AN ORIGINAL CONCEPT
THE GAZELLE SPIRIT
The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc is the only women’s rally raid in the world that takes place 100% off-road
Created in 1990, this unique event brings women aged 18 to 71 from around the world together in the Moroccan desert.
Since its creation, the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc has been developing a new vision for motorsport: no speed, no GPS just old-school navigation, entirely off-road: a return to the roots of Adventure. It is the only event in the world with this unique concept.
The only requirement is determination. The women who take part in this rally—known as “Gazelles”—are of all ages, social backgrounds, nationalities and levels of off-road experience. In 4x4s, Crossovers, Quad bikes, SSVs and truck, they come to experience a unique competition :
Based on the values of tolerance, solidarity and determination
where respect for the host country is a priority through the actions of the Rallye’s non-profit, Cœur de Gazelles
That cares about the environment: the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles is the only rally in the world with ISO 14001:2004 certification
Safety is our primary concern: the organization has a technological and human armada at its disposal to track the teams’ progress and respond to calls for assistance.
While the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles marks a return to the roots of adventure, it is also on the cutting edge of technology with a satellite tracking system for optimal safety.
A NEW VISION FOR THE WORLD OF MOTORSPORT
For years we have been putting forward a new vision for motorsports, with the development of an event where the pleasure lies in driving without excessive speed, and where the goal of driving the shortest possible distance is in line with our environmental commitment.
Our concept: 100% ORIGINAL, Our Gazelles: 100% WOMEN
« It is in the loss of landmarks that the Gazelles find their true values »
Navigation rather than speed
Free to choose their own route, Gazelles face a challenge every day: to study the map and the day’s geographical coordinates, analyze the risks and difficulties of the terrain and choose the shortest path. Their goal is to reach a series of predefined checkpoints while driving the shortest distance rather than in the shortest time. They have the choice of driving around a mountain or crossing over it, driving through the dunes or avoiding them…
Unlike traditional rally raids where the routes are predefined, each team has its own strategy and the freedom to plot its own route.
A compass and some common sense
Forget about GPS, phones and other modern communication tools!
Every morning the Gazelles are given the geographic coordinates of the day’s checkpoints.
Thanks to a Breton reporter and a “magic rule” created specifically in 2009 by our organization and “La Rose d’IVAN”, they put their points on 100,000th and 250,000th maps and therefore know their “layout” of the day.
Using a compass, a navigational plotter and maps, they plot their route and plan their itinerary.
Unlike traditional rally raids where the routes are predefined, each team has its own strategy and the freedom to plot its own route.
To win the adventure
The winning team is the one that drives the least number of kilometers while finding the greatest number of checkpoints. The route is 100% off-road and changes every year.
The rankings are determined by calculating the extra kilometres driven (distance driven between check points minus crow flies distance) and penalty kilometres for any check points not reached.
Sharing true values
The Rallye is an event based on values… audacity, courage, sharing, perseverance, determination, solidarity…
The values that we believe in, the values you will be struggling to uphold every day, are real. They are not just a marketing ploy providing advertising opportunities. They are the human reference for the Rallye, necessary for its success. They allow us to remain focused and to bring together women who are similar to ourselves.
You need talent, determination, courage, solidarity and a sense of sharing to take part in our event. If this describes you, then you are ready to live up to our motto, “Sharing true values”.
AT A GLANCE
An unrivalled human adventure: a mental, physical and emotional challenge
• 320 Gazelles share the adventure each year,
• 17 different countries on average each year,
• Audacity, courage, sharing, endurance and determination are the qualities you need to be a Gazelle,
• All Gazelles, both amateurs and professionals alike, leave this adventure forever changed after facing themselves in the desert and realizing what they are truly capable of.The host country, Morocco
• His Majesty King Mohammed VI has placed the event under his High Patronage and allows the Gazelles to bear the royal coat of arms on their official vests.
A responsible event
• A serious environmental commitment: The first rally in the world to obtain ISO 14001:2004 certification in 2010,
• A social commitment through its non-profit organization Cœur de Gazelles: an average of 8,000 medical consultations are provided and 7,000 people receive donations collected by the Gazelles during the 9 days of competition each year.
