Women’s-Only Toubkal Challenge
Experience breathtaking landscapes and world-class mountain trails in the heart of Morocco’s trail running community; the High Atlas Mountains.
Haraka Baraka / الحركة بركة
Guided by Kaoutar Bendoumou, you will ascend and descend the highest peak in North Africa; Toubkal summit (4,167m), through lesser-known trails that take you through various valleys.
A five day trail running trip built around Mount Toubkal, long trail through the High Atlas Mountains and a demanding ascent to finish. 90 km and 2750 m of climbing make this a serious weekend for confident runners.
Day 1 - Marrakech
Meet and undergo introductions at 4 pm in a riad in Marrakesh medina. Before then heading to Tizi N'Tacheddirt, the highest village in the West High Atlas Mountains
Introductions, trip breakdown
Drive to Tacheddirt village High Atlas Mountains
Approx 1.5 hour drive
Dinner & sleep first night in Tachdirt mountain gite (2,350m)
Relax, eat, sleep. Recover from travel
1st night
ITINERARY
Day 2 - Tizi N’Tacheddirt
Slow morning (allowing altitude acclimatisation) : Breakfast at 9am and begin run to Oukaimden at 11am
Running the trail to the Oukaimden (2,300m)
1.5 hours running before lunch at ski resort
Complete run after lunch to sunset spot
Total run of approx 30km and 700m elevation gain
Option to shorten extend run
Opportunity to swim in mountain rivers for recovery
Evening chill time with fellow attendees and local runners
Sleep in same Tacheddirt mountain gite
2nd night
Day 3 - Imlil
Leaving 9am for run from Tacheddirt village to Aroumd village (1,900m) in Imlil Valley
Running the trail to the Mountain pass (2,500m)
3 hours running before lunch picnic
Total run of 30km and 1000m elevation gain
Luggage driven to Aroumd village
Opportunity to take part in local village activities (e.g football match, goat herding, fruit picking)
Enjoy dinner at a home in the village belonging to one the running guides
Sleep in Aroumd village guesthouse
3rd night
Day 4 - Toubkal
Running ascent and descent of the highest peak in North Africa : Mount Toubkal (4,167m)
Trail run of 30km with around 2000m of elevation
Early morning leave to base camp (3,200m)
Early lunch and recovery
Followed by reaching the summit for early afternoon
3km with over 1000m elevation
Return to Aroumd for sunset
Recovery swim in mountain rivers and, if time permits, option for village Hammam (Islamic sauna & massage)
Final dinner with all participants and local runners
Sleep in same guesthouse in Aroumd village
4th night
Day 5 - Marrakech
Trip conclusion with breakfast, our final meal, and the transport to Marrakesh in the morning.
Head to Marrakesh
Approx 1.5 hour drive
Option to be dropped off directly at the airport or in city
Flight logistics to be sorted ahead of time
Opportunity to visit the historic city of Marrakesh on your own
Visit the infamous souks, museums and galleries
Hosted by Moroccan trail runner, and founder of the High Atlas Ultra Race, Kaoutar Bendoumou.
As an internationally competitive trail athlete, Kaoutar found her passion in the mountains and developed a deep connection with the High Atlas and with its outdoor sports community.
As well as founding and directing the biggest ultra race in the High Atlas Mountains, she is the women’s national record holder for the Moroccan Backyard Ultra, a milestone that reflects her resilience and mental strength.
Through her leadership, she inspires others to discover their own strength through sport, grounded in both performance and lived experience.
What’s Included
All Meals
Accommodation
Local Guides
Transport to & from Marrakech
What’s not included: Flights, personal travel insurance & tips
FAQs
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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.
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Yes, upon booking there is the option to upgrade to private bedroom.
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Yes will take all dietary requirements ahead of the trip and work with our cook to ensure everyone has the appropiate meals.
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Yes, women running in Morocco is growing in populairty and is widely accepted, even in remote areas like the Atlas Mountains.
Kaoutar Bendoumour is from Marrakech and has grown up trail running in the Atlas Mountains. AS a result she is well known among the trail running community and understands the safety of the region.
However, we do ask that women remain moderatly dressed (i.e covering shoulders and avoiding short shorts) to respect the local culture.
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If you can comfortably run 10–15km on hilly, off-road terrain and string together back-to-back days on your feet, you're in good shape for this trip.
The pace is yours and every day's run can be shortened or extended to suit the group, but you'll want to arrive trail-fit rather than planning to run into shape along the way.
Don’t be put off by the trails. Plenty of runners arrive with a strong level of fitness but little or no trail experience and leave having fallen completely in love with the sport.
Still Deciding?
Every trip begins with a conversation. Register your interest and your Trip Director will be in touch within 24 hours to answer any questions, discuss dates, and help you decide if it's the right adventure for you.
