Exploring a new city by running while traveling is an incredible way to stay fit and see more of your destination than most people do. However, I've discovered that going for a trail run offers even more opportunities for adventure and exploration than any city run can provide. Trail running in Morocco allows you to experience life from a different perspective, at a different pace.
During our trail runs, our coaches lead you along paths that showcase the natural beauty of Morocco, offering spectacular views of life seemingly frozen in time. Picture villages perched on mountain cliffs and shepherd's huts in the heart of the desert. What's great is that most of these runs start from towns less than an hour from Marrakech, so you have plenty of options to choose from.
Atlas Mountains Run: This is by far our most popular trail run. While the shortest distance we offer here is 10km, we have routes that can be linked together to cover whatever distance you're capable of running. The 21km route features challenging hills but rewards you with breathtaking views of the Asni Valley nestled at the very edge of the towering mountains. For much of the year, these mountains are snow-capped, offering views unlike anything else you'd expect in Morocco.
Agafay Desert Trail: Starting just an hour away at the Barage Lalla Takerkoust, these runs loop out through the rocky, hard-packed desert. While they can be run at any distance starting from 10km, my favorite is the 13km distance as it offers the most opportunities for adventure. Dry riverbeds, ravines, desert hill climbs, and even abandoned shepherd's huts are all part of what makes this run so incredible.
Palmeraie of Marrakech Run: This option is a little closer to the city. A run on these trails offers a different experience from our other two trail runs. In the Palmeraie, there's very little elevation gain; these trails are mostly flat. However, what it lacks in climbing, it makes up for in accessibility. Starting just a 15-minute drive from the old city, you still have plenty of time to explore the rest of Marrakech after your run. Here, you'll run through palm-filled trails and past villages that make an effort to farm around the outskirts of Marrakech.
If you're looking to run multiple days on trails with us, we have routes in more than one location for each of these areas, so you'll never have to run the same trails twice during your visit. All of our runs can be customized to your skill level, whether you're new to trail running or feel at home off-road.
Trail running offers an incredible way to explore another side of Morocco and all it has to offer. If you're seeking an adventurous way to stay fit during your next visit to the Marrakech area, be sure to schedule one of our runs.
