Ultra Trail Atlas Toubkal (UTAT)

What it really is

The Ultra Trail Atlas Toubkal was launched in 2009 by the Sports Nature Développement association. It runs each October around the Oukaïmeden resort, at two thousand six hundred metres of altitude, seventy kilometres south of Marrakech. The race zone shifts between one thousand seven hundred and three thousand seven hundred metres, entirely on Berber mountain, with Toubkal (4,167 m, the highest point in North Africa) on the horizon. Five formats sit side by side, from the 12 km open to all to the 105 km reserved for experienced ultra runners. Rebranded Atlas Quest by UTAT since 2024, the event keeps the same team and the same races. It is now the biggest nature race in Morocco, and one of the rare African ultras listed on the international calendar.

Taking it in

The race village goes up for five days around the Oukaïmeden plateau: tech tents, aid stations open to the public, dates and tea at the edges of the posts. European trail runners (well represented from France) mix with Moroccan teams and a few Anglo-Saxons. The weekend concentrates the starts: Atlas Marathon Saturday morning, Ultra 105 the day before to absorb the first night self-sufficient. The course goes through Imlil, Setti Fatma, Tacheddirt, three valleys you can reach via organised shuttles from the village to cheer a friend on. The Ultra 105’s highlight sits in an isolated stretch between kilometres forty and eighty: no road, no mobile signal, only fluorescent markers and supply mules. The finish line closes slowly through the night, under headlamps, with the Berber band picking up for every runner.

Getting there

Entries open in the spring on the official site (trail-atlasquest.com), with tiered fees closing progressively as the race approaches. Each runner picks a format and provides a recent medical certificate. From Marrakech, the organisers run official shuttles from the airport Thursday morning and back Monday evening. Otherwise, reckon on an hour and a half by car on the mountain road. Where to stay: Oukaïmeden itself (refuges, plain chalets) or Imlil thirty minutes lower for more options. Marrakech is possible but forces two daily transfers, avoid. Weather in early October at two thousand six hundred metres: cool nights (zero to eight degrees), mild days (fifteen to twenty-two degrees), late-storm risk to watch. Mountain kit compulsory: warm layer, waterproof, headlamp, water reserve, gloves and whistle for the long formats. Exact lists are published with each race’s rules.

Pair it with

Plan five to seven nights to absorb the logistics and catch your breath. Two or three days of acclimatisation before the start at Imlil is the best option for those coming from low altitude. Post-race, a gentle walk in the Toubkal area stays on the table for those acclimatised and well recovered, or a run down to Ourika valley for a gradual return to warmth. Two or three nights in Marrakech at the end let you close with a hammam (see our hammam sheet) and an evening in the medina. Avoid in the forty-eight hours after the Ultra 105: Agafay quad biking, Toubkal on a dry outing or any dinner that demands you finish standing.

Who it is for, who it is not

For trail runners chasing an ultra in high African mountain, with real isolation mid-course. For a mountain marathoner who wants a demanding 42 km, with continuous Toubkal views. For a first trail on the short format, the Amazigh 12 km is accessible without a heavy sports background. Less for: runners who refuse altitude from the go (2,600 m at the start, without prior acclimatisation, is tough). Travellers who want to run everything from Marrakech (the transfers break the rhythm). Profiles who dread the cold night in a refuge or a tent.

FAQ

When is the next edition? The 15th edition is announced from 2 to 6 October 2026, dates to be finalised on the official site (the 2025 edition was cancelled by the organisers, a return is planned for 2026).

How do I register? On trail-atlasquest.com, opening in spring. Recent medical certificate required. Fee tiers close progressively as the race approaches.

Can I come as a spectator? Yes. The organisers open shuttles towards Imlil, Setti Fatma and Tacheddirt, three valleys the courses run through. Race village open freely at Oukaïmeden.

Where do I sleep during the race? Oukaïmeden itself (refuges, chalets) or Imlil thirty minutes lower (more options). Marrakech is possible but not advised: two daily mountain transfers, sleep lost.

What level to enter? Match the format. The Amazigh 12 km is open without ultra prep. The Atlas Marathon needs a mountain-marathon background. The Ultra 105 is reserved for experienced trail runners with at least one long ultra and a high-mountain habit.

How do I get to Oukaïmeden from Marrakech? Official organised shuttle (Thursday morning, return Monday evening) from the airport, or car (an hour and a half on the S513 road). Avoid the grand taxi for this distance. The mountain road degrades late in the season.

Sheet built from official sources - Ultra Trail Atlas Toubkal (trail-atlasquest.com, atlas-trail.com, Wikipedia), Association Sports Nature Développement. Check the official date confirmation for 2026 before publication: the 2025 edition was cancelled by the organisers (reasons not officially shared), a return is announced for October 2026 (2 to 6 October per the official Facebook page), but several race aggregators still show different or unconfirmed dates. Next update expected at the opening of 2026 entries.