Kenya’s Sammy Kitwara and Morocco’s Kaoutar Farkoussi triumphed on Sunday during the 34th Marrakech International Marathon when Farkoussi took the title, finishing the women’s race in 2h27mn58s, followed by her compatriots Fatiha Benchatki (2h28mn29s) and Kaltoum Bouasarya (2h29mn17s).
Sammy Kitwara completed the men’s event in 2h07mn55s, followed by Moroccans Omar Ait Chitachen (2h08mn45s) and Mustapha Houdadi (2h09mn38s).
In the men’s half-marathon, Morocco’s Mohcine Outalha took first place, completing the distance in 1h1mn34s, followed by compatriots Mohamed El Youssefi (1h01mn58s) and Bouazza Kassoui (1h02mn03s).
In the women’s half-marathon category, Moroccan runner Rahma Tahiri took the title this year, covering the distance in 1h08mn34s, followed by her compatriots Kaoutar Kahhaz (1h11mn06s) and Hanane Bouaggad (1h12mn07s).
Moroccan athlete Farkoussi expressed her delight at winning this 34th edition in a statement to news agency MAP, pointing out that this feat was the fruit of months of preparation and hard training.
Over 13,000 runners took part in the 34th competition, including more than 50 top runners from over 70 countries.
The event honored Moroccan athlete Fatima Ezzahra Gardadi, the first Arab woman to win a medal in the women’s marathon event at the World Athletics Championships.
In parallel with the 34th Marrakech International Marathon, a national “car-free day” was held the same day as part of Morocco’s ongoing efforts to combat climate change.