we have a limited number of “flight included” packages, giving you an all-inclusive challenge with everything taken care of. Otherwise, we provide guidance on booking your own flight and meeting our team before the challenge.
Comfortable Desert Camp
Remember the trails, not pitching a tent in the dark. The Saharan Tough Trails Challenge is based out of our unique, private, Bedouin desert camp. Expect toilets, showers, medical tent, and communal areas. We mark the completion of the challenge, and our final night in camp, with a celebration dinner & party.
Join solo or as a team
Most people sign up solo, but we welcome small groups and teams of friends, family or colleagues. You’ll be joining a group of likeminded adventurers ready to take on the trails!
Spectator Packages
Spectator packages mean family & friends can join you in the desert. Packages include all transfers & meals, plus in-camp activities while you’re out on the trails. It helps create an inclusive atmosphere where supporters share the experience and help create a memorable finish line atmosphere.
What's Included
- Transfers (at arranged times)
- 3 nights camping in single tents
- 2 nights in Marrakech hotel
- 2 days of Tough Trails (Full or Half)
- Most meals, snacks & drinks
- Celebratory dinner at Camp
- Drink & medal at the finish
- Regular rest stops
- Guided & mapped route
- UK medics to look after you
- Challenge App
- Kit List & Training Plans
- Unlimited Free UK Training Walks
- Saharan Tough Trails medal & shirt
THE ITINERARY
SWIPE TO EXPLORE
5th Oct – Arrive Marrakech
- Hotel
- D
Those on the flights included package will transfer to the team hotel, or you can meet us there if already in Morocco, with a welcome lunch. After free time, we’ll have dinner and a briefing before getting a good night’s sleep.
6th Oct – Desert Camp
- Camp
- B L D
The group will take an early bus transfer to our Bedouin‑style basecamp near Tizguine, a 7‑hour journey with regular breaks in private minibuses. On arrival, you’ll get a single tent, a welcome meal, and a final briefing on the challenge ahead.
7th Oct – Tough Trail 1
- Camp
- B L D
- 42km / 21km
8th Oct – Tough Trail 2
- Camp
- B L D
- 42km / 21km
Starting early, we trek through villages and palm plantations. Leaving the river, we cross desert terrain to Beni Zoli fortress for lunch. Half challengers transfer & start from here. The route follows irrigation canals through fields before the final 10km climbs into the Nakhla dunes. Finish, celebrate with fizz and medals, then return to camp for a final night and celebration dinner together with team under the stars.
9th Oct – Marrakech
- Hotel
- B L D
After breakfast we set off for the 7 hour drive to Marrakech, stopping for lunch en-route. We check in to our hotel and have time to freshen up before we enjoy a three course meal of local Moroccan dishes. This is a chance for the whole group to get together and reflect on the tremendous achievements of the past few days.
10th Oct – Return Home
- B
After a welcome sleep and breakfast, we will run shuttle transfers to the airport for flights home.
10th – 11th Oct – Optional Extension
- Hotel
- B L D
OR you can extend your stay for an extra night in Marrakech. This package includes a Hammam visit (steam room / spa / massage), a Souk Tour and an evening dinner. The perfect way to unwind and celebrate your achievements! On the morning of the 12th, there’s breakfast at the hotel & a transfer to the airport included.
READY TO TAKE ON THE TRAILS?
REGISTRATION OPENS
Challenge Brochure
The Challenge brochure details the full itinerary, inclusions, and more – download for a full run down of the challenge details.
FAQs
For any queries or question you have in relation to the Saharan Tough Trails Challenge please have a read through of our information below. Please get in touch if you have any specific questions – or if you’d like to discuss details of the challenge with one of our team
The Package
We have a number of “Early Bird” packages that include return flights to Marrakech for the challenge dates 5th – 10th October 2027.
If you would like to fly out earlier, or return later, you can book a “land only” place, and arrange your own flights to Morocco.
It will be your responsibility to meet our team at the Marrakech hotel, or take one of our scheduled shuttle transfers.
We also offer the option to book an extra night at the team hotel on the 6th Oct 2026, allowing you to arrive early.
There are many flight options from the UK to Marrakech, with a variety of airlines including the main ‘budget’ carriers. A number of airlines operate daily flights from the UK to Marrakech.
Airlines such as British Airways (from Heathrow or Gatwick), Easyjet (from Gatwick & Manchester) and Ryanair (from Edinburgh & Stansted) have the best arrival times.
Participants will be expected to arrange their own transportation to the first night’s accommodation. Upon completion of the challenge, participants will also be expected to arrange transportation from the hotel in Marrakech to the airport for their return flight home. Airport shuttles are not included or provided by Action Challenge.
You will have your own tent for the 3 nights of camping, if you are signing up as a couple or two friends you can choose to share your tent together – and use the spare for your luggage.
The 2 nights in a hotel is booked on a twin share basis – if you are signing up as a couple or two people you can elect to share together when you register. If you are signing up as an individual you will be placed with someone your own sex, and similar in age. In advance you will be given the opportunity to meet via our Facebook group.
NOTE – You can choose to upgrade to a single hotel room for both nights.
If you are booking a land only package, you can book the following extension packages:
- Extra night 4th Oct
Arrive a day early, with some free time to explore Marrakech. Includes dinner at the hotel on the evening of the 4th Oct, and breakfast on the morning of the 5th Oct.
Twin sharing £85 / Single room £110 - Extra night 10th Oct + Hammam + Souk Tour
Book an extra night in Marrakech on 10th Oct for after the challenge. Enjoy a day touring Marrakech. Includes a morning trip to Hammam (steam room / spa / massage), afternoon tour of the souk, and a special Moroccan evening dinner – plus an extra night’s stay in a hotel on B&B basis.
Twin sharing £175 / Single room £200 - Extra nights 4th Oct & 10th Oct + Hammam + Souk Tour
Everything from both packages above
Twin sharing £250 / Single room £300
No – you will need to source your own travel insurance policy which will cover you for the challenge. Travel insurance is compulsory and we will require the details of your policy in advance of departure.
British Citizens do NOT need a visa for Morocco, but you do need a valid passport (valid for 3 months beyond your stay). If you are NOT a British Citizen please check the visa / passport requirements by visiting the website of your embassy in Morocco.
Our Supporter Pass is designed for friends, partners, or family who want to be part of the adventure without taking on the full challenge.
Supporters stay alongside the group and enjoy the same high‑quality camp or hotel accommodation, catering, and hospitality. There are also hosted activities and opportunities to experience the destination while challengers are out on the trails.
On event days, we will organise in-camp activities such as crafts, music and cookery – allowing your supporters to to soak up some Moroccan culture!
On Day 1, your supporters can cheer you back in to camp and over the finish line.
On Day 2, we will transport spectators to the finish line at the dunes, where they can create a great atmosphere and cheer you over the line for the completion of the challenge.
Fitness & Training
This is a tough challenge, but one that’s absolutely achievable with the right preparation and support.
On the Saharan Tough Trails Challenge, you’ll take on a big endurance effort across two days, with a choice of distances to suit your level. Whether you go for the Full Challenge or the Half Challenge, expect heat underfoot, varied terrain, and the satisfaction that comes from pushing yourself in a unique desert setting.
But you won’t be doing it alone.
With full support throughout, well‑paced stages, and experienced crews on hand, you can take it on your way. Walk it. Jog it. Run it.
Preparation is key. The more comfortable you are being on your feet for sustained periods, the more you’ll enjoy the experience.
You’ll receive a structured training plan, and unlimited free UK training walks. These help you build fitness, understand the format, and arrive ready to take on the trails with confidence.
The Saharan Tough Trails Challenge is a rewarding endurance event, and training is an important part of getting the most from it.
Preparation will help you enjoy the experience while ensuring your body is ready for the demands of the trails. Whether you’re taking on the Full Challenge or the Half Challenge, building your endurance and resilience will make a big difference over the two days.
Training will help you manage the distance, stay comfortable on your feet, and recover well between stages.
You’ll have access to an event‑specific training guide via the Challenge App, giving you clear, practical support to prepare and arrive confident, whatever your pace.
October is a great time to be in Morocco, with slightly cooler conditions than the peak summer months. That said, you can still expect daytime temperatures of around 30–35°C on the trails, with clear skies and strong sun.
It’s important to factor this into your preparation. Training on warmer days, where possible, will help you get used to the conditions and understand how your body responds over longer distances.
It’s also a good opportunity to test the kit you plan to use on the challenge, including footwear, clothing, and hydration strategy, so you arrive comfortable and confident for the Saharan Tough Trails Challenge.
On Tough Trails, everyone is welcome at their own pace, but it’s helpful to know how you plan to take on your distance.
Whether you’re doing the Full Challenge or the Half Challenge, if you’re aiming to complete each stage at a quicker pace, you’ll be set off after the walkers and will gradually move through the field as the day progresses.
If you’re planning a steadier pace, you’ll start earlier and take the trails at your own rhythm.
Whichever you choose, it’s all part of the same shared experience. Walk it. Jog it. Run it. Supported all the way.
Yes. There are daily cut‑off times in place, designed to keep the event running smoothly and safely for everyone.
Whether you’re taking on the Full Challenge or the Half Challenge, pacing checkpoints begin from the lunch stop onwards on both days. These help guide progress and ensure all participants stay within the supported event timeframe.
As a general guide, you should be comfortable maintaining a steady walking pace across the day, including breaks.
Our crew are there to support you throughout. If needed, support vehicles and transfers are available along the route.
With the right preparation and support on hand, the focus is on helping you complete the challenge and enjoy the experience from start to finish.
Support
You’ll be looked after by a dedicated UK event team, experienced local Moroccan crew, and professional UK medics throughout the challenge. Together, they manage everything from route guidance and camp operations to your safety and wellbeing on the trails.
Out on the route, there are regular checkpoints with water, nutrition, and support, as well as roving crews and vehicles if needed. Back at camp, everything is set up for you, including accommodation, meals, and facilities.
All meals and on‑event nutrition are included as part of your Saharan Tough Trails Challenge.
Out on the trails, you’ll have regular, fully supported checkpoints with water, fruit, snacks, and energy options to keep you fuelled throughout the day.
Away from the trail, food is a key part of the overall experience. Expect varied, quality catering with a mix of familiar favourites and local dishes, designed to keep you well fuelled and ready for each stage.
It’s all taken care of, so you can focus on the trails and enjoy the experience.
The challenge will be supported by UK doctors in case of any emergencies, safety support vehicles should you need to be moved forward or collected along the route. We also have a team of UK podiatrists to help with all tired and weary feet!
The route is clearly marked throughout, with visible trail markers in place where needed, so you can stay on track with confidence.
You’ll also be supported by experienced guides positioned along the route, and you’re encouraged to move with others taking on the same distance and pace, whether you’re on the Full Challenge or Half Challenge.
Our camp is fully set up to keep you comfortable, rested, and ready for the next stage.
Facilities include:
- Comfortable dining tents and seating areas
- Dedicated medical support, including podiatry care
- Constant access to drinking water
- Hot drinks and refreshments
- Warm showers, hand‑washing stations, and toilets
- Phone charging facilities
- An experienced Event Management Team on hand throughout
It’s all part of the Tough Trails experience, giving you the support and comfort you need between each day on the trails.
Yes. Each stage is broken down into manageable sections, with regular, fully supported rest stops along the route.
You can expect checkpoints roughly every few hours, including a longer lunch stop part way through the day. Exact distances may vary depending on whether you’re taking on the Full Challenge or Half Challenge route.
At each stop, you’ll have access to water, snacks, and support from the crew, giving you the chance to refuel, regroup, and get ready for the next section.
It’s all part of the fully supported format, helping you stay on track and enjoy the experience at your own pace.
All rest stops, and the lunch stops are manned by our Event Management Team, and local Moroccan guides and our Medical teams. There will be shaded seating areas with toilets, hand washing stations – we will also be serving refreshments, water refill and snacks/ or lunch.
We expect the Saharan Tough Trails Challenge to have a smaller, close‑knit group of around 40–60 participants.
We’ll set off walkers, joggers, and quicker‑paced participants in separate waves, so you’ll be alongside others taking on the same distance at a similar pace, whether you’re on the Full Challenge or Half Challenge.
One of the standout parts of Tough Trails is the shared experience – taking on a big challenge together, supporting each other along the way, and forming friendships that often last long after the event.
Payments & Fundraising
If you’ve chosen the Self Funding option you will be invoiced the final balance 12 weeks before your trip, the full balance to be paid to us 10 weeks before the trip.
You can choose from either Full Sponsorship or Half & Half.
Full sponsorship means you will pay the trip deposit, and then fundraise at least double the remaining trip cost for your chosen charity, who will pay us the trip balance if you meet the minimum fundraising target by 12 weeks before the challenge.
Half & Half means you will pay half of the trip cost yourself (you pay the deposit when registering, then the balance 12 weeks before the challenge). You then fundraise at least double the remaining trip cost for your chosen charity, who will pay us the trip balance if you meet the minimum fundraising target by 12 weeks before the challenge.
Of course! Up until 12 weeks before the challenge, you can change between Self funded or Charity Fundraising. We want you to feel comfortable supporting your charity, so we offer flexible fundraising packages to suit your needs.
If you’ve chosen either the Charity Sponsorship target, or the Mixed Fundraising option you will have to raise a minimum of 80% 12 weeks prior to the challenge, with the remaining 20% target due to be with your charity no later than 4 weeks after.
If you are unable to reach these targets, or you are concerned about reaching them we suggest speaking to your charity, who will; require you to meet the minimum target in order to cover their costs.
You can ‘elect’ any charity to fundraise for when you register onto the challenge – we will contact your chosen charity and ask if they are happy to accept you as a fundraiser. If so – they will be in touch with you shortly, if not (as some can’t budget for these events) then we will get back in touch with you and let you know so you can choose another charity.
Corporate Team Packages
Are you looking for a new Challenge and a fantastic way to reward & bond a group? Perhaps you have a charity of the year you’d also love to support?
If so, a Tough Trails Challenge could be perfect for your team – to re-energise, get fit, and to enjoy an unforgettable adventure together! With flexible distance options to suit all abilities, spectator packages and excellent hospitality, it’s a great way to escape the office and reward your team.