Are ya’ll ready to go further than ever before?

Trail Roots is heading to Morocco to run and explore one of the most dramatically beautiful landscapes that the kingdom has to offer: the High Atlas mountains.

On a clear day these snow-capped peaks (many over 13,000 ft tall) can be seen from Marrakech, but you’ve got to get in (and on!) them to truly experience the grandeur. Get ready to run the quiet dirt roads & single track trails that wind through the foothills and across hidden valleys, race local kids as you pass through remote Berber villages (warning: you’ll probably lose), soak your legs in icy snowmelt rivers and immerse yourself in the local culture. 

Replenish yourself with incredibly fresh, traditional food at each and every meal, and recover each evening at beautiful family-run guesthouses featuring crisp mountain air, sweeping views from the rooftop terraces and that legendary Moroccan hospitality.

If the idea of getting off the tourist track, experiencing a fascinating culture and exploring the rugged mountain trails of North Africa with your Trail Roots crew makes you want to lace up your shoes, then this is the adventure for you.

ITINERARY

Please note that all listed run distances can be shortened if desired, and that itinerary is subject to minor adjustments due to weather, logistical considerations, etc.

PRICING & DETAILS

DATES
October 6-12, 2021

RUNNING REQUIREMENTS
All levels welcome! Daily run maximums are listed on the itinerary and there are no minimums nor time restrictions. You can always run less, and we can nearly always find more miles for anyone who wants them. All runs will take place at altitude, generally between 5000-7500 ft.

COST
A $600 deposit secures your spot, and the total cost depends upon signup date:

Standard Pricing: $2650
Price is based on double occupancy rooms. You may request your roommate when you register, otherwise we will place you with a same-sex roommate.

Balances are due three months prior to departure. Please refer to the FAQs for our cancellation & refund policy.

ADD-ONS
Private Room Upgrade (limited availability): $500
Guarantees a single room for all six nights.

Early Arrival package: $205 (single) / $310 (couple or pair sharing a room)
Arrive a day early for extra time to sleep off the jet lag and explore Marrakech! Includes private airport pickup, accommodation and dinner upon arrival, then breakfast and a medina city tour with a professional guide the following morning.

Sahara Extension
Have a few extra days? Then you can’t miss an overnight in the Sahara! This add-on includes a private English-speaking driver and guide who will meet you on the final day of the run trip, three nights accommodation (a riad in the oasis village of Agdz, a desert camp experience in the remote Erg Chigaga dunes and a riad in Marrakech at the end), all breakfasts, all lunches, two dinners, a ride to the airport on October 15th and plenty of sightseeing along the “kasbah trail.”

We can make this happen for anyone who wants to go, but the price per person varies quite a bit depending on how many people join. If interested, please email allison@roguexpeditions.com and we’ll discuss the details!

COST INCLUDES
Pre-trip guidance + communication
Transfers to/from airport on arrival and departure days
Transportation: Well-maintained 4×4 vehicles, fuel and professional drivers
Six nights in comfortable, unique three and four-star accommodation (double occupancy)
Five guided, organized runs
Access to our invite-only navigation app so that you have all routes in your pack at all times
Entry fees to any planned sightseeing stops
Experienced Moroccan logistics team (guides, drivers, cooks)
Experienced Rogue Expeditions run guide & trip leader (with special guest, Erik Stanley!)
All meals + snacks from dinner on Day 1 until breakfast on Day 7
All drinking water + coffee/tea/juice with breakfast
Rogue Expeditions shirt & buff

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE
Flight
Alcohol or beverages other than water (though coffee, tea and juice are included with breakfasts)
Travel Insurance
Personal purchases/souvenirs/tips

GROUP SIZE
There will be a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 14 runners. Spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis!

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Participants from the US will need a passport with at least 6 months of validity left. No visas or vaccinations are required for US citizens in Morocco, though you may want to consider some standard vaccinations if you are a first-time traveler. Please keep in mind that Morocco is a developing country – though you will be comfortable and well taken care of, an adventurous and flexible attitude is a must!

At the time of writing (March 2021), entry to Morocco is permitted upon presentation of negative COVID test results produced within the past 72 hours. We expect that proof of vaccination will soon become an alternative entry method, and that things will be quite normal by October; Moroccan officials predict that the majority of their citizens will be vaccinated by June. We will keep registered runners updated as things develop!

Participants should arrive in Marrakech no later than 3pm on the first day, and departure flights from Marrakech must be scheduled no earlier than 12 noon on the final day. If you arrive or depart outside of those parameters then you will be responsible for your own airport transfers; we can assist in arranging them, but there will be added cost.

Please note that travel insurance is strongly recommended. Although we hope you never need it, we've seen enough to know that it can be a lifesaver in the event of a medical emergency, flight delays that cause you to miss the start of the trip, lost baggage or cancellation on your part (broke your leg two weeks before departure? Insurance could cover the entire cost of your trip!).  

FAQS & COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS
Please note that this trip will only run if we are confident that it can be done in a reasonably safe, enjoyable and of course legal manner, and that all participants must be willing to abide by any and all safety measures that our guides and/or Moroccan government officials deem necessary during this trip. Much remains to be seen about the near-term trajectory of the travel industry, and while we feel confident that international travel will be back in full swing by October, it is possible that it may not be feasible. In the event that Rogue Expeditions cancels this trip due to COVID-19-related issues, participants are guaranteed the option of a full refund or credit of all payments made towards this trip, and those using a credit from a previously cancelled trip will have their credit extended again. Any decision regarding cancellation of this trip will be made no later than 60 days prior to departure.

You can find the full cancellation/transfer policy, along with the rest of the trip-specific FAQS here.

CONTACT
Allison Macsas at allison@roguexpeditions.com