Moroccan runners dominate the Trail Chefchaouen-Talassemtane races.
The Rif Mountains hosted the second edition of the “Trail Chefchaouen Talassemtane” from June 20 to 22, 2025, an athletic event that combined physical challenge with breathtaking scenery in the heart of Talassemtane National Park.
The park’s mountain paths welcomed runners from various nationalities, who competed over three days in three different races: a main three-stage race covering 82 kilometers, a two-stage race totaling 44 kilometers, and a third race over 10 kilometers.
This event was organized under the auspices of “Trail Morocco” and with the support of the local authorities of the Chefchaouen region, reinforcing the area’s status as a leading destination for sustainable sports tourism in the north of the kingdom.
Moroccan athletes showed a strong presence and notable dominance on the podiums, especially in the main race. Amin Tihani claimed first place after a fierce competition, ahead of Swiss runner Jan Orlandi and Frenchman Jean-Michel Cabrera. In the women’s category, French athlete Hélène de Souza took first place, followed by Moroccan Radia Cheikh Lahlou in second and Frenchwoman Laetitia Jimenez in third.
In the two-stage race (44 km), Moroccan runners continued to excel, with Hicham Alali securing first place, followed by Karim Ait Lafkih, and Frenchman Gaël Païet coming in third. In the women’s category, Moroccan Boulkis Tendjoui led the race, with compatriot Majda Anwar following closely, while Frenchwoman Sandy Boasi finished third.
In the 10-kilometer race, Moroccan Abdel Aziz Akhroub shone by winning in the men’s category, ahead of Youssef Fannan and Ziad Rifi, while Moroccan Hafsa Laho triumphed in the women’s race, outpacing French athlete Justine Rota and Moroccan Salima Charaf.
