Highlights from the 17th Edition of the Casablanca Marathon
The 17th edition of the Crédit du Maroc Casablanca Marathon took place on Sunday, October 25, 2023, showcasing remarkable athletic prowess and spirited competition. The event was graced by the presence of over 15,000 participants, with Kenyan runner Daniel Kiprono Sang clinching victory in the men's category by completing the grueling 42.195 km race in an impressive time of 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 41 seconds. In the women's division, Ethiopia's Ayalew Bere triumphed with a time of 2 hours, 25 minutes, and 21 seconds. This year’s marathon, held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, was not only a test of endurance but also a celebration of community and sportsmanship, as it set the stage for multiple new records.
Sang's performance was outstanding, as he finished ahead of his compatriot Edwin Kiprop Kipto, who secured second place with a time of 2 hours, 7 minutes, and 17 seconds, and Ethiopian Mandefro Workineh Tadeso, who completed the podium in 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 40 seconds. Expressing his delight after his first participation in the Casablanca Marathon, Sang praised the organization and the enthusiastic atmosphere that accompanied the race, acknowledging the support of his coach, manager, and team members.
On the women's side, Bere's impressive run led her to victory, surpassing Moroccan athlete Soukaina Atanane, who finished second in 2 hours, 26 minutes, and 40 seconds, while Kenyan Gladys Cherop Longari took third place with a time of 2 hours, 27 minutes, and 21 seconds. Atanane celebrated her achievement, especially considering the fierce competition from international athletes, and expressed gratitude towards the organizers and the cheering crowd, while also aiming to improve her performance in future races.
Moroccan Excellence in the Half Marathon
In the half marathon category (21.097 km), Moroccan runner Yacoub Labquira emerged victorious after a fiercely contested race, finishing in 1 hour, 1 minute, and 21 seconds, just four seconds ahead of Kenyan Shadrack Korir Kipyegon, who clocked in at 1 hour, 1 minute, and 25 seconds. Uganda's Martin Magengo Kiprotich rounded out the top three with a time of 1 hour, 1 minute, and 33 seconds. Among the women, Moroccan athletes swept the podium, with Fatiha Asmid winning the race in 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 22 seconds, followed closely by Meryeme Azrour in 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 28 seconds, and Kaoutar Farkoussi securing third in 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 24 seconds. This edition of the marathon was particularly noteworthy as it was marked by the establishment of several new records across both the men's and women's marathon events, as well as in the women's half marathon, according to the organizers.
As the marathon concluded, Bouchta El Fadel, president of the Grand Casablanca Runners Association (ACGC), reported that this year’s event brought together more than 15,000 participants, with a significant number of female runners and high-level athletes from Morocco and abroad. He emphasized that the recorded performances reflect the growing standard of competition in the event, highlighting the dedication of various partners and the residents of Casablanca in organizing this successful gathering. The marathon was organized under the theme "Vibe Casa – Casablanca runs. Casablanca vibrates," introducing several innovations aimed at enhancing the event's development.
Notably, the marathon received the Elite Label from World Athletics, and both the marathon and half marathon have now been included in the official calendar of road races certified by the international body for the year 2026. Additionally, the marathon route has achieved certification, which adds to its prestige. A new mobile application was also launched, allowing real-time tracking of runners, enabling spectators and participants' families to follow their progress until they reach the finish line.
Beyond the athletic achievements, the organizers have integrated various initiatives aimed at broadening participation among different categories of runners. One such initiative, the "Challenge 421," allows individuals with disabilities to complete the final 421 meters of the marathon, crossing the finish line alongside other participants and receiving a medal as a reward. The program also featured a relay race with teams of four runners covering a distance of 4 × 10.5 km, complementing the marathon and half marathon events. The day concluded with an awards ceremony honoring the winners of various races, attended by notable figures including the wali of the Casablanca-Settat region, Mohamed Mhidia, the general director of Crédit du Maroc, and Bouchta El Fadel, president of ACGC.
As reported by lnt.ma.
