Since its creation in 1985, the Marrakech International Marathon has evolved every year. While the first edition had only a few hundred participants, today there are thousands of runners from all over the world at the starting line of this event, which has become a true benchmark for road running in the world. An evolution that leads its director, Mohamed Kinidri, to say: "this sporting event of international stature occupies a prominent place in the concert of world events in the discipline, thus contributing greatly to the tourist promotion of the Ochre City". Of the 70 top runners, 20 ran under the 2h10 mark, including the Kenyan Stephen Tum (2:06:35), Kipkoech Kotut (2:07:30), and Felix Kiprotich (2:08:05).

A flat course

This year, the organisers are offering a flat route passing through the main tourist sites of the city, taking in the Palmeraie, the Menara olive grove, the Agdal Gardens, the city gates, and Mohammed VI Avenue... Organised under the High Patronage of H.M. King Mohammed VI, the 26th edition of the Marrakech international marathon and semi-marathon is placed this year under the banner of raising awareness for environmental protection with the organisation of a car-free day, the objective being to raise awareness of the need to reduce pollution levels in Moroccan cities. According to its organisers, this sporting event will see the participation of a well-stocked field of athletes with big names from the four corners of the world.

Prize money

The winner of the marathon (men) will pocket 15,000 US dollars, while for the women, the winner will pocket 8,000 US dollars. Special rewards will be awarded to the best-ranked Moroccan athletes in the marathon and semi-marathon events in order to encourage national athletics. It should be noted that the budget for this 26th edition is around 2.7 million DH.