After the efforts and energy of Stage 1, the atmosphere of the bivouac changes markedly. The afternoon is designed as a time to recover, recharge and fully enjoy life in the Sahara. After lunch, the participants have a few very calm hours: some read, others play cards and chat, many choose to nap, while others simply stay silent, facing the vast spaces and the scenery.
At 16:00, the camp gathers for a yoga session at the heart of the bivouac. The account highlights the effect of the practice after the day’s previous efforts: the bodies stretch, loosen up, and then the sun gradually lowers towards the horizon. The session ends when the desert shifts into the warm light of sunset, before dinner and an earlier arrival to rest, as Stage 2 approaches.
Stage 2 is shaping up to be one of the most spectacular stages, with two possible distances: 11.7km or 15km. The course showcases “Sahara running” through dramatic landscapes and varied terrain, with scenery that keeps changing. The run starts on a rather flat section, before climbing onto a ridge, then alternates rocky passages and sand, progressively opening up the view over the desert.
The standout moment is a thrilling descent from a large dune. Runners can bounce across the sand to reach Checkpoint 1, where water supplies, shade, and even ice are planned to refresh the neck and help manage the steady rise in temperatures in the desert. After that, the progression continues with a relatively flat crossing towards Checkpoint 2.
Finally, the account details the approach to Checkpoint 2 and the morning atmosphere. The course offers a choice of route: a shorter option and a longer one, before rejoining for the final push to the finish. The stage is also marked by a splendid sunrise and a golden light that illuminate the landscape throughout the morning, strengthening the identity of the day.
