The 23rd edition of the Maroc Challenge, held from 12 to 19 April, featured a renewed route with plenty of sand and five stages full of great adventures, living up to all expectations.

Participants also had to face terrain heavily affected by the intense rains that fell across Morocco, as well as the overflowing of several rivers, which forced last-minute changes to the itinerary.

With over 170 teams registered, the Spring 2025 began in Saïdia, where pre-event scrutineering also took place. As a new feature, a 6.5 km prologue on the beach was held to determine the starting order for the first stage. This edition was marked by a start and finish on the Mediterranean coast and included two loop stages based in Erfoud, where the rally stayed for three nights.

In addition to the usual challenges of the Spring 2025, participants had to battle the elements, accumulated fatigue over six demanding stages, a varied and tough route, and difficult weather conditions—especially the aftermath of the heavy rains. The storms caused a sudden change in terrain conditions, leaving it soft, broken in places, muddy, and with swollen water crossings. The challenge was total.

It wasn’t easy for the organisation either, who had to adapt swiftly and find alternative routes. The first stage in Outat el Haj was shortened due to the Muluya river flooding, and the second stage had to be cancelled at the last minute to ensure participants’ safety. After several recce teams from the organisation scouted the area that same afternoon, the third stage was swapped with what was initially the fourth, and a new route was designed for day four. The final two stages followed the original programme, including the now iconic night in the old Mengoub railway station, near Bouarfa.

The prize-giving ceremony took place on the beach at Ras el Ma, where the Briefingman addressed all participants to reflect on a tough start to the week due to the heavy rains, but one that proved to be exciting, demanding and memorable from a sporting perspective. Afterwards, the winners received their trophies and all teams were given a commemorative souvenir. Hicham Adib, president of the Commune of Ras el Ma, presided over the ceremony and expressed his commitment to the event.

Finally, the winners in the eleven categories were:

Red Team (SSV), Mymsa (Raid), Giphnafar Desert (Adventure TT3), Soler Motorsport (Adventure TT2), Camells de Ferro Team 2 (Adventure TT1), Rally Sierra de Gata (Adventure SUV), Oliser Competición (Adventure Lite), Milillos Competición & Aventura (Adventure C4), Empandados (Adventure C3), Pedal Salvaje (Adventure C2), and Stunning (Adventure C1).