The Ultra Mirage El Djérid (UMED) recently celebrated its 10th edition in Tozeur, Tunisia, from October 2-4, 2026. This year's event saw a record number of participants, with 501 registered runners, including 474 who completed the various courses. The event featured four distances: 100 miles (162 km), 100 km, 50 km, and 25 km. Assurances BIAT, a partner since the event's inception, supported this anniversary edition, which emphasized perseverance, self-improvement, and solidarity.
The 10th edition introduced a new 100-mile course, which attracted 31 runners. The challenging course had a 32-hour time limit, and 17 runners successfully completed it. Fares Débaya from Tunisia won the men's category in 18 hours, 11 minutes, and 23 seconds, while Maryem Khaldi from Tunisia won the women's category in 23 hours, 0 minutes, and 51 seconds. The event showcased the region's appeal, with participants from 20 different nationalities.
Tunisian runners dominated the podiums, winning several categories. Walid Romdhani from Tunisia won the 100 km men's category in 9 hours, 59 minutes, and 26 seconds, while Nesrine Ghdira from Tunisia won the women's category in 10 hours, 42 minutes, and 23 seconds. Oussema Guesmi from Tunisia won the 50 km men's category in 4 hours, 10 minutes, and 59 seconds, and Ichrak Hamraoui from Tunisia won the women's category in 5 hours, 4 minutes, and 50 seconds.
The event also featured a village with local artisans, merchants, and exhibitors, showcasing the region's products and culture. Assurances BIAT used this opportunity to strengthen its commitment to the local youth. The company has been working with the Maison des Jeunes de Tozeur, creating and renovating spaces for theater and music. These new spaces will benefit from professional trainers, enabling young people to develop their skills and showcase their talents.
Assurances BIAT's engagement with the Maison des Jeunes de Tozeur includes the renovation of a multipurpose room and the creation of a multimedia room. Over 100 young people have participated in thematic sessions, including robotics and artificial intelligence. Eleven young people were recently recognized for their achievements in national competitions, demonstrating the impact of Assurances BIAT's initiatives.
Mehdi Masmoudi, CEO of Assurances BIAT, reflected on the decade-long partnership with Ultra Mirage El Djérid, highlighting the event's growth and the company's commitment to supporting sports and youth development in the region. Amir Ben Gacem, Founder and Race Director of Ultra Mirage El Djérid, emphasized the importance of this 10th edition, which marked a significant milestone in the event's history.
The partnership between Assurances BIAT and Ultra Mirage El Djérid demonstrates a long-term commitment to promoting sports, youth development, and regional growth. By supporting this event and investing in local youth, Assurances BIAT is contributing to the region's development and fostering a culture of perseverance, self-improvement, and solidarity.
Key points
- Assurances BIAT and Ultra Mirage El Djérid celebrate 10 years of partnership, promoting sports and youth development in Tunisia.
- The 10th edition of Ultra Mirage El Djérid features a record number of participants and introduces a new 100-mile course.
- Assurances BIAT strengthens its commitment to local youth through initiatives with the Maison des Jeunes de Tozeur.
