ATLAS QUEST BY UTAT (4-6OCT). ULTRA TRAIL ATLAS TOUBKAL. RACE PREVIEW

Posted by Corriendo la Vida on September 20, 2024 in calendar 2024, trail running, trail running spain, trailrunning, trailrunning morocco, trailrunning spain, Ultra Trail, ultra trail atlas toubkal | Leave a comment

ATLAS QUEST BY UTAT (4-6OCT). ULTRA TRAIL ATLAS TOUBKAL. RACE PREVIEW. Our MOUNTAIN RACING CALENDAR 2024 bring to us the race in the heart of Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains.

Nearly 500 athletes from over 20 countries are gearing up to take on the rugged terrain of the Atlas Mountains from October 4th to 6th in the 13th edition of the Atlas Quest by UTAT. After a one-year hiatus due to the 2023 earthquake, the event returns to the Oukaïmeden plateau at 2,620 meters above sea level.

Photo Brieuc Van Elst

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ATLAS QUEST BY UTAT (4-6OCT).

ULTRA TRAIL ATLAS TOUBKAL. RACE PREVIEW

The Atlas Quest, an iconic trail running event created in 2009, will celebrate its 13th edition in 2024. The brainchild of Cyrille Sismondini, the race was born after he discovered the stunning beauty of the Atlas Mountains in 2007. Inspired by the region’s landscapes and rich culture, Sismondini envisioned an event that would bring international recognition to the area and attract trail runners from around the world.

The Atlas Quest isn’t just a sporting event; it is a platform that actively contributes to the development of the region by collaborating closely with local communities. This unique partnership aims to showcase the beauty of the Atlas Mountains while offering competitors a chance to experience the culture and hospitality of the local Berber people.

With races taking place at altitudes ranging from 1,700 meters to 3,700 meters, the event offers a challenging yet rewarding adventure on Morocco’s rugged trails. Athletes from across the globe come not only for the competition but also for the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and authentic experiences that the Atlas Mountains offer.

Photo Brieuc Van Elst

ATLAS QUEST BY UTAT. Atlas Toubkal Ultra Trail 105KM / 8000 M D+

The race starts (and finishes) in Oukaïmeden, at an altitude of 2 620. The course runs between the altitudes of 1700 and 3700 meters. The race requires a high level of autonomy, and the single tracks are technical. A stretch of the race, from km 40 to 80, runs through one of the most remote and isolated parts of the High Atlas, with no roads and no GSM coverage. There are 19 medical checkpoints along the route, including 6 with refreshments

Start: Friday 4 October at midnight – max time: 40h

Winner: around 18h (Record: 17h36’13 – 2022 Guillaume Beauxis)

Male favorites

The main event, the Atlas Toubkal Ultra Trail, features a fierce competition with elite athletes lining up. Reigning champion Guillaume Beauxis, fresh from a solid 35th place at the UTMB and a top-five finish at the TDS in 2022, is back to defend his title. He will face off against trail running superstar Lambert Santelli, record-holder of the GR 20 and winner of the Restonica Trail by UTMB in 2024, and 4th in the Grand Raid de la Réunion and winner of the MIUT in 2023. Santelli’s incredible climbing and descending abilities on rocky terrain make him a formidable contender. Stefen Roux, another top athlete with podium potential, and Morocco’s Jamal Ait Ifraden, winner of the High Atlas Ultra Trail 2023 and 2024 over 120km, will also be strong challengers.

Female favorites

In the women’s race, all eyes are on Claire Bannwarth, known for her relentless endurance, nicknamed the “Duracell rabbit.” After securing 3rd place in the Tor des Géants and 18th at the UTMB, she is the clear favorite.

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ATLAS QUEST BY UTAT. Atlas Challenge 68KM (42+26) / 4000 (2600 + 1400) M D+

The Atlas Challenge (Marathon + Ikkis tour) will feature exciting newcomers like the Corsican Noël Giordano o, very comfortable on technical 40km formats,
3rd in the THP and winner of the Trail Gravona 2024 and Matis Leray, 32nd in the UTMB, 2nd in the Frison Roche and 7th in the Eiger over 50km this season

In the women’s division, France’s Amandine Ferrato, runner-up in the 2017 World Championships, and Aziza Raji three-time winner of the High Atlas Ultra trail and 2nd in the 2024 Marathon des Sables after winning it in 2021, as well as Astrid Renet and Julia Redoutey, will battle for the top spot.

Photo L. Tange

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ATLAS QUEST BY UTAT. Marathon de l’Atlas 42KM / 2600 M D+

The race starts in Oukaimeden at an altitude of 2,620m, with the highest point on the route at 3,180m and the lowest at 1,950m. The organisers have set up 2 refreshment stands and 5 checkpoints. The Atlas Marathon is a demanding route, with the fastest runners finishing in around 4 hours 30 minutes.

Start: Saturday 5 October at 6.00 am – maximum time: 12 hours

Winner: around 4h30 (Record: 4h33’28 – 2014 Rachid Elmorabity)

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ATLAS QUEST BY UTAT. La virée d’Ikkiss 26KM / 1400 M D+

An unforgettable journey through the High Atlas! The race starts in Oukaïmeden at an altitude of 2,620 m, with the highest point of the route at 2,950 m and the lowest at 1,830 m.
The Virée d’Ikkiss is a short race with a maximum of thrills in the heart of the green valleys and dry environments of high altitude. 1 feed station and 4 checkpoints.

Start: Sunday 6 October at 9.00 am – maximum time: 8 hours

Winner: around 2h30 (current record 02h23’20 – 2016 Rachid Elmorabity)

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ATLAS QUEST BY UTAT. Amazigh Trail 12km / 600 M D+

The Amazigh Trail (word for Berber and means free man. You may also note that “gh” is pronounced “r”)  gives every rider (regular, occasional, athlete sprinter …) the opportunity to discover outdoor running. A quick and accessible excursion to discover the beauty of the Oukaïmeden trails, a real mountain trail! The essence of mountain running. A route close to Oukaïmeden, with climbs and descents and breathtaking views!

Start: Sunday 6 October at 10 a.m.