It’s still night on the Oukaïmeden plateau. The ambiance is electric, it’s the departure of the Marathon de l’Atlas.
After a few kilometers on an ascending track (450 m D+), you reach a ridge from where you may perceive the dawn, and the first PC. A descent takes you down a valley where the wadi Ourika takes its source, the entry on Berber territory. You reach the first village, Agouns, following a winding and hilly path to the second PC at Timichi – KM20.
A short and twisting climb, pretty step for a short time, brings you to a crest looking into a new valley. A large and smooth path will bring you to the beautiful village of Labassène. Another steep path and you are gratified with a breathtaking panorama.
You bypass the Eastern ridge of Adrar Tissi, and you start a climb of 800 m to reach the huge Tizi n’Tacheddirt (Alt 3 230 m). The path passes from one bank to the other of a pretty river. The col seems close, but no…still far away.
After a demanding ascent you finally reach Tizi n’Tacheddirt, where – if needed – a doctor will make sure all is well. Some 6 kms below you can see Tacheddirt and the Aid Station.
After a well-earned stop, there is just one climb left, another 600 m of positive vertical
A tough and beautiful ascent, where you are in constantly close to the solid rock of the Jbel Anggour (3 614 m).
Once at Tizi n’Addi (2 960 m), a smooth descent of 6 kms down to the bottom of a deep valley. A last effort and you will see the UTAT base camp on the plateau ! No need to run fast…enjoy your every stride !