Fez — Sonasid High Atlas Ultra Trail (HAUT) is set to return from April 18 to 20 bringing trail runners back to Morocco’s Toubkal National Park for a multi-distance mountain weekend linking Imlil and Ouirgane and crossing a network of villages in the High Atlas.
Organized by Association Espoir, HAUT positions itself as more than a race weekend, combining competition with an eco-responsible approach and community-based impact.
The organizers describe HAUT as an immersive experience that blends a technical sporting challenge with cultural discovery, while placing environmental respect and local development at the center of its model.
Multiple distances from 10 km to 120 km
The 2026 edition offers several formats designed for different levels, ranging from short courses to ultras. The program includes HAUT 120, HAUT 85, HAUT 60, HAUT 42, HAUT 21, and HAUT 10, alongside a Kids Trail aimed at encouraging youth participation. Distances are paired with significant elevation profiles typical of High Atlas terrain, with the longest routes exceeding 6,000 meters of ascent and traversing multiple villages across the national park.
According to the event schedule, bib collection and village activities begin on Friday, followed by the main ultra and marathon-format starts on Saturday, and the shorter distances on Sunday, concluding with awards ceremonies and the closing of the event.
A growing event with measurable reach
The HAUT dossier points to strong growth indicators from the previous edition, citing 950 participants representing 16 nationalities, with increased women’s participation and local athlete inclusion. The organizers also point to broader visibility metrics across media and digital platforms, alongside operational figures such as accommodations, meals served, and local workers engaged during the event window.
The festival-style “village” is also presented as a central feature, with an expanded exhibitor area planned for 2026, including brands tied to outdoor sport, nutrition, sustainable mobility, and sports innovation.
Environmental commitments and local impact
HAUT describes its approach within the ITRA “Green Commitment,” listing practical goals such as reducing waste, promoting recycling, and encouraging participant awareness around environmental protection. It also emphasizes a preference for local suppliers and the employment of local residents, presenting the race as a platform that circulates economic activity in rural mountain communities.
The organizers also underline solidarity actions, including support for local associations and initiatives aimed at youth access to sport, such as distributing sports equipment and maintaining free participation for children in the region. The 2026 edition signals a new solidarity dimension through a project tied to building an athletics track in Ouirgane.
Training, inclusion, and a corporate challenge
The dossier describes the event as “inclusive,” pointing to efforts to broaden access through multiple participation categories, adapted pricing, and collaborations with inclusive associations.
For 2026, organizers also introduce a corporate angle with the “HAUT Corporate Challenge,” designed to welcome company teams with dedicated rankings and team-building-style participation options.
