The Sahara desert near Zagora holds many secrets, but one of its most inspiring stories belongs to Elhousine Elazzaoui trail runner extraordinaire. Picture a young Berber boy running barefoot across endless dunes, chasing camels under the blazing sun. Fast-forward to today, and that same boy has become Morocco's most celebrated trail running champion, conquering mountains across the globe while carrying the spirit of the desert in his heart.
As someone who's spent years exploring Morocco's diverse landscapes, I've always been fascinated by stories that bridge our traditional nomadic heritage with modern achievements. Elhousine's journey from the remote desert of Zagora to the peaks of the Swiss Alps represents something truly magical about Morocco – our ability to honor our roots while reaching for the stars.
The Desert Boy Who Learned to Fly
Growing Up Nomadic in Zagora
Elhousine Elazzaoui was born on March 16, 1992, in Zagora, into a large Berber family of eleven children. His grandfather and father were part of the ancient tradition of trans-Saharan commerce, leading caravans of about fifteen camels across the desert. When I think about those endless expanses near Zagora, I can almost feel the freedom that shaped young Elhousine's character.
"I was never at home, always in the desert," he recalls with a laugh. "I was already running in my mother's womb." This wasn't just a figure of speech – for nomadic families like his, running was essential for survival. While other children might walk to school, Elhousine ran the ten kilometers daily, wearing simple "nomad shoes" – sandals with tire soles.
The family diet consisted of dates, goat milk, chickpea soups, and traditional tagines and couscous cooked in the sand by his mother. These simple, natural foods would later influence his approach to nutrition as a professional athlete, proving that sometimes the old ways are the best ways.
A Chance Discovery Changes Everything
At fourteen, while wandering through Zagora's bustling souk, Elhousine stumbled upon registration for a 5-kilometer race. Despite his father's objections – it was soup time, after all – the determined teenager hid and ran the race anyway. He won. That first victory in 2006 marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would take him far from the desert sands of his childhood.
His success led him through Moroccan championships, where he finished sixth and qualified for the African championships. Unfortunately, without a passport, he couldn't participate. But the seed was planted – this desert boy had found his calling.
From Guide to Global Champion
The Swiss Connection
After finishing his secondary education, Elhousine worked in his family's small tourism agency as a certified guide, continuing to train relentlessly. "Here, we don't have television, we go to bed early," he explains. "At 5 or 6 in the morning, before preparing breakfast, I would go running. Just like that, for pleasure."
In 2016, through his work as a guide, he met a Swiss tourist who would change his life forever. She encouraged him to pursue his athletic dreams in Europe, and at 24, he made the bold decision to move to Switzerland's Ticino canton. With no sponsor, no coach, and only a guide's diploma as baggage, he arrived with dreams bigger than the Atlas Mountains.
His first European trail race was a humbling experience. Running a 27-kilometer course with 1,500 meters of elevation gain, he wore road running shoes and "fell all the time." Still, he finished second. It was clear that this Moroccan Elhousine Elazzaoui trail runner had natural talent that transcended equipment and experience.
Building a Professional Career
From 2018 onward, Elhousine dedicated himself fully to trail running. His breakthrough came in 2019 when he won the Swiss Golden Trail National Series and first participated in the prestigious Golden Trail World Series. The technical mountain races suited his desert-trained endurance and natural agility perfectly.
In 2020, despite the pandemic disrupting the traditional Golden Trail World Series, Salomon organized a special four-day event in the Azores. Elhousine finished fourth overall, establishing himself in the global top five – a position he would rarely leave.
The Path to Glory
Meeting Kilian Jornet and NNormal
The year 2023 proved pivotal when Elhousine met legendary trail runner Kilian Jornet. "Not easy to approach him," Elhousine admits, "but I'm someone who looks at shoes first – they're like the steering wheel of a car." Jornet recognized the talent of the man now nicknamed the "Flying Berber" and welcomed him into his NNormal team.
This partnership with NNormal, founded on environmental values that resonated with Elhousine's nomadic respect for nature, provided the support structure he needed. "Alone, you can't do anything," he often says, reflecting the Berber wisdom that emphasizes community and mutual support.
Conquering the Golden Trail World Series
The 2024 season belonged to Elhousine Elazzaoui trail runner supremacy. He won three of the six regular season races, including a spectacular victory at the Marathon du Mont Blanc, where he set a new course record of 3:30:10. His patient racing strategy – staying with the leaders before unleashing his devastating downhill speed in the final kilometers – became his trademark.
The season culminated in Switzerland, where the Golden Trail World Series Finals took place on his training grounds in Ticino. He dominated both the prologue and the final race, securing the overall championship with a perfect 1000 points. Standing atop the podium, Elhousine became the first African to win the Golden Trail World Series.
The Cultural Bridge Builder
Staying Connected to Roots
Despite his global success, Elhousine maintains deep connections to his origins. Each winter, he returns to Zagora to help his family's tourism business and spend time with nomadic children, just as he once was. "Returning to the sources, to my origins, that's what gives me strength," he explains.
He still wears his traditional Berber chèche (veil) and gandoura (tunic) when training in the desert, connecting his modern athletic pursuits with ancient cultural practices. This isn't just nostalgia – it's a living bridge between Morocco's rich heritage and its dynamic future.
Inspiring a New Generation
Elhousine's success has sparked a running revolution across Morocco. "In my country, many young people have started running to follow my path," he notes with pride. His story proves that with determination and respect for one's heritage, extraordinary achievements are possible.
His dream extends beyond personal glory. He envisions organizing races for nomadic children in his homeland, bringing international attention to Morocco's trail running potential while providing opportunities for the next generation.
Training Philosophy and Approach
The Desert Advantage
What makes Elhousine Elazzaoui trail runner so special? His nomadic upbringing provided natural advantages that no training program could replicate. Growing up at altitude in harsh desert conditions, running for necessity rather than sport, built extraordinary endurance and mental toughness.
"In the mountains, I want to go faster to see what's at the summit. I imagine they're dunes," he explains, showing how his desert childhood continues to influence his mountain racing strategy.
Modern Methods, Ancient Wisdom
While working with professional coaches and following structured training, Elhousine remains guided by intuition. "I'm a bit of an athlete apart. I don't follow a strict schedule," he laughs. "Of course, I have a coach who guides me, but I stay faithful to my sensations. I listen to my body above all!"
This blend of modern sports science with traditional wisdom reflects a uniquely Moroccan approach to excellence – respecting innovation while honoring ancestral knowledge.
Looking to the Future
As Elhousine continues competing at the highest level, he faces new challenges with the same humble determination that carried him from the Sahara to Swiss mountains. His ultimate goal remains winning a world championship, but equally important is his mission to inspire young Moroccans and showcase our country's athletic potential.
"The dream became reality, but the dream isn't over. The Flying Berber will continue to fly," he posted after his Golden Trail World Series victory, capturing the spirit that makes him such an inspiring figure.
Experience Morocco Through Trail Running
Elhousine's story offers a unique lens for understanding Morocco's landscape and culture. From the endless dunes of Zagora to the challenging peaks of the Atlas Mountains, our country provides training grounds that have shaped a world champion. His journey reminds us that Morocco's greatest treasures aren't just in our imperial cities or coastal resorts – they're in the resilience and dreams of our people.
For visitors interested in trail running, Morocco offers incredible opportunities to train at altitude, experience diverse terrains, and perhaps understand a little of what shaped this remarkable athlete. The next time you're exploring the desert near Zagora or hiking in the Atlas Mountains, remember that these landscapes produced a world champion who never forgot where he came from.
What aspects of Elhousine Elazzaoui's journey inspire you most? Have you ever discovered hidden talents through unexpected opportunities? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below – I'd love to hear how Morocco has surprised or inspired you during your travels!