192 days before the start of the Rallye Roses des Sables 2026, the pressure is rising… and the adventure is taking on a whole new dimension.
You discovered us through our January 2026 and February 2026 articles. Did you enjoy the topic? Then, a little late, here is the next chapter of our journey!
This month, we’re sharing the different types of stages awaiting us during the rally, as well as the steps currently underway in our preparation.
The Stages of the Rallye Roses des Sables 2026
Quick reminder: the Rallye Roses des Sables is a 100% women’s adventure that combines sporting challenge, precise navigation and charitable commitment in the heart of the Moroccan desert. For the 2026 edition, the event will take place from October 9 to 18, 2026.
We will meet women from different regions, united in sharing and in achieving a challenge driven by a common goal.
The first days will be dedicated to briefings, technical, administrative and medical checks, followed by the official start line. At that moment, excitement will likely mix with the stress of preparation.
The 2026 rally route has been completely redesigned by the organization to allow returning participants to discover new landscapes. It will take place over six stages.
Some stages define the identity of the rally through their physical intensity—heat, shoveling and pushing limits—as well as their emotional impact. Joy, laughter, tears… it will all depend on how far we’re pushed mentally!
The Solidarity Day
The Solidarity Day is a key moment of the rally. Participants meet local communities to deliver donations, including medical and school supplies.
It is also during this day that the Roses create a human pink ribbon in the dunes to highlight breast cancer awareness.
The warm-up stage
The warm-up stage is an orientation loop designed to test navigation skills using only a compass and roadbook.
After that, the Roses will cover 1,200 km in the southern Moroccan desert, alternating between fast plateaus, sandy riverbeds, mountainous areas and, of course, dunes.
We can’t wait to take on these stages and put this entire year of preparation into action.
The night stage
The night stage is a demanding navigation challenge. Visual references disappear, forcing absolute focus on direction.
During this stage, the Burning Roses Challenge adds a creative twist: whether it’s you or your vehicle, aim to be the most illuminated crew and try to win a prize on site.
The marathon stage
The marathon stage is the ultimate challenge. It lasts two days and one night in total autonomy in the desert.
Teams cover more than 400 km and camp under the stars without organizational support. Will scorpions and snakes be part of the experience? Will observing desert wildlife become one of our favorite activities?
Dune crossings
Dune crossings require precise driving technique. Participants must tackle dune fields like those of Merzouga without getting stuck.
A major challenge for each of us.
The final arch finish
The finish under the arch and the medal ceremony in Itch will mark the accomplishment of all these women and the culmination of a remarkable journey.
Rallye Roses des Sables 2026 preparations: where are we now?
But behind the adventure in the dunes lies another reality: preparation. And at this point, we can confirm… the rally has already begun for us.
March 2026: a turning point in our preparations
March 2026 is the moment when there’s no turning back. That’s what happens when you’re all in.
Between the second payment to the RDS organization, booking flights, reserving training and securing our vehicle, we’re realizing how quickly the deadline is approaching.
We’re in full “We have to make it!” and “We will make it!” mode.
Preparation is first and foremost about fundraising. It involves multiple aspects alongside our everyday lives and responsibilities. We’ve found ourselves taking on many roles:
- content writers;
- communications coordinators;
- press release writers;
- event organizers;
- project managers;
- radio show guests;
- bartenders for a night;
- influencers — haha!
It’s safe to say the rally has already started for us. We talked about stepping out of our comfort zone… mission accomplished!
Media visibility
In addition to our monthly publication on InfoQuad, we’ve been featured in Journal de Québec, Journal de Montréal, Le Soleil and Courrier de Portneuf.
Each time, it involves interviews, information gathering, photo sessions and discovering the final article at the same time as everyone else. It’s exciting and gives us hope for what’s next.
Visibility is key to building credibility. It also helps strengthen our sponsorship efforts, which remain a significant challenge despite all the work involved.
Radio interviews
Our radio appearances have been quite an experience. Following our press release, we were invited to participate in live shows.
The studio, microphones and cameras are impressive. Even though it’s radio, the shows are also broadcast online.
Fundraising
Fundraising involves sending sponsorship proposals. It’s a critical step that requires time and constant follow-up.
The current economic context doesn’t make things easier. Asking for funds to ultimately give back to organizations is both demanding and challenging.
Fundraising activities
We also organize fundraising events to bring together people who follow us on social media. These activities allow everyone to participate, contribute and have fun alongside us.
They are essential to our journey. They help us share updates, feel supported and raise funds while creating meaningful moments with friends, family and everyone involved in this adventure.
So far, we have organized:
- a 5 à 7 at Pizzéria Paquet in Donnacona;
- a bar service during a country dance evening organized by École danse country Océanne M-B;
- a comedy night at Brasserie La Fosse in Donnacona featuring three emerging comedians from Montreal: Olivia Leclerc, Alex Hamel & Sam Vitulano Arsenault.
We are also preparing a Moroccan-themed evening in April at Maison Marocaine in Québec City, as well as a billiards day at Bar le Sporalie. Come support your bartenders in action!
More activities are coming, but we’re keeping a few surprises for later!
Rallye Roses des Sables 2026: 8 months of preparation
Join us on the journey!
The adventure is just beginning. And with 192 days to go, every step brings us closer to the desert… and to a challenge that is already transforming us.
Stay tuned. For exclusive updates, you can already follow us on Facebook: click here to access it.
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