A new challenge for extreme runners: the Treg in Chad. Prepare your trail running gear and head to the desert! To participate in this endurance event in the Ennedi region, the latest addition to the family of ultratrails in Africa, the Sahara will test you with its conditions: heat, sun, sand, wind, but also natural arches, gueltas, century-old rock formations and a people of nomads. Will you be among the "Finisher"?

History

The Treg is an original concept created by marathoner and trail runner Jean-Philippe ALLAIRE, who wanted to combine his passion for running with Africa. Trail Africa Organization and the periodic airline "Point Afrique" collaborated to bring the first edition to life in February 2014, in the Ennedi region of Chad.

The Treg in a nutshell

A primer on Ennedi

Ennedi is a rarely visited region in northeastern Chad, approximately 950 km from the country's capital N'Djamena. This landscape, straddling the Sahara's desert and canyons, offers a rare variety of scenery, ranging from endless sand dunes to ochre sandstone cliffs, rocky terrain, and labyrinths of eroded rock formations. Natural water basins like Bachikélé and Archei dot the plateau, serving as historical crossroads for desert peoples. These pools, nestled within canyons, partially supply drinking water to the small villages surrounding Ennedi and to camel caravans during their crossing of the Sahara. The Toubou are the region's principal inhabitants—a semi-nomadic people generally established in the mountains of northern Chad, who also frequent the desert while working as pastoralists.

Ennedi has been part of UNESCO's World Heritage since February 2016.

The different races

The Treg is a non-stop endurance foot race through the heart of Ennedi's desert landscape, both magnificent and extreme—temperatures can climb to 40°C in the shade. Over a long distance, you traverse terrain that alternates between sandy and rocky ground.

The main event presents a 180 km challenge with approximately 2,400 m of elevation gain. You have 72 hours to complete the loop. Alongside the Treg, two other races offer more accessible distances to suit all running abilities. The Half Treg spans roughly 90 km, with 1,200 m of elevation gain, to be finished in 35 hours. The Treg Marathon takes place over a 45 km course with 600 m of elevation gain, to be completed within 18 hours.

All events run in a single stage and include time cutoffs. The Treg operates on the principle of self-sufficiency for food. Every 20 to 30 km, checkpoints are available for runners to refuel with water and provisions. These rest areas also include medical care facilities. Organizers provide runners with a GPS device and a roadbook to help navigate the vastness of Chad's desert.

Why participate in the Treg?

The Treg is far more than simply a sporting activity—it is a genuine adventure defined by discovery and a change of scenery. You move through a landscape unique in the world, one that will push your body to its limits while awakening your senses. You'll experience pristine vistas and memorable encounters, as the Treg in Chad unfolds through contact with local people and respect for nature—participants are asked to leave no waste along the course and to honor the traditions of local communities.

While fundamentally a personal adventure, the Treg fosters human connection through interaction with runners from diverse backgrounds. You'll discover the natural solidarity trail runners show when facing difficult challenges, friendships that form along the way, transcending competition. The race unfolds with joy and good spirits.

For organizers, the Treg represents a way to contribute to local development. Its planning and execution create employment for Ennedi's residents. Locals are engaged to set up bivouacs and camps, serve as guides or drivers, provide catering, and deliver numerous other services. Safety and well-being are ensured throughout the course thanks to the team's expertise and appropriate technology.

It's possible to track runners' progress during the Treg in Chad through a geolocation system. This means your loved ones or colleagues—if you're running for a company—can monitor your progress and ranking at each checkpoint in the desert.

The Treg in Chad typically takes place during the first quarter of the year. Anyone 18 years or older can enter the various races. Exceptions are possible for minors, provided parents commit to accompanying them throughout the event. Prior experience in long-distance trail running—over 80 km—is strongly recommended for the main race. Similarly, competitors in the Half Treg and Treg Marathon are advised to have previously completed a 40 km and 21 km course respectively before undertaking the adventure. Given the severe climatic conditions in Chad's desert (heat, wind, nightfall, etc.), competitors must follow appropriate training and demonstrate genuine capacity for self-sufficiency to hope to finish among the "Finishers." Official physicians are stationed at checkpoints to monitor competitors' health throughout the race.