The capital of the Souss is preparing to host, on 26 April, the 3rd edition of the Agadir Green International Marathon, "the first in Morocco and in Africa" in view of the record number of participants which will exceed 5,000, it is indicated by the organisers.

Capitalising on the success of the two previous editions, the organising committee aims to give "more influence to this event by organising a 3rd edition that meets the ambitions of the city and the expectations of its inhabitants with, as a key, the challenge of exceeding 5,000 participants", it is specified in a press release.

The choice of the theme "let's run for the environment" is in line with a healthy practice of sport going hand in hand with the efforts made by the city of Agadir in terms of strengthening green spaces and safeguarding the environment, the same source adds.

This 3rd edition will be punctuated by a reforestation operation which, initiated in coordination with the city's Municipal Council, involves planting a number of trees equal to that of the participants in a space that will be transformed into a running park.

The kick-off of this event will be declared a "car-free day" with a view to raising awareness among users of the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in addition to other ecological initiatives.

This edition will be marked by the organisation of a 21 km half-marathon with the participation of Moroccan and foreign athletes, notably from Kenya and Ethiopia, and a 7 km mini-marathon open to the city's inhabitants and its national and foreign visitors and tourists.

Initiated by the National Marathon Association in partnership with the Wilaya of Agadir, the city's Municipal Council and the Souss-Massa-Drâa Regional Council, this edition will also be punctuated by a series of sporting and ecological activities planned in a "Marathon Village" specially dedicated for this purpose.