Haut Morocco
"Ho Ho Ho" ๐ Oops, wrong time of year! ๐ Nope, itโs the month of May when everything happens! But you might still feel like it's Christmas ๐. What, you're not in the loop? Come on, weโll fill you in on the upcoming edition of the Haut Morocco!
For this intense competition, we take you to Morocco ๐ฒ๐ฆ, to the small towns of Imlil and Ouirgane, located just 67 km from the beautiful Marrakech. Lace up your sneakers... not your slippers ๐ because we're offering a competition where youโll surely find your happiness ๐ฅน. There are multiple trail courses available: 10 km (500mD+), 21 km (1,000mD+), 42 km (2,300mD+), and two ultras, 80 km (4,500mD+) and 120 km (6,400mD+). Plus, the organizers have arranged a canitrail for those missing their furry friends ๐ถ. For the speedsters, thereโs the Imlil vertical: 3.8 km and 1,000mD+. You'll quickly notice the stunning setting as youโll run in the High Atlas mountain range, between stone deserts ๐ชจ and snow-capped mountains ๐. Sounds exciting? ๐ Letโs go, learn more about these beautiful, challenging races over a nice mint tea ๐ซ.
The Haut Morocco, true to its name, takes place in the heights of Morocco ๐ฒ๐ฆ. Naturally, the High Atlas is in the spotlight! ๐ The event unfolds in the Marrakech-Safi region, near the former royal capital Marrakech ๐ฒ๐ฆ. With breathtaking views of the arid desert and the High Atlas โ๏ธ (nicknamed "the roof of Morocco" ๐), the races promise rich atypical landscapes. Moreover, this nature is highly preserved ๐ก๏ธ from human pollution ๐. This dedication to respecting these natural zones has allowed many species to thrive. Yes, there's no shortage of outdoor activities! Enthusiasts will marvel at the rich local wildlife of the Toubkal National Park, home to gazelles, lynxes ๐ฑ, leopards ๐, jackals, mouflons, and raptors ๐ฆ . So even though you'll explore it thoroughly, you'll probably want to see more, after the competition, especially the cliffs, lake, waterfalls, gorges, ridges, streams, and steep peaks that compose the area.
In addition to the divine landscape ๐ฅฐ, the Haut Morocco trail has another asset ๐: the wide range of races available! ๐ช Beginners can sign up for the "Haut 10", a 10 km race, while intermediate runners can tackle the half-marathon, the "Haut 21", or the marathon, the "Haut 42". More experienced runners have the chance to double the fun! With the "Challenge 63", they will complete two โ๏ธ races: the 21 km and the 42 km over two days, for a total of 63 km. Lastly, running enthusiasts have the choice between two ultras with the 80 km and the 120 km.
After completing your mission ๐ and earning your race badge, youโll have plenty of time for your favorite activities, whether they are sporty, cultural, historical, religious, or culinary ๐ฅณ. Indeed, the Marrakech-Safi region is the perfect blend of wild nature and urban dynamism. You can continue your adventure on one of the hiking trails of the High Atlas or take a horseback ๐ด, donkey, or camel ๐ช ride. You can also go quad biking in the Agafay Desert to see the enchanted oasis ๐คฉ and take a dip after a canoe trip.
Still not convinced? Here are more reasons โก๏ธ. One is called "tajine", the other "couscous"... ๐ฅ You know what we mean? With all this info, your mind might be a bit of a souk ๐! So, we'll let you clear your head and see you under the ๐ sun in Marrakech, in the Medina of the city ๐.
The Haut 120 is the UTMB event not to be missed! ๐ To have the chance to participate in this race, you'll first need to prove yourself by completing a trail-running race with at least 4 ITRA points or equivalent ๐. Once you've met this condition, you'll be ready to take on this 120 km long challenge featuring 6,400 meters of positive elevation gain and 7,000 meters of descent ๐ฅต. True roller coasters! ๐ข Get ready and strengthen your legs because theyโre in for a big challenge. Speaking of challenges... You will navigate areas as steep and rugged as the mountains in the High Atlas! ๐ This majestic region will be your playground, along with the picturesque villages it encompasses. Isn't that wonderful? A genuine dive into the depths of Morocco, home to one of Africaโs most beautiful mountainous regions. The Ighouliden Waterfalls, Berber villages, mountains, altitude, desert, and ski resort are part of the route ๐. This mix of sensations, temperatures, and landscapes will take you on a journey and make you forget your aching legs. You will start from the village of Imlil before passing through Tacheddirt, Tamteret, and Armed to ascend Tizi N Tizekert, Tizzi Oussem, Tekenet, Assif Zagzawen, Tiziyan, Tinzert, and finally cross the finish line at Ouirgane ๐. You're in for an incredible adventure! ๐ฒ๐ฆ
With a length of 80 km, featuring over 4,600 m of ascent and 5,400 m of descent, this ultra trail UTMB requires expertise and significant endurance ๐พ. In fact, to join this race, you need to prove you're not a beginner. You must have at least 2 ITRA points or equivalent to register ๐ช. Just like the 120 km race, you'll be traversing high seasaltitudes with peaks reaching 3,000 meters. You will start in the heart of the village of Imlil and then head towards Armed, ascending through Tizi N Tizekert, Tizzi Oussem, Tekenet, and Assif Zagzawa, finally arriving at Ouirgane ๐.
This challenge gives you the opportunity to run both the half marathon and the marathon in two stages, totaling 63 km and 3,300 mD+ ๐ค๐ค.
This trail extends for 44 km and will challenge your legs with over 2,000 meters of elevation gain and 3,000 meters of descent. But it's also your chance to rise to the occasion! The altitude ranges from a low of 1,000 meters to a high of 2,500 meters ๐ฎ. Quite the journey! You'll be treated to some stunning views, especially of the beautiful mountains in the High Atlas. Moreover, you'll pass through charming Berber villages like Assif Zagzawen, Tikhfisst, and Tekent. Beware, you need to have finished at least one trail-running race earning a minimum of 1 ITRA point before you can register ๐.
The half marathon of the competition features 1,000 meters of elevation gain and loss. While you may not reach the summit of Toubkal, you will ascend to an altitude of 1,500 meters๐. From this height, you can enjoy the stunning views of the High Atlas mountain range before exploring the Moroccan villages of Tikhfisst, Tassa Ouirgane, and Marigha ๐ฒ๐ฆ.
With its 500 meters of ascent and descent, the "Haut 10" is undoubtedly the most accessible trail of the competition. Full speed ahead! ๐
Ready to feel the burn in your thighs? ๐ฅ This challenge pushes you up 1000 meters of elevation gain over 3.8 km! Let's just say, it's no walk in the park ๐ฅต.
The prices of race bibs are as follows:
For the "Haut 120": 1,400 Dhs, then 1,500 Dhs from March 1, 2025
For the "Haut 80": 950 Dhs, then 1,100 Dhs from March 1, 2025
For the "Challenge 63": 950 Dhs, then 1,100 Dhs from March 1, 2025
For the "Haut 42": 650 Dhs, then 750 Dhs from March 1, 2025
For the "Haut 21": 500 Dhs, then 600 Dhs from March 1, 2025
Imlil vertical: 300 Dhs, then 350 Dhs from March 1, 2025
For the "Haut 10": 300 Dhs, then 350 Dhs from March 1, 2025
The races will start as follows:
For the "Haut 120": starting from Imlil at 4 AM on May 3, 2025.
For the "Haut 80": starting from Imlil at 4 AM on May 3, 2025.
For the "Haut 42": starting from Imlil at 7 AM on May 3, 2025.
For the "Haut 21": starting from Ouirgane โ Eco Lodge at 8 AM on May 4, 2025.
For the "Haut 10": starting from Ouirgane โ Eco Lodge at 9 AM on May 4, 2025.
For the "Imlil vertical": starting from Imlil at 4 PM on May 1, 2025.
A medical certificate is mandatory for participation. A template is available in the internal regulations.
For the "Haut 120": 14 refreshment points
For the "Haut 80": 10 refreshment points
For the "Challenge 63": 8 refreshment points
For the "Haut 42": 5 refreshment points
For the "Haut 21": 3 refreshment points
For the "Haut 10": 3 refreshment points
Participants must be at least 18 years old on the event date.
Each race has a maximum time limit:
For the "Haut 120": 34 hours
For the "Haut 80": 24 hours
For the "Haut 42": 12 hours
For the "Haut 21": 6 hours
For the "Imlil vertical": 2 hours
For the "Haut 10": 4 hours
Here is the list of mandatory equipment for the races:
Race bib visible at all times during the event
Backpack to carry mandatory equipment during the race
Water reservoir with a minimum capacity of 1 L
Survival blanket
Whistle
Waterproof jacket
Adhesive elastic band for bandaging or strapping (minimum 100 cm x 6 cm)
Food reserve (except for "Haut 10")
Cap or bandana
Personal cup
Bowl and cutlery (only "Haut 120")
2 working headlamps with spare batteries (only "Haut 120")
1 working headlamp with spare batteries (only "Haut 80")
Identification
Mobile phone
In addition to this list, the organization recommends the following equipment:
Poles
Change of clothes
A sum of 100 Dhs in cash
Vaseline or anti-chafing cream
To participate in "Haut 120", the participant must have completed a trail-running race with at least 4 ITRA points or equivalent
To participate in "Haut 80", the participant must have completed a trail-running race with at least 2 ITRA points or equivalent
To participate in "Haut 42", the participant must have completed a trail-running race with at least 1 ITRA point or equivalent
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