2 races
Event overview
Ultra X Morocco is an event that takes place in and around the city of Ouarzazate (Pronounced – Wuh-zuh-zet) in November. It offers two races: a 110km distance over two days and a single-stage 50km distance.
Nicknamed the door of the desert, Ouarzazate is positioned in south-central Morocco, south of the High Atlas Mountains. This course will take you on a sensory journey, past Kasbahs, through traditional fortified villages, lush oases and over rocky desert whilst being supported by the wonderful local population.
Taking part in mid-November, the climate conditions for the race should be temperate, with lows of 8°C in the evening but highs that could reach around 30°C during the day.
Highlights
- Choose between two race formats: a single-stage 50km or a two-day 110km desert challenge
- Trails around Ouarzazate’s rocky plains, green oases and ancient kasbahs
- Fully marked course with generous support and relaxed cut-offs
- UTMB® Index status on the 50km distance
- Experience local Berber culture and hospitality along the route
- Dramatic desert climate with warm days and cool evenings
Event photos
Event video
- Superfit
The African Slam!
Can you complete the continent?
The Africa Slam is awarded to those who complete all Ultra X events on the African continent.
The Slam will be achieved by completing:
- Ultra X Morocco
- Ultra X Tanzania SOLD OUT FOR 2026
- Ultra X Rwanda
- Ultra X South Africa
- Ultra X Sahara
Athletes must complete all five African events, Morocco, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Africa, and the Sahara, to earn the award.
Awards will be presented at the finish line of the participant’s final African event. There is no time limit on completing the Africa Slam.
If you don't finish
In the scenario that you cannot finish a stage, you will be offered entry into the following edition of the race at half price. You will not receive a finishers' medal or official result.
- Bag transfer
- Camping
- Toilets
Event HQ
Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate
45000
Morocco
Morocco
Competitors may wish to travel with family or friends. Should they wish to enjoy the local region while you race, the following sights are recommended. Alternatively, you can visit them together after the event.
Experience the mountain range in the Maghreb in North Africa, separating the Sahara Desert from the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Climb Mount Toubkal the highest peak in Morocco (4,167m) on a two day trip.
Experience the Sahara Desert post-race with the Ultra X add-on package. Runners will have the choice between camel riding, quad biking or going on a 4×4 dune experience.
Where Europe, Africa and the Middle East come to mingle. Enjoy ambling around the medinas and souks of this ancient city.
Ultra X Morocco was a super accessible event! The cost of racing abroad is usually very high but Morocco is a budget friendly, beautiful and easy to get to location. If you’re planning on doing a multistage desert event like myself, use Ultra X Morocco as a taster of what you’ll be in for! It was a tough race but you’ll be supported by the crew all the way through. We ran through iconic parts of Ouarzazate and finished at the set of the Gladiator… which you’ll definitely feel like one when you’ve finished! Nina
One of my favourite quotes is, ‘In order to grow, you need to let go of the illusion that you actually know yourself’, and there is no better way to grow and to find out who you are really are and what you are capable of, than by being curious and taking action, doing hard things, achieving the unachievable and breaking everyday norms. My ultrarunning journey has elevated my life and unlocked a potential that I never knew existed, it’s also taken me to the most isolated and beautiful locations on the planet, and best of all, I’ve made friends for life along the way. This journey is my Ultra X journey, and I couldn’t recommend it more to anyone. Sam
I’ve been completely captivated by how much running ultra marathons can change your view on the world, and Morocco did not fall short of this. To have the opportunity to run through the middle of a desert with no civilisation as far as the eye could see was a privileged experience, and there is something immensely rewarding about the isolation whilst still having the security of a full support and medic crew. The course was breathtaking, and whilst relatively little elevation, there was a huge strategy game to be had, pacing yourself at altitude and in the heat. It’s not a course for the faint-hearted, but come prepared, and it will certainly rank in some of the top Ultras you can experience. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to add on a bit of a holiday afterwards! Sophie
Sustainability
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