Trail Runs in the Hills and Mountains near Marrakech

Are you on holiday or business in Marrakech? Do you desire to get out of the city into the hills for one of the most dramatic trail runs of your life? One of the best ways to experience the Atlas mountains is to go running in them! Very few visitors to Morocco have yet discovered this secret.

Are you worried that you won’t know where to go? With our extensive knowledge of the hills and valleys near Marrakech, we can guide you on the trail run of your dreams. You can choose between 5k, 10k 15k or 25k runs. We can take you on flat, easy tracks, or on the more technical Berber trails up into the mountain villages and even to some mountain summits. Depending upon your ability and experience, we can cater a trail run just for you.

A popular trail run is in the Agafay desert, just a short drive from Marrakesh. We have a half-marathon course there with dramatic views of the High Atlas.

Our proven easy trails from the historic market town of Amizmiz will reward you with stunning views. For more of a challenge we can take you on more demanding runs up into the foothills of the Atlas Mountains or through remote Berber villages.

For the ultimate challenge, we can guide you running up Jebel Toubkal, highest mountain in North Africa at 4167m! This is the running challenge of a lifetime, with 2367m of ascent and a length of 27km its not to be undertaken lightly. But it is a worthy challenge for those who consider themselves as experienced trail runners and want a new challenge.

Our two most popular Trail Runs in Morocco:

Agafay Desert Trail Run

The barren Agafay is just 30 minutes from Marrakech. We will guide you on a run deep into the desert out of sight of any signs of civilisation, then to an abandoned mud-brick settlement. This half-marathon distance run is ideal as an introduction to the sport of Trail Running. The sight of the majestic Atlas Mountains are an unforgettable backdrop. This is without doubt our most popular run – come with us, and we will show you why!

Distance: 23km (14 miles)

Height Gain: 450m (Some of this is avoidable)

Average time: 2h40

Trail type: Good 4×4 tracks

Berber Villages Trail Run

The Berber villages cling tightly to steep hillsides, linked by mule trails and ancient footpaths. Let us guide you on the run of a lifetime in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, passing through several of these villages. Just 1h from Marrakesh, come and experience something unique in the world of Trail Running. If you are new to running in the hills we suggest the 16km option below, however we can also guide you on a half-marathon distance if you are ready for the challenge!

Distance: 16km (10 miles)

Height Gain: 700m

Average time: 2h30

Trail type: Berber footpaths, 4×4 tracks

Prices usually include a private taxi to pick you up and take you back to Marrakech for the drive to where our runs begin. Or if you don’t mind the bustle, you may prefer to take the bus, in which case we can offer a discount. Whatever way you decide, please get in touch!

Basic price guide:

This is just to give you an idea.

Prices for specific routes are on the Trail Run Morocco site.

The second and subsequent people always go half-price, so try to find a friend to run with you, and share the fun!

Taxi pickup and return from Marrakech is generally 350dh each way, a taxi takes up to 4 people (we arrange it since our driver knows the start points, but you pay the driver directly)

You may either pay in advance via our invoice when you have made your booking, or pay in local currency (Moroccan Dirhams, Dh) at the beginning of the run.

The classic three day Toubkal Ascent

The trek of choice for those who simply want to summit the highest mountain in North Africa, Jebel Toubkal. From Imlil we will take you directly up to the refuge for the night. An early start the next day, and you should summit Toubkal before lunchtime. After a second night at the refuge you will descend back to Imlil, enjoying the pleasant valleys and sense of accomplishment at having conquered this beautiful mountain. Note that due to the strenuous nature of this trek, and the fact that there is not much time to adjust to altitude, we recommend that you book the 4-day version if you have the time, especially in winter conditions.

Prices

Exchange rates are constantly fluctuating, and every group’s requirements are different. For this reason, please contact us for a bespoke quote.