Moroccan athletes Nourddine Bachki and Hanan Et Tabaa won the fourth stage of the international “Eurafrica Trail” on Sunday in the Belwazen region, in the M’diq-Fnideq commune of northern Morocco.
In the men’s category, Morocco’s Nourddine Bachki took first place, completing the 21-kilometer course in 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 25 seconds, with Youssef Ait Maskouk close behind at the same time. Spain’s Diego Menéndez Rodriguez Noriega came in third, finishing in 2 hours, 21 minutes, and 11 seconds.
In the women’s division, Hanan Et Tabaa also claimed first place, finishing in 2 hours, 51 minutes, and 4 seconds, just ahead of Spanish runner Oihana Azkorbebeitia Urizar, who finished in 2 hours, 51 minutes, and 5 seconds. Ana Maria Cervan De La Haba secured third place, completing the race in 2 hours, 55 minutes, and 5 seconds.
Under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, the Tetouan Asmir Association hosted the event as part of the “Tetouan of Seven Doors” Forum, featuring 400 men and women athletes from 14 countries.
The race’s first stage began on October 31 in Gibraltar, followed by stages in Malaga on November 1 and Cadiz on November 2.
Race director Sara Hajjaj highlighted that the “Eurafrica Trail” has become an annual event in M’diq-Fnideq and is the first of its kind to connect two continents and three countries.
“Over 400 professional and amateur athletes participated, demonstrating the race’s growing success each year,” Hajjaj told MAP.
She noted that the event promotes the Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean, encourages mountain tourism, and seeks to boost tourism in Tamuda Bay while fostering peace and unity.
Held in partnership with the Dinan Foundation for Sports and in coordination with M’diq-Fnideq prefecture and the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, the fifth and final stage is scheduled for Monday in Cabo Negro, covering a 13.6-kilometer course.