The Triple Sahel Challenge: Mali → Burkina Faso → Niger
30 October – 7 November 2026
This is a fully escorted, group-based expedition through three of West Africa’s most captivating nations. You will run a full marathon in Bamako, Mali; a full marathon in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; and a full marathon in Niamey, Niger all within a single week. Between races, you’ll explore ancient empires, bustling markets, and the stark, unforgettable beauty of the Sahel. The group stays together. The group travels together. The group crosses the finish line together, three times.
THE THREE MARATHONS
- 1 November – The Joliba Marathon | Bamako, Mali
Your first marathon unfolds on an enclosed street running parallel to the legendary Niger River. This is an out-and-back course, flat and fast, with the river glinting close by and the Bamako skyline rising beyond. - 3 November – The Bangr-Weoogo Marathon | Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Deep inside Ouagadougou’s beloved urban park, you’ll run an out-and-back course shaded by neem and eucalyptus. This protected natural reserve is a sanctuary within the city. - 6 November – The Boubou Hama Marathon | Niamey, Niger
Set entirely within the grounds of Niger’s National Museum, named after the philosopher and writer Boubou Hama. This is a loop course that winds past traditional pavilions, craft workshops, and open-air exhibits celebrating the cultures of Niger.
A NOTE ON THE COURSES
All three races are run on enclosed, traffic-free courses. The races are not about speed, they are about presence. You’ll have the time, the space and the safety to absorb every kilometre. The Triple Sahel Challenge is designed so you can focus fully on the experience, knowing the logistics and security have been carefully handled.
WHY A GROUP TOUR?
Because the region demands a group tour and because shared adventure is better. This challenge is designed as a single, unified tour group:
· The entire group stays in the same accommodations.
· The group moves together between countries via private ground transport and scheduled flights.
· You’ll never navigate a border crossing, an airport transfer or a race morning alone. Safety, camaraderie and simplicity are built into every day.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR RACE REGISTRATION FEE
- Entry to all three marathons
- Official finisher medals for each country
- Race timing and on-course support
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR $3700 ADVENTURE PACKAGE FEE
- All ground transportation as per the itinerary (airport transfers, city tours, race-day transport)
- Domestic flights: Bamako → Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou → Niamey
- Services of local guides
- 8 Nights accommodation and Breakfasts in Bamako, Ouagadougou and Niamey
A complete logistical guide, visa support, and packing advice will be provided to every registered participant.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED IN YOUR $3700 ADVENTURE PACKAGE FEE
International flights to Bamako and from Niamey, visas, lunch and dinner are additional.
WHO THIS IS FOR
This challenge is for the runner who wants more than a medal. This is for country collectors chasing every nation on earth. This is for adventurers who understand that the best stories come from the road less travelled. And this is for anyone who believes that running can be a bridge to understanding a place and its people. You don’t need to be fast. You need to be ready.
REGISTRATION
Registration opens on the 5th of July 2026. Spaces are strictly limited to maintain the group experience and ensure seamless logistics across all three countries. Once the group is full, registration closes. This is not an event with unlimited slots.
Non Refundable Race Registration Fee
Secure your place early. This is the kind of challenge that fills through word of mouth before it ever hits a search engine.
A FINAL WORD
Marathons in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are not offered every year. The opportunity to run all three, together, in one seamless week, may never come again. If you feel the pull of the Sahel, answer it. Join the Triple Sahel Challenge, Run the story no one else has.