Long associated with beach holidays, Tunisia is now revealing another facet of its tourist identity: that of an exceptional sports destination. Between the vastness of the Sahara, legendary oases, ancient sites, and sun-drenched Mediterranean cities, the country offers a unique playground for running enthusiasts.
Internationally renowned events are now attracting a new generation of runners in search of challenges, authenticity, and strong emotions. Among them, Belgian journalist and travel reporter Kris Clerckx, 49, an ultra-athlete passionate about cycling and running, participated in two of Tunisia's biggest events. His testimony perfectly illustrates why Tunisia is progressively establishing itself as one of the most attractive running destinations in the Mediterranean basin.
Ultra Mirage, the magic of the desert
When Kris registered for the Ultra Mirage in 2019, the event was only in its third edition. Among the four distances offered (25 km, 50 km, 100 km, 100 miles), he opted for one of the most demanding: 100 kilometers... to be completed in a single day. But much more than a sporting competition, a true human adventure awaited him. «The Ultra Mirage is first and foremost an atmosphere that you rarely find elsewhere. The day before the start, we had a warm-up session in the streets of Tozeur with the great desert running champion, Rachid el-Morabity. The excitement was at its peak, the crowd cheered us on, and the locals enjoyed the show from their balconies while sipping tea.» The Moroccan champion, a multiple winner of the biggest Saharan races, even took the time to share some advice with the participants. «Far from a star's attitude, Rachid didn't hesitate to give me his pro tips: «start slowly, stay hydrated, but above all, take salt tablets regularly.»« The next day, the grand start was given from the oasis of Nefta, below sea level. Very quickly, the runners plunged into the vastness of the Sahara and crossed the spectacular landscapes of Chott El Djerid. »While for me the heat was not an issue, the sandy terrain, softer in some places, made progress more difficult. Halfway through, we crossed another small oasis – offering a few minutes of shade – before resuming the race under the sun, also passing through the Star Wars filming locations. The finish in the middle of the night, under a star-studded sky, will forever be etched in my memory. In my opinion, the Ultra Mirage is a perfect event for those who haven't yet run in the desert. Here, pleasure and the human experience come first, even though it remains a true competition."
Running between the sea and the medina
Another significant experience for Kris is the COMAR Marathon of Tunis, which he will participate in in 2025. Launched in 1986 with the spirit of ‘getting everyone moving,’ the event has become, over the years, one of the major fixtures on the Tunisian sports calendar. The race has the advantage of taking place in the city, making access easy and the registration costs and fees very reasonable. Here too, several distances are offered: the marathon, the half-marathon, and the 5-kilometer ‘Run for All’ course.
«Since it takes place in December, the weather is just right, with mild temperatures that are very pleasant for European athletes.» True to his adventurous spirit, Kris even decided to adopt a local method for his refueling. «I chose to do like some Tunisians and only pack dates for energy. Just as effective in reality as the usual industrial packets.» The route takes participants through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Greater Tunis area. «After starting in the city center, we follow the coastline before reaching Sidi Bou Said and Carthage.» Beyond the course, it's also the atmosphere that impressed the Belgian runner. «The organization was flawless and the camaraderie among athletes was excellent. While the COMAR Marathon is a real national and international success, I was particularly impressed by the strong participation of Tunisian women.»
A unique running destination
For Kris Clerckx, the success of Tunisian running events is no accident. There are many reasons to recommend these races to the Belgian and European public. The country's primary strength lies in its exceptional diversity. In just a few days, an athlete can run in the Sahara dunes, discover UNESCO World Heritage sites, train by the sea, and explore cities steeped in millennia of history. «You experience a complete change of scenery just a 2.5-hour flight from home.» The climate is also a considerable advantage: «The mild winter temperatures in Tunisia are obviously a major asset for those who dread the heat.» In addition, there is professional organization, particularly affordable participation costs, and great flexibility in registrations. «Don't be afraid of the organization! On the contrary, it's remarkable and very professional. Especially since you can often register quite late, which allows you to assess your participation based on whether you've been able to train sufficiently or not before committing.» Finally, «why not combine a race with a city trip or a more comprehensive journey and discover the wonders of Tunis and Tunisia?»
Next editions:
Ultra Mirage: October 3, 2026 http://www.ultramirage.com
Marathon Comar: December 6, 2026 https://marathon.comar.tn
