Moroccan athletes delivered a spectacular performance at the 16th Casablanca International Marathon on Sunday, claiming the gold and silver medals in both the men’s and women’s full marathon races.
The event saw record participation, attracting over 10,000 runners from more than 60 countries. In the men’s 42.195 km race, El Mahjoub Dazza secured first place with a time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 43 seconds. His compatriot, Omar Ait Chitachen, followed closely to take the silver in 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 31 seconds. Kenya’s Mathew Samperu completed the podium, finishing third.
The women’s race was equally successful for the host nation: Gold: Keltoum Bouasriya won with a time of 2 hours, 29 minutes, and 49 seconds. Silver: Hasna Zahi finished just seconds behind, recording 2 hours, 29 minutes, and 55 seconds. Bronze: Ethiopia’s Zenebu Fekadu took third place.
Both Dazza and Bouasriya expressed their joy at the victory and stated their intentions to return next year to challenge the event’s record time.
Moroccan runners also dominated the half-marathon (21 km) events: Men’s Half-Marathon: Yassine El Alami finished first in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 2 seconds. Women’s Half-Marathon: Kaoutar Farkoussi won with a time of 1 hour, 9 minutes, and 58 seconds.
Bouchta El Fadel, President of the Greater Casablanca Runners Association, praised the success of this edition, noting the record turnout of athletes representing more than 75 nationalities.
/fss/abj/APA