Toubkal National Park, Morocco
5 days - 4 nights
Thur, Sep 18 - Mon, Sep 22, 2025
Approx 60km covered & 2750m elevation over 3 days
£420pp (all included except flights)
Join us for an incredible 5 day running adventure in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains.
Guided by local trail running athletes, you will ascend and descend the Toubkal summit (4,167m) through unique trails that take you through various valleys, as well as an exciting itinerary.
‘This was an unforgettable trip. We visited beautiful places, stayed at a wonderful place in Aroumd, ate delicious food, and received very useful running tips for altitude and long distances. Special thanks to our amazing guide Youssef who led the trips and the runs.’
Michael Bakalov - Trip attendee (Nov 2023)
ITINERARY
Highlights include:
Led by internationally competitive runners (inc. Toubkal fastest known time holder)
Running the less explored trails to the Toubkal summit
Enjoying authentic mountain lodging
Finish the trip with a meal in a stunning riad in the heart of the Marrakesh medina
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With the possibility of being collected from anywhere in Marrakesh, participants will be taken directly to the Imlil valley in Toubkal national park on Thursday at 6pm.
The drive to Aroumd village is approximately 1.5 hours. We will then enjoy a carb heavy dinner upon arrival at our guesthouse where we will be spending the night.
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We will begin running towards the Tamsoult valley after breakfast.
Running the Mutat trail we will reach an altitude of 2400m, stop at a local homestay for lunch and cross a waterfall for a refreshing dip.
Evening will be spent with the local Amazeigh goat herders in a mountain refuge. Bags will be waiting for us at the refuge. We will enjoy a sitting around the campfire star watching and telling stories.
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Leaving the refuge (2300m) we will be running to the stunning Tizi Aguelzim (3400m) on our way to the Toubkal refuge (3200m).
We will have our packed lunch at the Tizi Aguelzim after a solid morning of trail running. Dinner will be served in the Toubkal refuge.
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Waking up early at 6 am we will leave the base camp (3200m) to the Toubkal summit (4167m) for a remarkable sunrise.
The ascent and descent is tough at around 6km with nearly 1000 metres in elevation. There is the option to do this running or hiking, however, note that that if there is snow we will not allow running due to safety.
Having watched the sunrise we will head back down towards Aroumd village. Once back at base camp (3200m) we will have a snack and then begin the run back down to Aroumd village (1900m). This is a special way to end the running portion of the trip. The trail has a gradual descent into the foothills and lasts a little over 10km. Past participants described it as ‘the most beautiful run they have ever been on’.
Reaching Aroumd village for lunchtime a tagine will be waiting for us! We will have time to eat, shower and change before heading to Marrakesh in the afternoon.
Upon reaching Marrakesh, we will enjoy a well deserved three course meal in a authentic riad in the heart of the medina. This also gives us the opportunity to walk explore the evening entertainment at jemaa el fna (the main square).
We will be staying in a three star hotel in the new town.
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Waking up in Marrakesh we will enjoy a hearty traditional breakfast - our last meal together as a part of the trip.
The rest of the day you can choose to visit the Medina, hammam (Islamic sauna) and YSL museum.
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Transport to and from Marrakech
Running guides
Mules to carry the baggage and food
Accommodation
All food during the trek (including snacks)
Cook to prepare all meals
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Flights
Personal travel insurance
Personal expenses e.g souvenirs
Tips
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All cuisine will be Moroccan dishes prepared by local cooks and included in the price
All food is locally sourced and it is not an issue to accommodate for allergies and dietary requirements
Bottled water provided but note the fresh water springs in the mountains are safe to drink
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The first and last night will be in a 3 star hotel in Marrakesh.
One night will be in a guesthouse
Two nights will be spent in a mountain refuge
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4/5 difficulty
We recommend attendees have decent fitness level as well as familiarity running on trails.
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Being in the High Atlas Mountains we will be at an altitude which means that it is cooler than the rest of Morocco.
Autumn or Spring is a great time to be running. Expect temperatures around 20 degrees with it dropping to around 8 degrees at night.
KEY INFORMATION
MEET THE RUNNING GUIDES LOCAL TO THESE MOUNTAINS
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Youssef Boulite
Ex-competitive runner and former mountain guide with the British army Youssef is now an award-winning tour guide. In his village of Aroumd, he plays a leading role in the community by helping establish the new primary school and supporting local youth through sport. Youssef will serve as the head guide from day one.
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Nourdin Bachqi
Competitive trail runner (50-80km) who is a UTMB qualifier. Nordin holds the record for fastest known time ascending and descending Toubkal from his village of Imlil (3h 32m). He began running late at the age of 20 in order to beat his brother and is already competing on the international stage at the age of 23.
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Jamal ait ifraden
Competitive trail runner (100km +) and winner of various national trail races. Coming from a family of mountaineers, Jamal has a deep passion for all things mountain sports. When he's not training, Jamal works with various organisations to help design and deliver trail running and mountain biking competitions across the region.
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Mohammed Ait Taleb
Competitive trail runner and mountain guide. Born and raised in the village of Aroumd, the last settlement before the ascent to Toubkal, he has spent his life exploring the Atlas Mountains. Using his deep knowledge of the region, Mohammed helps create and map new routes as well as being a mountain guide.
We are proud to have all our trips led by local athletes and bring awareness to the rich culture of the High Atlas Mountains.
The trip logo symbolises this through the inclusion of Aroumd village (ⴰⵔⴻⵎⴷ:) in the local language of Tamazight. This highlights how the amazing local partnerships is what makes Haraka Baraka complete.
Aroumd village is the last village before the ascent to Mount Toubkal, and is home to several of our runners. It is also the village which will host us on our first night of the Toubkal challenge, offering an insight into the calm and peaceful nature of those who reside here.