DJELFA, Algeria – The General Directorate of Civil Protection organized the 12th National Desert Race for Civil Protection agents in Djelfa Province on Monday. The event, part of the 2025 sports program, aims to develop sports and physical education within the sector.
This year’s edition was dedicated to the memory of Lieutenant Colonel Berdji Redouane and Captain Ghallab Souhaib. The opening ceremony was attended by the Director of Human Resources at the General Directorate, Colonel Oughlis Toufik, the Governor of Djelfa Province, Djahid Mous, as well as central executives from the Directorate, local authorities, and invited guests.
A total of 170 civil protection agents of various ranks, including 130 men and 40 women, representing civil protection directorates nationwide, participated in the race. Participants also came from the National Training and Intervention Unit, the National School, and its annexes.
The race took place in the municipality of Zaafrane. The distance for senior men was 14 kilometers, while the distances for veteran men, senior women, and veteran women were 7 kilometers each. The city was chosen for its appealing landscape, combining golden sands and stunning natural scenery, promoting Saharan tourism and allowing participants to test their abilities.
The competition aims to enhance the physical capabilities of civil protection agents, preparing them to perform rescue and relief missions in hazardous conditions. It also seeks to promote sports and recognize the efforts made to develop them within the sector. The event highlights the Civil Protection’s commitment to maintaining a high level of readiness and physical fitness among its personnel.
Organizers emphasized the importance of such events in fostering teamwork and resilience, crucial qualities for first responders in emergency situations. The race served as a valuable opportunity for agents to challenge themselves physically and mentally, while also strengthening bonds within the Civil Protection community.
