Registrations for the Winter 2026 are now open, and we would like to share the first details of an edition in which sand and dunes will once again take centre stage.

The 26th edition of the Maroc Challenge, which will take place from 4 to 11 December, will start in Erfoud, where administrative and technical scrutineering will also be held. After six difficult, demanding and intense stages, the finish will be located next to Lake Yasmina, at the foot of Erg Chebbi.

The route presents a major novelty with the return to Boumalne Dades, alongside its famous gorges, a location the event has not visited since Spring 2017. This will involve some variations to the route, especially in the first and second stages. The objective remains to ensure that the desert predominates, with a strong presence of sand and dunes. This will be one of the toughest and most intense editions ever held, while at the same time guaranteeing a high level of adventure and excitement.

Dades will host the finish of the first stage. Zagora will be the finish of the second and third stages, the latter being a loop stage starting and finishing in the capital of the Draa Valley. The fourth stage will finish at the Sidi Ali camp. The traditional bivouac will once again be located next to Lake Maider and the town of Tafraoute, situated midway between Zagora and Erfoud. The fifth stage will finish in Erfoud.

Finally, we remain committed to designing routes adapted to the different categories. Sand sections will be extended for SSVs and Raid category participants, as these vehicles perform particularly well in the dunes. In addition to Erg Chebbi, Ouzina and Erg Chegaga, new sand and dune areas have been incorporated.