Had four incredible days deep in the Sahara Desert with an amazing group! We ran a marathon across endless hamada and stunning dunes. I was the last to finish, but our organizer was always nearby, providing not only supplies but constant encouragement and support. I knew I was in safe hands :) We drank tea at our local Berber friend’s tent and danced around the bonfire under a sky full of stars. We got lost on buggy rides between towering dunes and sandboarded down golden waves. We came back feeling a little Berber, a little like real nomads, with a little sand still in our shoes, and new friends we know we’ll meet again soon :)

Gran experiencia!

Apolo had everything so well organised, the 10k we ran in the desert was spectacular and an unforgettable experience! The desert stay was superb, as was all the other accommodation. Excellent food and a lovely group of fellow runners.

it was a fantastic experience not only for the race but for all the trip that was very well organized with a lot of activities. This is not just a race this is an experience that I will never forget

For the sixth of my seven continent marathon goal, I chose to join Wild Marathon for the Dune Desert Marathon in Merzhouga (Africa). Overall, I am extremely happy and satisfied with my experience. Firstly, the organization ~ right from pickup, transport, hotel arrangements, race logistics and arrangements, activities and experiences ~ all well thought out, clearly communicated and well executed. Secondly, the experiences ~ in a matter of four days, not only did I run a well-marked and well-supported marathon in the desert, I had the opportunity to partake in a variety of life experiences, I.e., visiting with and hanging out with a nomadic Berber family in their simple abode, over a cup of Moroccan tea, riding a camel into the dunes timed for sunset viewing and riding back in darkness as the stars started to come up, then switching gears to hop on an exhilarating dune buggy ride, taking a trek off road to view the astonishing and expansive views of Moroccan and neighbouring lands from the vantage point of Gara Medouar, strolling thru a local market to negotiate on the price of delicious dates and other keepsakes, to name the highlights. Thirdly, the accommodation and food ~ exemplary! We stayed in a palace hotel, we bunked in a well furnished tent hotel; wherever we stayed, we were served delicious Moroccan dishes. I feasted on tagine, msemen breakfast flatbreads, Berber pizza, an array of healthy salads and fruits, and I drank Moroccan tea to my heart’s content. Finally, the personal touch ~ from the organizer himself. I observed Apolo checking in individually with each participant, showing keen interest in each one, and solving (and tried to solve) participants’ concerns or angsts (big or small), while injecting a healthy dose of humour with utmost calm and professionalism. Such personal touch translated in participants coming together more fluidly as a community. We forged, as a team, not just a set of runners looking to do our personal bests or accomplishing individual goals, but throwing in genuine support for each other. Race day became more meaningful. The environment also influenced the forming of meaningful connections: my roommates and I are still talking to this day. I hope that we will continue to, long after the excitement of this trip has passed over. As mentioned earlier, the Dune Desert Marathon is the sixth of my seven continent marathon goal. I can now claim it to be my most favourite continent marathon (out of six;), for the combination of the reasons I cited above.