A Unique Marathon Blending Heritage and Challenge in Fez
The second edition of the Spiritual Marathon of Fez took place on Sunday, attracting over 3,000 runners, both professional and amateur, who participated in this remarkable event that fuses athletic challenge with cultural heritage. Organized by the Fes Sports Association under the auspices of the Fes-Meknes regional authority, the marathon featured various races including a full marathon, half marathon, and a 10-kilometer race, alongside special categories for children.
In a thrilling conclusion to the races, Kenyan athlete Ericlion Ndeiyima claimed victory in the marathon, finishing with a time of 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 10 seconds. He was closely followed by Moroccan runner Azeddine Farhan, who finished second with a time of 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 59 seconds. On the women's side, Moroccan runner Hanane Qallouj emerged victorious with a time of 2 hours, 45 minutes, and 46 seconds, followed by Hanane El-Bajawi, who took second place in 2 hours, 53 minutes, and 46 seconds.
The half marathon saw Hicham Wassemi clinch first place with a time of 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 32 seconds, just ahead of Youssef Mfidhi, who finished in 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 33 seconds. In the female category, Fatima Zahra Raki won with a time of 1 hour, 18 minutes, and 23 seconds, while Sakinah Fridi secured second place with a time of 1 hour, 22 minutes, and 3 seconds. Anwar Zaghari was crowned the male champion of the 10-kilometer race, while the female title went to participant Omima Hadri.
In a press statement, the president of the Fes Sports Association, Abdul Rahim Bourmadhan, expressed his satisfaction with the event's success, highlighting the intense competition among participants who came from various Moroccan cities. He noted that athletics, particularly marathon running, has garnered increasing interest across different age groups due to its numerous health benefits, and emphasized the importance of encouraging youth to engage in sports.
Ericlion Ndeiyima, the marathon winner, shared his excitement over the achievement, noting the high level of competition among runners and praising the quality of the race route and the organization of the event. Hicham Wassemi, the half marathon champion, also commended the event's organization, which featured many strong competitors and a fierce spirit of competition.
This sporting event was distinctive not only for its athletic prowess but also for the way it intertwined the challenges of sport with the cultural heritage of Fez. The race route navigated through several streets and prominent landmarks in the historic city, providing participants with a unique experience immersed in the rich history and cultural identity of the region.
As reported by hespress.com.
