DR ‹ › The Association des Initiatives des Jeunes d'Itzer (ASSIJI) will host the 10th edition of the Itzer Trail from May 15 to 17, 2026, in Morocco's Middle Atlas. This 100% charity event will feature four race distances (10 km, 21 km, 56 km, and 100 km) and is expected to bring together around 400 participants. Launched in 2020 with 100 runners, the event has steadily grown, reaching a record 334 participants in 2025. Its expansion has been supported by the introduction of two editions per year, strengthening its position in the regional sports calendar, organizers said in a press release. Beyond competition, the Itzer Trail channels participation fees directly into social and educational initiatives for local communities. Through trail running, trekking, and climbing formats, it has mobilized more than 1,700 participants and attracts over 1,000 visitors annually, contributing to the promotion of the Middle Atlas' natural heritage and the development of impact-driven sports tourism. Since its creation in 2019, ASSIJI has built a model based on local engagement, solidarity, and long-term partnerships. Over six and a half years, more than 6.18 million dirhams have been raised and largely reinvested in field initiatives, benefiting over 12,000 people. «In six and a half years, Itzer has shown that a territory can, through a local initiative, build a sustainable model where sport becomes a concrete lever for solidarity and development», said association president Farid Benlafdil. Beyond the race, the association runs targeted social programs, including support for more than 1,500 students, dental care for 3,500 children, eyeglasses for over 500 pupils, and regular aid benefiting more than 1,100 families. Located in Midelt province in the Drâa-Tafilalet region, Itzer is a rural commune of over 10,000 residents, known for its apple production, introduced in the 1950s and now covering around 610 hectares, alongside cereal farming, livestock, and fruit cultivation. Founded in 2019 by around 100 young people from the region, ASSIJI promotes local development through sports and solidarity initiatives, while supporting students, families, orphans, and local sports clubs.
