The 11th edition of the Europe-Africa Trail race, a unique event connecting two continents and three countries, concluded in Tangier, Morocco. The competition, which took place from November 1-3, 2026, brought together 250 participants from 17 different nationalities. The event aims to highlight the importance of preserving the Mediterranean biosphere reserve, a biodiversity hotspot that connects Africa and Europe.
In the men's category, Swedish athlete Martin Nelson claimed the top spot, winning four out of five stages with a total time of 5 hours, 35 minutes, and 1 second. Norwegian athlete Andres Kirveik finished second, while Polish athlete Marcin Kobika secured third place. Moroccan athlete Abd al-Ali Busalam impressed the crowd by winning the fourth stage and finishing third in the final stage.
The women's category saw a dominant performance by Spanish athletes, who swept the podium. Laura Brouch Adelantado claimed the top spot with a time of 8 hours, 8 minutes, and 44 seconds, followed by her compatriots Begona Pena Ailagas and Diana Frerer Ferrero. The event showcased the strength of Spanish mountain running.
The Europe-Africa Trail race is more than just a physical competition; it also aims to promote environmental awareness and human connection. The event's organizers, the "Tatwan Asmir" association, sought to highlight the importance of preserving the Mediterranean biosphere reserve. The competition's unique route, which spans across the mountains, forests, and coastal areas, provided participants with a breathtaking experience.
The final stage of the competition took place in the Kdyla Al-Tayfor mountain in Caponigre, with participants facing challenging terrain and an elevation of over 500 meters. The event concluded with a ceremony in Tangier, where winners were awarded and local personalities were honored.
The Europe-Africa Trail race has become a significant event in the sports calendar, attracting athletes from around the world. The competition's focus on environmental awareness and human connection sets it apart from other events. As the event continues to grow, it is expected to promote greater awareness about the importance of preserving our planet's natural resources.
The event's success can be attributed to the support of local authorities and the involvement of the community. The competition's impact extends beyond the sports world, promoting cultural exchange and understanding between different nations. As the Europe-Africa Trail race looks to the future, it is expected to continue inspiring athletes and promoting environmental awareness.
Key points
- The Europe-Africa Trail race promotes environmental awareness and human connection while showcasing athletic talent.