Ultra Mirage El Djerid 2026

Desert Ultra-Trail on the Largest Salt Pan of the Sahara

The Ultra Mirage El Djerid (UMED) is the first and most prestigious ultra-trail event in Tunisia, set in the spectacular Saharan landscape surrounding the city of Tozeur in southwestern Tunisia. Now in its 10th edition, the UMED takes runners across the legendary Chott El Djerid, the largest salt pan in the Sahara and one of the most otherworldly landscapes on the African continent.

The race offers a unique desert running experience through an extraordinary diversity of terrain — from the blinding white expanse of the salt flat to soft sand dunes, rocky desert, dried riverbeds and the lush date palm oases that have sustained life in this region for thousands of years. The surreal landscape, combined with the challenge of desert running, has established the UMED as one of the most compelling ultra-trail events in North Africa.

Courses and Formats

100 km — The Ultra

The flagship 100-kilometre distance takes runners on a complete traverse of the Chott El Djerid region, crossing the salt pan, navigating through dune fields and passing through traditional oasis villages. This single-stage ultra is a serious desert endurance challenge, with water and medical support at regular checkpoints.

50 km — The Trail

The 50-kilometre distance offers a substantial but more manageable desert running experience, covering the most dramatic sections of the UMED landscape including the iconic salt pan crossing.

25 km — The Discovery

The 25-kilometre distance provides an accessible introduction to Saharan trail running, ideal for runners new to desert conditions or seeking a shorter but still challenging desert experience.

Terrain and Conditions

The terrain around Tozeur and the Chott El Djerid is extraordinarily varied: the hard, crystalline surface of the salt pan, soft sand dunes, rocky desert pavement, dried riverbeds (oueds) and the sandy paths through date palm oases. The salt pan itself is one of the most surreal running surfaces imaginable — a vast, flat expanse of salt crystals that shimmers with mirage effects in the desert heat.

October temperatures in the Tunisian Sahara are warm but more manageable than summer — typically 25-35°C during the day with cool nights around 15°C. The desert sun is intense and shade is virtually non-existent across the open terrain.

Practical Information

• Registration: 495€ for the 100 km
• Getting there: fly into Tozeur-Nefta International Airport (TOE) or Tunis-Carthage (TUN) then 5-hour drive
• Visa: many European nationalities do not need a visa for Tunisia — check current requirements
• Accessibility: open to all levels — from professional ultra runners to enthusiastic beginners on the 25 km