The 13th edition of the Eco Trail Morocco officially kicked off on Wednesday in Ouarzazate, featuring a 70 km running race divided into three stages and attracting more than 300 participants.
Running until April 17, this sporting event aims to raise awareness about environmental protection, promote outdoor physical activity, and highlight the region’s tourism potential and cultural heritage.
Organized by the Association of Marathon Runners of Ouarzazate in partnership with Ecotrail and in collaboration with the provincial authorities, the competition brings together over 300 runners of all ages from several countries, including Morocco, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, and Belgium.
According to the organizers, participants will have the chance to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the southeastern oases, along with the region’s rich ecological and touristic heritage. This includes palm groves, ksour, kasbahs, film studios, and other iconic landmarks that define Ouarzazate and its surroundings.
Alongside the race, several environmental awareness activities are being held to promote a culture of sustainability. These include tree-planting initiatives and route-cleaning campaigns.
In a statement, Rachid El Morabiti, a member of the organizing committee, noted that this edition offers participants the opportunity to discover new landscapes and attractive tourist destinations.
He also highlighted that parts of the race route pass through famous film sets that have hosted international productions, offering runners a unique experience that blends sport, tourism, and culture.
He added that the event goes beyond a simple sporting competition, incorporating an environmental dimension through parallel activities such as tree planting and course clean-ups, aimed at fostering environmental awareness among participants and the local community.
As for the results, the first stage (20 km) saw a tie in the men’s category between Moroccan runner Mehdi El Mesfaa and French athlete Théo Varaillon, both finishing with a time of 1 hour, 26 minutes, and 4 seconds. In the women’s category, France’s Léa Sabrena Raulance secured first place with a time of 1 hour, 35 minutes, and 43 seconds.
In the 10 km race, Morocco’s Abderrahman Didi won the men’s category in 42 minutes and 40 seconds, while France’s Vanessa Couadrado claimed victory in the women’s race, finishing in 57 minutes and 33 seconds.
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