Elhousine Elazzaoui is crowned in Zegama, one of the most prestigious trail races in the world
The NNormal athlete had already secured two second-place finishes in previous editions
Discover Who Elhousine Elazzaoui Is — The Athlete Born Among the Dunes
The iconic Zegama-Aizkorri mountain marathon experienced one of its most thrilling editions this weekend with the long-awaited victory of runner Elhousine Elazzaoui.
After two consecutive second-place finishes (2023 and 2024), the Moroccan athlete delivered a flawless race to finally claim the win in one of the most prestigious events in the world of trail running.
With a time of 3h 43' 4", the NNormal runner pushed himself to the limit to conquer the demanding 42 kilometers and over 2,700 meters of elevation gain along the course.
A thrilling race
From the starting gun, the race was marked by a very high pace. Elhousine, however, knew how to play his cards wisely, staying within the lead group and managing his effort through the most technical and demanding sections of the Basque course.
On the second climb of the day, at the summit of Aizkorri, Elazzaoui made the difference with a well-timed surge that allowed him to take the lead solo from that point onward.
His final time of 3h 43’ 28” reflects not only his physical condition but also his maturity as a runner.
“Winning in Zegama is a dream come true. This race has something magical, and experiencing this moment with all these people cheering is indescribable,” said Elhousine Elazzaoui, visibly emotional after crossing the finish line. “I’ve worked very hard to get here. After finishing second twice, I knew I had to be patient, keep learning… and today was the day,” he added.
The Basque crowd, as loyal and passionate as ever, once again filled the trails of the Aizkorri Mountains, creating the unique atmosphere that makes Zegama one of the most anticipated events of the season.
Who is Elhousine Elazzaoui?
Born in Morocco, Elhousine Elazzaoui is one of the greatest revelations in international trail running in recent years. At 33 years old, he has solidified his place among the elite with brilliant performances, such as the recent edition of Zegama and other races in the Golden Trail World Series circuit. Since 2024, he has been running under the colors of the NNormal team, the brand created by Kilian Jornet and Camper, where he stands out for his humility, discipline, and technical ability, especially on rugged terrain and steep descents.
Trained in the Atlas Mountains, in the northern part of the African continent, Elazzaoui combines physical power with an amazing ability to adapt to different racing conditions.
Elhousine discovered his passion for running as a child, playing with his friends in the southern Moroccan desert, among countless sand dunes. He recalls that place with deep affection, especially for the warmth of its people. He grew up in an environment with limited resources, although he had the opportunity to work for a time in his brother’s travel agency.
Thanks to that experience, he obtained the official tourist guide certification in Morocco. To this day, he still returns to his country during the winter months to help his family and support those in need. “I like spending time with nomad children because I was one too. When I come back, I try to be available to lend a hand wherever it’s needed,” he says humbly.
In recent years, Elhousine has made trail running his way of life. He deeply values everything this sport has given him: the chance to travel, discover unique landscapes, and meet people who have left a mark on him. “Since 2018, I’ve been able to fully dedicate myself to what I’m most passionate about. It has changed my life. Running, and doing it alongside the best in the world, is a gift,” he states. He also highlights how the support from the crowd during races moves him: “When people cheer me on, I feel at home.”
He currently lives in Switzerland, where he continues to train with discipline and enthusiasm, with his sights set on those great races he has always dreamed of.
Discover more about Elhousine at nnormal.com
About NNormal
NNormal es una marca de deportes al aire libre, nacida entre las costas de Mallorca y los Fiordos de Noruega. Los productos reflejan la filosofía común entre Camper y Kilian Jornet, los dos socios que dieron origen a NNormal: durabilidad y rendimiento, que inspiran a disfrutar y respetar la naturaleza. Una misión expresada a través de equipos atemporales que son funcionales, orientados al rendimiento y construidos para durar. Todo el equipamiento outdoor está diseñado en Mallorca y probado en Noruega, como deja entrever el nombre de la marca (Nor-uega + Mal-lorca).
