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«When I crossed the finish line and heard the cheers, I couldn’t believe I had won. I asked the timekeeper: “Was I really the winner?”» Only then did Moroccan runner Elhousine Elazzaoui realize he had secured his third consecutive Golden Trail World Series title. Recalling the moment, he described a difficult season in which he had staked everything on the final to defend his crown.

«It was a very tough year», Elazzaoui told Yabiladi. He arrived at the final race in Muju, South Korea, third in the overall standings, needing a victory to keep his title hopes alive. He had chosen to compete in four rounds, skipping the China and Japan stages to conserve his energy and prepare for the final.

His gamble paid off on Sunday, October 25, 2026, when he finished in 2 hours, 49 minutes and 14 seconds, ahead of Kenya’s Patrick Kipngeno and Timothy Kibet, becoming the most decorated runner in the competition’s history.

Managing a season: when sitting out became a winning strategy

Elazzaoui, who hails from Tamegroute, 18 kilometers south of Zagora, repeatedly emphasized the demands of a competition spread across eight rounds in different countries. Qualification for the final required participation in at least four. «I chose to race in Canada, Austria, Spain and Italy, and not to take part in China and Japan», he said.

It was a calculated decision, despite costing him places in the standings. He wanted to reach the final in the best possible shape, knowing that the points on offer could allow him to reclaim the lead.

«I did not take part in the China and Japan rounds because they are extremely difficult, and I wanted to save my energy for the final and prepare so I could be at my very best. I wanted to defend the title and break the record.»

The choice reflected his determination to pace himself throughout the season, particularly given the strain of international travel. «Traveling from one country to another was very tiring, on top of the preparations and the stress», he said.

Although he entered the final in third place, he remained convinced he could close the gap. «I was determined to win and had pinned my hopes on the final, which awards 300 points. And indeed, I won it, claiming the title for the third year in a row.»

Fierce competition to the finish line

Elazzaoui tackled the 28.65-kilometer Muju course, featuring 2,313 meters of elevation gain, in rainy conditions. He took the lead on the first climb and extended his advantage through the technical sections and descents. But Kipngeno mounted a strong challenge in the closing stages.

The Moroccan knew he faced a difficult race, particularly against the Kenyan runners. «What made things even harder was the fierce competition from the Kenyan runners, given how close our times were, and the fact that they race as a group, while I was the only Moroccan», he told Yabiladi.

He held on to his lead through the finish, securing the overall title with 1,130 points, just two ahead of Kipngeno. Philemon Kiriago finished the season in third place.

Elazzaoui, who spent hours walking to school as a child, traces his drive to keep winning to a deeply held belief. «I believe that anyone who works hard and perseveres will reach their goal. The circumstances I have lived through push me to keep moving forward», he said.

His ambitions now extend beyond the Golden Trail World Series. «I aspire to take part in the Olympic Games in Los Angeles», he concluded.