RUN MOROCCO | BACKROADS OF THE ATLAS – 9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS

Dates:

• October 21-28, 2024
• April 18-26, 2025
• Private tours also available

Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

Price: $4,095 per person

• Trip pricing is based on double occupancy and solo travelers will be placed with a same-sex roommate.
• Due to the size and unique nature of most of our accommodation, single rooms are not generally available for this trip. If an opportunity for a single room opens up, we will make it available to registered participants; you can indicate your interest when you sign up and we will offer single rooms in the order in which you registered.

Terrain:
The terrain is primarily a mix of runnable dirt roads and single track trails, some of which are too steep for the average person to run – expect to do some hiking! You will be at altitude – between 5000-8000 ft (1500-2500m) most days – and should expect challenging days and slower-than-usual paces. There is never a rush and each day will immerse you in brand new landscapes and experiences; show up with an adaptable and adventurous attitude and you’ll have an incredible time!

Average daily running distance: 11-16 km

Longest running distance in a day: 16 km

Group size: up to 14 participants

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What level of running is this trip suitable for?

Are there any alternatives for non-runners?

Accommodation

Dietary accommodation

Itinerary (day-to-day)

What’s included in the price?

What’s NOT Included in the Price?

See Additional Information for more details on Payment Procedure and Cancellation Policy.

What Level of Running is this Trip suitable for?

There is no set requirement and there will be multiple distance options each day, but for the best experience we recommend that you arrive comfortable with logging 3-4 runs per week of 4-6 miles (6-10km) each and a longer run of 8-10 miles (13-16 km). If you can do that, you can do anything on this trip! You will be spending the week in the mountains, so the more time you can spend practicing your ups and down – even if it’s hiking – the better.
Please note: Given the diverse & beautiful scenery, the luxury of time to recover and a healthy dose of peer pressure, nearly everyone ends up running significantly more than they expected!

Are there any Alternatives for Non-runners?

The answer is generally yes, as long as they don’t mind that each day is built around the scheduled run; it works best if they enjoy walking or hiking, as we can set them up with short portions of each route.

Accommodation

• The holiday tour provider supports locally owned and operated guesthouses whenever possible. Each night will be spent in family-run riads (traditional courtyard homes), lodges and even a restored palace. You can expect clean, cozy rooms, private bathrooms, gorgeous Moroccan decor, warm hospitality, often a swimming pool and always a phenomenal view.

Dietary Accommodation

• Vegetarian
• Vegan
• Dairy-free
• Gluten-free
• Halal

If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know about them in a comment upon your booking.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 | 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!

Running: No organized run
Meals: Dinner included

DAY 2 | MARRAKECH

Those who arrive 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!

Running: No organized run
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included for early arrivals; Dinner for regular arrivals

DAY 3 | INTO THE PEAKS

After a big breakfast we depart Marrakech and drive far into the upper Ourika Valley to an area scarcely visited by tourists. From a road pass nestled high amongst the mountains we will start our run into the farthest reaches of this beautiful valley, taking in breathtaking views and catching glimpses of daily village life that are never seen from the highways. Lunch will be prepared by our crew and waiting at the end of the run, aching limbs can be soaked in the bracing alpine waters of the Ourika river and then, if we haven’t worn you out yet, you can opt for active recovery with a short hike to nearby waterfalls and a short tour of a traditional Berber household. Afterwards we head back to our guesthouse for a mountain sunset, an evening feast, and some chill time.

Running: Up to 9 mi / 15km, 1000 ft / 300m elevation gain/loss; dirt road
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

DAY 4 | INTO THE WOODS

This morning’s run starts right from our hotel and cruises through rare-in-Morocco pine forests, past remote Berber villages and along some stellar single-track on trails seldom visited by tourists. At the mountain top finish line of the run enjoy a restorative picnic lunch packed with fresh fruit, salads, grilled meats, fresh bread and copious amounts of sweet mint tea. That afternoon there will be plenty of time to relax and recover at our secluded valley refuge (and perhaps fit in a visit to a local rug shop as well!)

Running: Up to 10 mi / 16km, 2000 ft / 600m elevation gain/loss; single track, dirt road
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

DAY 5 | CROSSING THE HIGH ATLAS

• Today we head up, up, up to the start line of our run, in the ski resort town of Oukaimeden – at almost 9,000 ft. We will cross from one huge valley to another through a remote pass on spectacular single-track trails.
• We will descend into a stunning valley of terraced agriculture framed against some of the highest peaks of the High Atlas. After a picnic lunch at the end of the run we depart for the nearby town of Imlil with views of terraced valleys, apple orchards, flowing creeks, and the highest mountain in northern Africa, Jebel Toubkal (13,670ft).
• In the afternoon there will be time to explore Imlil, an outdoor adventure hub from which many mountaineering and trekking expeditions launch.

Running: 7 mi / 12km, 1300 ft / 400m elevation gain, 2500 ft / 750m elevation loss; dirt road & technical mountain single track
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

DAY 6 | TEST THOSE MOUNTAIN LEGS

Fell in love with Imlil? Good, because you get to stay a bit longer… and earn your way to the best views yet! We’ll begin from our riad, warming up with a bit of pavement before hitting a rolling dirt road that winds above the valley and below the highest peaks in North Africa, eventually culminating with a challenging single track climb climb to a pass with a big reward at the top – 360 degree views and fresh orange juice! Cruise back down to finish back at the hotel for lunch on the sunny rooftop terrace and time to relax before a short trek to a local home for tea and another hearty dinner.

Running: Up to 10 mi / 16km, 2500 ft / 750m elevation gain/loss; dirt road & technical mountain single track
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

DAY 7 | FROM MOUNTAINS TO THE COAST

Today is a well-deserved recovery day, and we’ve got some ground to cover! Wake up and enjoy a relaxed breakfast at our lodge before we hit the road west to the charming coastal city of Essaouira, whose fortified walls you may recognize from Game of Thrones! We will get settled into our home for the next few nights, a former palace that has since been converted into an opulent riad that will have you feeling like royalty. Enjoy an afternoon relaxing by the pool, or head out to explore the ancient medina before a beachfront dinner. Warning: you may not want to leave.

Running: No scheduled run; afternoon shakeout optional
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

DAY 8 | The End Of The (Back) Road

After breakfast at the riad we will have a short drive to our final run of the trip, a cruise-y stretch of coastal cliff single track above the turquoise Atlantic ocean. Your final indulgent picnic lunch awaits on the beach – fresh-caught this time! – then we’ll head back to town with time set aside for exploring the souks, visiting the port or strolling the beach before our grand finale dinner!

Running: Up to 7 mi / 11km, 600 ft / 200m elevation gain/loss; single track trail
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

DAY 9 | DEPARTURE

That’s it! Wake up to a final big breakfast and get packed up before departing for Marrakech. We’ll arrive with plenty of time to board flights home, or to connect to further travel.

Running: No organized run
Meals: Breakfast included

What’s Included in the Price?

• Pre-trip guidance + communication

• Transfers to/from Marrakech airport on arrival and departure day

• Transportation: well-maintained 4×4 vehicles, fuel and professional drivers

• Eight nights in comfortable, unique three and four-star hotels or riads (double occupancy)

• Six organized, guided runs

• Access to all routes and navigation tools via an app

• Experienced Moroccan logistics team

• Experienced Rogue Expeditions trip leaders

• All meals + snacks from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 9
• All water + coffee/tea/juice with breakfast

• Rogue Expeditions shirt + bufF

What’s NOT Included in the Price?

• Flight
• Alcohol or beverages other than water (though coffee, tea and juice are included with breakfasts)
• Travel Insurance
• Personal purchases/souvenirs or extra activities
• Tips

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation is considered initiated on the date that the holiday tour provider receives written confirmation from you.
Cancellation charge per person cancelling:

• Within 30 days of booking (but more than 90 days from departure): Full refund*
• 90+ days from the trip start date (but after the 30 day grace period): Deposits are non-refundable
• 61-90 days from the trip start date: 50% of total payment refunded**
• 60 days or less from the trip start date: No refunds

*Participants who register using a transfer credit may transfer again without penalty within 30 days of booking, but are not eligible for a refund.
**This only applies to participants who have paid their balances on time. If you do not pay the balance by the due date and cancel after the fact, the holiday tour provider will retain your full deposit. You are strongly encouraged to take out cancellation insurance to cover potential loss due to cancellation on your part. If you do not arrive for the trip, arrive late or leave early no refunds will be issued and you are responsible for any additional costs associated with transport to and from the tour.

CANCELLATION BY HOLIDAY TOUR PROVIDER:

We may cancel a trip at any time up to 60 days before departure if the trip has not met the minimum booking numbers. We may cancel a trip at any time prior to departure due to terrorism, natural disasters, pandemics, civil unrest, official government travel warnings or restrictions or other external events that prevent us from safely operating the planned itinerary. If we cancel your trip due to low participant numbers, you can transfer amounts paid to an alternate trip or receive a full refund. In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control refunds will be less any unrecoverable costs. We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance or non-refundable flights.

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