Treg Algeria Trail 2026
Treg Algeria Trail 2026: 3 desert trail distances (50km, 106km, 182km) through the Sahara near Timimoun, Algeria. Relay option available.
Formats
Practical information
Description
Desert Ultra-Trail in the Sahara
The Treg Algeria Trail is an ambitious multi-distance trail running event set in one of the most spectacular desert landscapes on Earth — the mystical oasis town of Timimoun in southern Algeria, on the edge of the Grand Erg Occidental. This second edition offers runners a rare opportunity to experience the vast, otherworldly beauty of the Sahara through competitive trail running.
Timimoun, known as the "Red Oasis" for its distinctive ochre-coloured buildings, sits on the edge of a dried-up lake (sebkha) surrounded by towering sand dunes and rocky desert plateaux. The trail courses take runners through this extraordinary landscape, combining technical desert terrain with the sheer endurance demands of running in one of the hottest environments on the planet.
Courses and Formats
182 km — The Grand Treg
The ultimate distance for the most daring runners, the 182-kilometre Grand Treg is a true desert ultra that traverses the vast landscapes around Timimoun. This distance can also be completed as a relay with 4 or 6 runners, making it accessible to teams who want to share the challenge of crossing the Saharan terrain.
106 km — The Treg Ultra
The 106-kilometre ultra offers a substantial desert running challenge through the heart of the Grand Erg Occidental's edge, taking in the most dramatic sections of the Saharan landscape around Timimoun.
50 km — The Treg Trail
The 50-kilometre distance provides an intense but more manageable introduction to Saharan trail running, showcasing the best of the Timimoun region's desert beauty and challenge.
Terrain and Conditions
Desert running in the Sahara presents unique challenges. The terrain around Timimoun includes hard-packed sand, rocky desert pavement (reg), soft dune sections, dried lake beds (sebkha) and oasis paths. Navigation can be challenging in the featureless desert landscape, and the extreme heat — even in late November — demands meticulous hydration and nutrition strategies.
The desert environment is both beautiful and unforgiving. Runners must be prepared for intense sun exposure, significant temperature swings between day and night, and potential sandstorms. The landscape, however, is spectacular — from the golden dunes of the Grand Erg Occidental to the oasis palm groves and ancient ksour (fortified villages) that dot the region.
Practical Information
- Relay option: the 182 km can be run as a relay with 4 or 6 runners
- Climate: late November temperatures in Timimoun average 20-28°C during the day, dropping to 8-12°C at night
- Getting there: Timimoun has a domestic airport with flights from Algiers — alternatively, it is accessible by road from Ghardaia or Adrar
- Visa: Algeria requires a visa for most nationalities — apply well in advance through the nearest Algerian consulate
What is the terrain like at the Treg Algeria Trail?
The terrain around Timimoun includes a mix of hard-packed desert, rocky plateaux, soft sand sections near the Grand Erg Occidental dunes, dried salt lakes and oasis paths. Specific trail shoes with good grip on loose terrain are recommended. The course is mostly flat to gently undulating, with the challenge coming from the surface conditions rather than elevation.
Can I run the 182 km as a team?
Yes. The 182-kilometre Grand Treg can be completed as a relay with teams of 4 or 6 runners, making this extraordinary desert distance accessible to groups of friends or club teams who want to share the Saharan experience.
When does the Treg Algeria Trail take place?
The event takes place in late November to early December, when temperatures in the Sahara are more moderate than in summer. Daytime highs average 20-28°C with cool nights around 8-12°C — conditions that are demanding but manageable for well-prepared trail runners.
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