APA-Marrakech (Morocco) More than 13,000 participants are expected to take part in the 34th Marrakech International Marathon, scheduled for 28 January, according to organisers.
Among these participants, more than 50 top runners representing over 70 countries will be taking part in this major event.
This edition is of particular importance for both Moroccan and foreign athletes, as it will be a qualifier for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Marrakech International Marathon Director Mohamed Knidiri
emphasised this dimension at a press conference in Marrakech, highlighting the new features of this edition.
“The competition will be intense, offering athletes the opportunity, at this prestigious international sporting event, to achieve the minimum qualifying standards for the forthcoming Olympic Games,” he said.
Mr. Knidiri also noted that this year’s event would pay tribute to Moroccan athlete Fatima Ezzahra Gardadi, the first Arab woman to win a medal in the women’s marathon event at the World Athletics Championships. He recalled that the Marrakech International Marathon had been the starting point for the international reputation of the athlete, who won the 32nd edition in 2022.
The Marathon Director underlined the organisers’ objective of setting new records, particularly for the men’s marathon, following the one set at the 31st edition by Moroccan Champion Hicham Laquahi (2h 06min
32s).
More than 50 top runners will be taking part in this 34th edition led by Kenya’s Sammy Kitwara (02h 04min 28s), followed by his compatriot Nicholas Kirwa (02h 05min 01s), Ethiopia’s Hiribo Shano Share (02h 07min 15s) and Morocco’s Omar Ait Chitachen (02h 07min 57s).
On the women’s side, this edition will see the participation of Ethiopian Meseret Hailu Debele (02h 21min 09s), Kenyan Margaret Agai (02h 23min 28s), Rwanda’s Clementine Mukandanga (02h 25min 53s), as well as Moroccan athletes Rkia El Moukim (02h 26min 51s) and Kaltoum Bouasarya (02h 27min 22s).
At the same time, a car-free day will be organised. This initiative is part of Morocco’s ongoing efforts to combat climate change, underlining the kingdom’s leading role at COP 22 and its active participation in COP 28.
The day aims to raise public awareness of environmental issues while encouraging the adoption of sustainable modes of transport. During this special day, the city’s streets will be free of motorised traffic, offering citizens the opportunity to rediscover the beauty of their city on foot, by bike or using public transport.
The Marrakech International Marathon (MIM) has become a benchmark, not only as a major sporting event, but also as a platform for promoting the athletes who are making history in this discipline on an international scale.
With meticulous planning and an experienced operational team, the MIM aims not only to maintain the 11th world ranking achieved in 2013, but also to become a must-attend event for all the stars of this sporting
discipline.
HA/fss/as/APA