Casablanca Welcomes Thousands for the 17th Credit du Maroc Marathon
The 17th edition of the Credit du Maroc Casablanca Marathon, held under the vibrant theme of "Vibe Casa," has successfully brought together an impressive assembly of 15,000 runners from 60 different countries. This exhilarating event took place on a Sunday, showcasing not only the marathon but also a half marathon featuring 12,000 participants, a relay with 800 entrants (formed into 200 teams of four), and 2,200 runners in the marathon itself, marking a national record. Volunteers played a pivotal role, with 1,000 individuals dedicating their time and efforts to ensure the event ran smoothly. This year’s marathon also marked a significant milestone by receiving the Elite label from World Athletics and launching a mobile application for real-time tracking of the runners.
The winner of the marathon, Daniel Kiprono Sang, completed the race with a remarkable time of 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 40 seconds, edging out fellow Kenyan Edwin Kiprop Kipto, who finished in 2 hours, 7 minutes, and 17 seconds. Completing the men's podium was Ethiopian athlete Mandefro Workineh Tadeso, who crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 40 seconds. Notably, Moroccan runner Saïd Ibissou claimed the fourth position with a commendable time of 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 52 seconds.
Women’s Race Highlights and Community Spirit
In the women’s category, Ayalew Bere emerged victorious with a time of 2 hours, 25 minutes, and 20 seconds, followed closely by Moroccan athlete Soukaina Atanane, who secured second place in 2 hours, 26 minutes, and 39 seconds. Kenyan Gladys Cherop Longari rounded out the top three with a time of 2 hours, 27 minutes, and 20 seconds. After the race, Sang expressed his joy at winning in his first participation, praising Morocco's welcoming atmosphere and the spirited environment of the event. Similarly, Soukaina Atanane expressed her delight at her performance amidst fierce competition, acknowledging the support from the audience and the excellent organization of the event.
Beyond the marathon and half marathon, the event featured a relay race of 4 × 10.5 km. Bouchta El Fadel, president of the Grand Casablanca Runners Association (ACGC), emphasized that this edition, held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, showcased over 15,000 participants, highlighting the significant presence of women and elite athletes from both Morocco and beyond. He also noted that various records were broken this year, making it a true celebration of sports and community spirit, reflecting the dynamism of Casablanca and the inclusive values that Morocco embodies.
The marathon received the Elite label from World Athletics and is now officially recognized in the international calendar for road races for the year 2026, alongside the marathon's certified route. A noteworthy initiative was the "Challenge 421," which allowed individuals with disabilities to walk the final 421 meters of the marathon, crossing the finish line alongside other competitors and receiving a medal, embodying the values of inclusion and solidarity that this sporting event promotes.
This edition of the Credit du Maroc Casablanca Marathon reaffirms its status as a major sporting event in the city. The ACGC, comprised of running enthusiasts and volunteers, aspires to create a popular, inclusive, and challenging event that can become a hallmark of Casablanca on the international sports scene. Ultimately, this year’s marathon celebrated not just athletic achievement but also the values of perseverance, community, and camaraderie, firmly establishing its place in the sporting calendar of Casablanca and fostering a wider appreciation for running among the public.
As reported by marathons.fr.
