The fifth edition of the Sonasid High Atlas Ultra Trail (Sonasid HAUT), a trail running race crossing Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains in Toubkal National Park, kicked off early Saturday in Imlil in Al Haouz province.
The event, running from Friday, April 17 to Sunday, April 19, brings together more than 1,150 runners from 26 countries and features six race distances ranging from 10 kilometers to 120 kilometers.
“The six distances aim to make trail running accessible to beginners as well as experienced runners,” Kaoutar Bendoumou, the event director, told Hespress English.
She said 70% of participants are Moroccan, while 30% come from abroad, including Europe and the United States, adding that many are drawn by both the region’s landscapes and its people.
The 120-kilometer and 80-kilometer races began around 4 a.m., while the 60-kilometer and 42-kilometer races started around 8 a.m., with runners taking on the challenge in an atmosphere marked by excitement and pressure.
Organizers said the event also serves as a platform for cultural exchange, bringing together participants from different nationalities.
Beyond sport, the Sonasid HAUT aims to highlight rural communities across the region.
“We expect highly motivated runners, drawn by the landscapes, to pass through several small villages in Morocco that need greater visibility,” said Chahinaz Bendoumou, representing the Espoire Association, which organizes the event.
She added that a strong atmosphere is expected across villages and surrounding areas, noting that the event village and nearby accommodations were fully booked for the weekend.
The event is hosted in a dedicated village area featuring exhibitor spaces for outdoor brands, nutrition companies, sustainable mobility initiatives and sports innovation, along with a central stage for workshops and entertainment and a secured children’s area with a Kids Run.
This year’s edition recorded an increase in participation compared with 2025, which brought together about 950 runners from 16 countries, including 280 women, 550 men, 50 local athletes and 200 children.
In 2025, the race covered 340 kilometers across eight events and passed through 15 villages, including ultra-distance races and a Kids Trail.
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