Athlete runs across Sahara for climate awareness

Raising awareness about climate change and water conservation, German adventurer Tanja Braun completed an 850-kilometer run across the Saharan Desert. Her journey, which included running through extreme desert conditions, took her from Erg Chigaga to Erg Chibbi in Morocco.

German adventurer Tanja Braun has successfully completed an 850-kilometer journey through the Saharan Desert, aiming to raise awareness about global climate change and water conservation.

After finishing the 150-kilometer Trans Saharan Marathon in February, Braun embarked on a 700-kilometer solo run across the Moroccan Sahara.

Starting on February 25, she made her way from Erg Chigaga, south of Zagora, to Erg Chibbi, near Merzouga, following a route designed to spotlight climate change and the urgent need for responsible water use.

Over the course of two weeks, Braun ran up to 10 hours a day, enduring extreme heat, severe temperature fluctuations, and three sandstorms. “It was tough. And I experienced a harsh and rugged range of the desert. There were sandstorms, the heat, cold, and dryness. But I also experienced the beauty and the uniqueness of this ecosystem,” she expressed.

She reported consuming between 5,000 to 6,000 calories daily while drinking 6 to 8 liters of water each day to stay hydrated.

Braun, a native of Heidelberg, reached her destination on March 11, marking the completion of her intense and physically demanding journey.

Despite the hardships, she is already planning her next adventure—a desert expedition in Jordan.