Sonasid High Atlas Ultra Trail 2025: Celebrating nature, culture, and community

The upcoming fourth edition of the Sonasid High Atlas Ultra Trail (HAUT) promises to be a remarkable event that intertwines nature, culture, and community in the stunning High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Scheduled to take place on May 3-4, 2025, this race will traverse several villages and the breathtaking Toubkal National Park, Morocco's highest and most iconic natural reserve.

At a press conference held in Casablanca, organizers unveiled new features for this year's event, including a timed race for cadets and juniors aimed at fostering young athletic talent, as well as a medical caravan in the rural region of Assif Zagrawen, offering healthcare services on April 19-20, ahead of the main race.

Kaoutar Bendoumou, the event's director, emphasized the significance of these additions. "Beyond our usual solidarity actions, we’ve introduced a medical caravan and a youth race to inspire young runners and support their development," she stated.

The HAUT is deeply rooted in local culture and development. Local women’s associations will produce handmade Amazigh carpets to be awarded to podium finishers across all races. These carpets not only highlight the artistry of the region but also symbolize resilience, particularly in the wake of the Al Haouz earthquake that impacted central Morocco in September 2023.

An exhibition of local products will further promote small producers, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the area. Local residents are actively involved in various logistical and hospitality roles, reinforcing the event's goal of creating sustainable economic opportunities.

A notable increase in female participation is another highlight of this year’s race, with 40% of participants being women, up from 30% last year. This growth is attributed to the SHE RUN initiative, which aims to promote inclusion and equal opportunities in endurance sports.

The evening's proceedings featured Youssef Ait Meskouk, a promising young trail runner from Imlil who triumphed in last year's 42 km race. He shared his journey, noting that access to trail running was previously limited for young people in his village. "Before, we didn’t even know what trail running was. Now, thanks to HAUT, we’ve had the chance to train and even compete internationally," he remarked.

Youssef's success has been supported by a partnership with the Swiss Embassy, which facilitates opportunities for top male and female winners of the HAUT 42 km race to compete in international events. "Running in Switzerland with some of the best athletes in the world was a dream come true," he said, expressing his hopes for this year’s race.

The event organizers also reaffirmed their commitment to environmental sustainability through the ITRA Green Commitment Program, which aims to minimize waste and promote eco-friendly practices throughout the trail.

During the press conference, new race shirts and a symbolic medal featuring Amazigh-inspired designs were unveiled, proudly representing the region's identity. Bendoumou encapsulated the spirit of the event: "This isn’t just a race; it’s a celebration of nature, culture, and community. It’s also a chance to showcase the beauty of our region."