Days
Hours
Min
Sec
The Atlas Mountain Race is a grueling 1,350km unsupported, single-stage mountain adventure across Morocco’s High Atlas and Anti-Atlas ranges.
Course Highlights
The Atlas Mountain Race (AMR) is a legendary off-road adventure that takes participants through some of the most rugged and breathtaking landscapes in Morocco. For the 2026 edition, the course underwent a significant transformation, moving its starting point to Beni Mellal. This new route explores the heart of the High Atlas, including the spectacular gorges of M’Goun. Riders navigate a complex network of forgotten colonial pistes, high mountain passes, and scorched desert plains. Notable highlights include the Tizi N’Aït Imi pass, which stands as the highest point ever featured in the race at 2,910 meters, and the palm-fringed oasis of Aguinane. The journey concludes at the historic Atlantic port town of Essaouira, providing a dramatic transition from snow-capped peaks to the coastal breeze.
Race Details
The Atlas Mountain Race is defined as a fixed-route, unsupported, single-stage event. Spanning approximately 1,350 kilometers with a staggering 25,000 meters of vertical elevation gain, it is a test of extreme endurance and self-sufficiency. There are no prizes, and the clock never stops. Participants must carry all their own gear and manage their own resupply, often crossing vast distances between remote mountain villages. The race typically takes place in February, presenting riders with a diverse range of weather conditions, from freezing alpine temperatures to intense desert heat. Riders can compete in the solo or pairs categories, with the primary goal being to reach the finish line within the eight-day time limit. The event is managed by the team behind the Silk Road Mountain Race, ensuring a high standard of logistical challenge and adventure.
Why Runners Love It
While the Atlas Mountain Race is primarily a bikepacking event, it draws athletes with a “runner’s soul”—those who thrive on long-distance mountain endurance and the grit required for high-altitude survival. The sheer scale of the Moroccan backcountry offers an unparalleled sense of isolation and beauty that attracts ultra-endurance athletes from around the globe. Participants are drawn to the authenticity of the experience, interacting with local communities in remote regions rarely visited by tourists. The physical and mental challenge of navigating “hike-a-bike” sections and technical rocky descents mirrors the demands of elite trail running. It is a journey that transcends sport, offering a profound connection to the land and a test of character that participants describe as a life-changing experience.
For more information on upcoming editions and how to apply for this extraordinary challenge, please visit the official Atlas Mountain Race website.
At a Glance
- Location: Beni Mellal, Béni Mellal-Khénifra — Morocco
- Next Date: TBD — date not yet announced
- Distances: [‘1350 km’]
- Start Time: 18:00
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.themountainraces.cc/atlas-mountain-race
The Atlas Mountain Race is a grueling 1,350km unsupported, single-stage mountain adventure across Morocco’s High Atlas and Anti-Atlas ranges.
Course Highlights
The Atlas Mountain Race (AMR) is a legendary off-road adventure that takes participants through some of the most rugged and breathtaking landscapes in Morocco. For the 2026 edition, the course underwent a significant transformation, moving its starting point to Beni Mellal. This new route explores the heart of the High Atlas, including the spectacular gorges of M’Goun. Riders navigate a complex network of forgotten colonial pistes, high mountain passes, and scorched desert plains. Notable highlights include the Tizi N’Aït Imi pass, which stands as the highest point ever featured in the race at 2,910 meters, and the palm-fringed oasis of Aguinane. The journey concludes at the historic Atlantic port town of Essaouira, providing a dramatic transition from snow-capped peaks to the coastal breeze.
Race Details
The Atlas Mountain Race is defined as a fixed-route, unsupported, single-stage event. Spanning approximately 1,350 kilometers with a staggering 25,000 meters of vertical elevation gain, it is a test of extreme endurance and self-sufficiency. There are no prizes, and the clock never stops. Participants must carry all their own gear and manage their own resupply, often crossing vast distances between remote mountain villages. The race typically takes place in February, presenting riders with a diverse range of weather conditions, from freezing alpine temperatures to intense desert heat. Riders can compete in the solo or pairs categories, with the primary goal being to reach the finish line within the eight-day time limit. The event is managed by the team behind the Silk Road Mountain Race, ensuring a high standard of logistical challenge and adventure.
Why Runners Love It
While the Atlas Mountain Race is primarily a bikepacking event, it draws athletes with a “runner’s soul”—those who thrive on long-distance mountain endurance and the grit required for high-altitude survival. The sheer scale of the Moroccan backcountry offers an unparalleled sense of isolation and beauty that attracts ultra-endurance athletes from around the globe. Participants are drawn to the authenticity of the experience, interacting with local communities in remote regions rarely visited by tourists. The physical and mental challenge of navigating “hike-a-bike” sections and technical rocky descents mirrors the demands of elite trail running. It is a journey that transcends sport, offering a profound connection to the land and a test of character that participants describe as a life-changing experience.
For more information on upcoming editions and how to apply for this extraordinary challenge, please visit the official Atlas Mountain Race website.
At a Glance
- Location: Beni Mellal, Béni Mellal-Khénifra — Morocco
- Next Date: TBD — date not yet announced
- Distances: [‘1350 km’]
- Start Time: 18:00
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.themountainraces.cc/atlas-mountain-race