DAY 0: EARLY ARRIVAL IN MARRAKECH
Those who choose the early arrival package will arrive in Marrakech, where we will pick you up at the airport and take you to our beautiful riad (traditional courtyard house). That evening we’ll enjoy a relaxed rooftop dinner together before turning for a good night of sleep - tomorrow is a full day!
No organized run
Meals: D (dinner)
DAY 1: MARRAKECH
Those who arrived early will enjoy a relaxed breakfast before heading out for the day with our local partner for a walking tour of Marrakech, exploring the palaces, the history and the famous maze-like souks (markets). Meanwhile, we will pick up the others at the airport and take you to our beautiful riad (traditional courtyard house). That evening we will all get to know each other over a delicious welcome dinner right at the riad, and afterward those who manage to hold off the jet lag can go experience the Djemaa El-fna (the central square of the old city): sample local treats, bargain for scarves, charm a cobra, jump into a drum circle or simply wander around and take it all in!
No organized run
Meals: BLD (breakfast, lunch, dinner) for early arrivals; D for regular arrivals
DAY 2: CROSSING THE HIGH ATLAS
Depart from Marrakech towards first run in the northern foothills of the High Atlas mountains. Just an hour from bustling Marrakech your run will take you through sleepy villages and through scenes of traditional agriculture, all with the beautiful backdrop of the mountains. At the finish line of the run we will have a fresh picnic prepared by our cook team, then we'll drive up and over the mountains towards the village of Ait Ben Haddou - our destination for the night. Spend the evening relaxing around the pool and taking in a spectacular desert sunset from our kasbah!
Running: Up to 11 miles, pavement
Meals: BLD
DAY 3: OUNILA VALLEY AND AIT BEN HADDOU
After a big breakfast we have a short drive to our morning run along the Ounila Valley. There is a big contrast in the landscape as now we are on the southern side of the mountains, so expect an arid brown landscape etched with the green gardens of the Ounila Valley. This is a stunning run along the canyon walls with great views throughout. After another picnic lunch at the finish line we will make a pitstop at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-preserved kasbah that has served as the set for Gladiator, Game of Thrones and many other films. Pictures taken, we’ll head to the fertile Dades Valley where you’ll have the evening to explore the gardens or simply relax and enjoy the view from our cliffside guesthouse.
Running: Up to 10 miles, pavement
Meals: BLD
DAY 4: THE MARS RUN
After a light breakfast we’ll begin a rolling trail run near the Dades Valley over a surreal, Mars-like landscape dotted with Berber nomad camps and views of the High Atlas, eventually finishing with an outdoor brunch in a small village. This one is always one of the favorite runs! After that, our destination is the Todra Gorge, a dramatic canyon that offers prime rock climbing - and running! - opportunities. There will be some optional afternoon activities, or you can just kick back and rest your legs by the pool.
Running: up to 12 miles, rocky/dirt road
Meals: BLD
DAY 5: THE TODRA GORGE
After a relaxed breakfast at our riad we will drive out to our start line at top of the Todra Gorge. This run is great for kicking into cruise mode (net downhill!) and enjoying the spectacular gorge which gets more and more dramatic as you run. You’ll be winding along the bottom of the canyon and the walls will seem to grow and grow as you run! Lunch is at the finish line back at our hotel: an afternoon of refueling and relaxing by the pool awaits, as well as some downtime for those looking to explore the gorge a little more.
Running: up to 12 miles, pavement
Meals: BLD
DAY 6: REST DAY
Rest day! Enjoy a sleep-in, a relaxed morning, a big breakfast and then a day of travel as we head south towards the Draa Valley, one of the biggest date palm oases in the world - an awesome sight! With less focus on running today we will have more time for taking in the traditional Berber culture in this area of Southeast Morocco. We'll visit a local pottery cooperative and then spend the night in Zagora at a beautiful guesthouse hidden in magical gardens.
No scheduled run (morning or evening shakeout optional)
Meals: BLD
DAY 7: THE SAHARA
Today we head over the Anti-Atlas mountains to the village of M'Hamid, where we'll share snacks (and a lot of mint tea!) at the family home of one of our Moroccan team members. Afterward, it's time for the Sahara! After leaving the pavement far behind, the run will begin over rolling, rocky terrain and head towards the sand dunes, getting softer and softer as you go. Finish with lunch at our private camp set among towering sand dunes, then go explore and get ready for a sunset camel trek. Later on, it’s time for a huge feast, traditional music around the campfire and more stars than you've ever seen before. Sleep comfortably in traditional nomad tents, complete with real beds, rugs and solar lights - this is where "glamping" began!
Running: Up to 10 miles, jeep track and some sand
Meals: BLD
DAY 8: LAKE IRIKI
Wake up early to catch a Sahara sunrise, then enjoy a relaxed breakfast. We'll depart the camp mid-morning and take a short drive to Lake Iriki where our run will begin. This lake no longer has any water, but it does have mirages galore - though pancake flat, this is a challenging and very memorable run! Finish with another big picnic then continue to Foum Z'guide, a town located on the edge of the desert. Enjoy the pool, a nice shower and the bar!
Running: Up to 10 mi, hard-packed dirt
Meals: BLD
DAY 9: TRAVEL BACK TO MARRAKECH
If you're still craving a few more miles, then get up early for a low-key sunrise shakeout from the hotel. Otherwise, get some much-deserved rest! We'll embark on the long (but very scenic) journey back to Marrakech after breakfast with plenty of breaks along the way. After we arrive you'll have time to get out and explore the city before a big farewell dinner.
Running: up to 8 miles, pavement
Meals: BLD
DAY 10: DEPARTURE
This is it! Enjoy a final breakfast and then we will get you to the airport in plenty of time to catch your flight.
No scheduled run
Meals: B