1.3K
Morocco is not known as a country of marathons, athletes and distance running. Most people know of Morocco as a tourist destination. Unsuspectingly, Morocco is home to some of the most challenging and yet beautiful ultra-marathons known to man. This is a list of some of the best races for marathon runners to enjoy in Morocco. Some of these events might surprise you.
The Marathon des Sables in Morocco is an insane 6-day 251-kilometer runner’s nightmare. It is equal to 6 standard 42-kilometer marathons. This is not your average marathon and does not attract your average runner. It is only for the wicked!
The race begins in Ouarzazate and cuts through the unforgiving Sahara Desert. Some have called it the toughest race on earth.
The race has given birth to generations of Moroccan ultra-marathoners with legs of steel. Morocco has retained the men’s title for the past 25 years, with the exception of 2012.
Some legendary names associated with the race are the famous brothers Lahcen and Mohamed Ahansel, who have, together, have won the race a whopping 14 times.
- Location: Sahara Desert
- Date: October 2022
- Distance: 251Km
Read More | 4 Awesome Things to do in Ouarzazate
A typical Moroccan city marathon, this premier Casablanca event is designed for both locals and touristy traveling runners.
The course is like a city excursion that takes runners past some of the famous landmarks like the King Mohammed V Mosque.
The organizers have made sure that there is something for everyone by hosting a half-marathon, 10km and a kids run. This makes for a fun-filled family affair.
- Location: Casablanca
- Date: October 2022
- Distance: 10km, 21km, 42km
Read More | 15 Awesome Things to do in Casablanca
With many races finally recovering from the COVID lull, a strong contender for the best race in Morocco is the upcoming International Marathon of Marrakech. The race is also an exhibition of the best of what Marrakech has to offer.
The race is scheduled for January 2022, not a bad time, considering Marrakech weather. Also, the race is perfect for a new-year marathon holiday.
- Location: Marrakech
- Date: 30 January 2022
- Distance: 21km, 42km
Read More | 10 Awesome Things to do in Marrakech
All trail runners appreciate the great outdoors. This unique trail run takes nature enthusiasts around Lake Lalla Takerkoust and its mountains with the snow-capped summit of Toubkal as a backdrop.
This trail offers 4 events: 9, 19, 29km for the casual runners and a full-on 42km in the heart of the middle mountain of Takerkoust.
The race itself is not the most popular but is fast developing a cult following with participants from all over the globe, especially Moroccan ex-pats who love returning to their native lands, becoming one with the wind, earth, and mountains.
- Location: Marrakech
- Date: November 2022
- Distance: 9km, 19km, 42km
Fez is the oldest and most enchanting city of imperial Morocco. Alas, why not have a great marathon to bring all that mix of past and present together.
The Fez Marathon is not well known on the international circuit but the organizers hope to change it this year by pulling all the stops to offer a world-class marathon that will attract beginners and pros from far and wide. The organizers will offer a 10km, 21km, and a 42km marathon.
- Location: Fez
- Date: January 2022
- Distance: 10km, 21km, 42km
Read More | 5 Awesome Things to do in Fez
Morocco has no shortage of high-quality marathons for serious and fun-loving runners. This is just a small list of the current events in Morocco, coming soon. Unfortunately, many other marathons have been canceled or postponed indefinitely. Anyway, these gruesome runs are more than enough to keep you busy, while having a great Morocco holiday at the same time.
Happy Running!
