After dreaming of the Golden Trail Series title for nearly four years, Moroccan runner Elhousine Elazzaoui finally reached the holy grail last year. He says that winning the title helped him grow even more, and now Elhousine is dreaming of doing it again. With just a few days to go before the first race of the season, we caught up with him.

Elhousine, we last saw you in Ascona-Locarno last year, where you had just won the Golden Trail Series title – a dream you’d had for years. Did you take time to enjoy it?

Absolutely. Winning the Golden Trail Series was my ultimate dream in trail running, and I couldn’t believe it at the time. From the start of the year, I approached things differently, aiming to complete a full season and avoid injury. I managed to do that, and then the results followed. Since then, it’s been crazy – so much has changed, and now everyone in trail running knows who I am.

What exactly has changed for you?

So many doors have opened! I’ve received a ton of support from the public and sponsors. I feel like people are discovering who I am, and I’m rediscovering my sport too. I’m getting a lot more media requests — people want to make films about my life, how I train, and so on. I’ve also had more offers from sponsors. I think I’m on the right path to achieve something big, and it’s all thanks to the Golden Trail World Series.

The tricky thing about achieving a dream is that you might not have another one. What are you dreaming of now?

I want to do it again! Winning is great, but not many manage to back it up with another win — especially not in the Golden Trail Series, which is extremely demanding. I’m not done dreaming on this circuit; now I want to defend my title. Sure, I know that one day I’ll want to do something else, but right now I’m fully focused on the GTWS. I ran a race a few weeks ago in Chianti, and people were surprised to see me there — they thought I was trying to qualify for the UTMB, but not at all! I just took my usual two-month winter break and needed a tune-up race to get back in rhythm. I could try other things, but I don’t want to right now. I’m staying focused.

For years, you were capable of big performances but struggled with consistency. Last year, however, you looked unbeatable. What changed?

I changed teams! That made all the difference. I surrounded myself with the right people, especially in terms of nutrition. When you have people like Kilian and the Nnormal team around you, it helps you grow. I just needed to bring it all together.

What’s your best memory from last season?

Definitely not the U.S.! [He had a collision during the final sprint with Patrick Kipngeno]. But seriously, the Mont-Blanc Marathon — no doubt. I’d dreamed of winning that race and had to drop out four times before. Last year, I showed up with a completely different energy, and it paid off. I really wanted to go back this year, but unfortunately, it’s no longer part of the circuit.

And how are you feeling now?

I’m not at peak fitness yet, but that’s totally normal! It’ll come gradually — I just want to hit my top form at the right time.

Is the 2025 version of Elhousine stronger than the 2024 one?

Physically, I’m not sure… But mentally, without a doubt! I gained a huge amount of mental strength last season, and I’m continuing to grow with my team.

Which races have you chosen this year?

I’ll kick off the season in Noli, then Zegama. After that, it’ll be the U.S. and Mexico. We’ll see after that!

What’s your goal for the season?

To win three races so I can head into the final as the overall leader and defend my title as best as possible. But it won’t be easy — the level is crazy again this year, with new athletes entering the scene.

Speaking of which, are there any competitors you’re worried about?

No one scares me! I’m not the type to focus on others. Once the race starts, I don’t look at them — I just focus on myself and what I have to do.

Are there any athletes you’re looking forward to racing again?

Yes, definitely. I’m excited to see who the new challengers are, and I’m looking forward to my battles with the Kenyans. I also want to see Rémi again. Over time, he’s become a friend — it’s kind of the two of us against the Kenyans. But I don’t know what his plans are yet…