The Marrakech International Marathon is ranked 1st at the African level and 25th globally by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), indicated, on Thursday evening in the ochre city, the president of the Marathon organising committee, Mohamed Knidiri.

"This honourable ranking" of this annual athletics event, placed under the high patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, is a consecration of the "remarkable results" that the runners have signed during past editions, added Mr. Knidiri, also president of the Grand Atlas Association.

Some 950 foreign athletes (men and women) have been registered for the 24th edition, whose kick-off will be given on the 27th of this month, he announced, noting that the organisers expect a participation of 2,000 foreign runners and as many Moroccan athletes.

The budget for this 2013 edition is more than 2 million DH, which is a notable increase compared to previous editions, he stressed, noting that the rewards have increased by 15%.

He specified, in this regard, that the athlete who posts a time of less than 2h06 min will win an additional bonus of 10,000 dollars, adding that as a sign of encouragement for Moroccan athletics, the organisers have also decided to grant rewards to the first 15 Moroccan men and the first 10 Moroccan women to reach the finish line.

It should be recalled that the record for the Marrakech International Marathon is still held by the Moroccan Abdelkader El Mouaziz with a time of 2h 08 min 15 s, which he achieved in 1999.

Regarding the half-marathon, Mr. Knidiri stressed that the novelty is the expected presence of Hicham El Guerrouj as a sign of support and encouragement for the success of this edition.

The 24th edition of the Marrakech International Marathon benefits from the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Royal Moroccan Athletics Federation, and the Wilaya of Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz.