1,000 runners gear up for 2025 Marathon des Sables in Moroccan Sahara
DR
Estimated read time: 2'
The 39th edition of the legendary Marathon des Sables will take place from April 4 to 14, 2025, in the heart of the Moroccan Sahara.
This year, participants will face an unprecedented distance of 252 kilometers, spread over six stages. This marks the longest distance ever recorded in the history of this mythical event (previous editions did not exceed 250 km). Nearly 1,000 runners from 52 countries will forsake all comforts for an extraordinary sporting and human adventure, pushing them to explore the limits of their endurance.
Organizers promise a demanding challenge, but also an exceptional experience for all participants. Among the favorites are brothers Mohamed and Rachid El Morabity, with a significant challenge for Rachid as he aims for a record-breaking 11th victory at the Marathon des Sables. He will be joined by the talented Aziz and Hamid Yachou, as well as other top-level contenders.
In the women's category, the competition promises to be equally intense with the return of two great figures of the event, Marilyn Naget and Ragna Debats, who will challenge the reigning champion, Moroccan Aziza El Amrani.
The Marathon des Sables is a unique endurance event where each runner must be completely self-sufficient in terms of food and carry their own equipment over 252 kilometers. But the distance is not the only challenge: participants will face the scorching dunes and rugged terrain, painful blisters, sleeping under a communal tent despite the heat and wind, without showers, subsisting solely on freeze-dried meals, and being deprived of phones and connection to the outside world, immersed in the isolation of the desert.
Detailed Program:
Friday, April 4: Arrival in Morocco, bus transfer to the desert, and installation at the bivouac.
Saturday, April 5: Day of technical, administrative, and medical checks + night at the bivouac.
Sunday, April 6: Stage 1 + night at the bivouac.
Monday, April 7: Stage 2 + night at the bivouac.
Tuesday, April 8: Stage 3 + night at the bivouac.
Wednesday, April 9 & Thursday, April 10: Long stage over two days + night at the bivouac.
Friday, April 11: Stage 5 + night at the bivouac.
Saturday, April 12: Stage 6 + night at the bivouac.
Sunday, April 13: Awards ceremony, festive evening, and night at the hotel.
Monday, April 14: End of the adventure and transfer to the airport.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Ya Biladi
an hour ago
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan Football icons from Fez and Meknès honored in special ceremony
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) held a reception on Sunday in Fez to honor former Moroccan internationals who once played for COD Meknès and Maghreb de Fez. The event, hosted at the Atlas Lions' residence in Fez on the eve of the friendly match against Benin at the city's sports complex, aimed to celebrate the careers of several iconic players who have left a lasting mark on the history of Moroccan football, the FRMF said in a statement. The tribute also sought to preserve the legacy and collective memory of former Atlas Lions across generations, the same source added. Among the Maghreb de Fez (MAS) honorees were: Abdelaali Zaharoui, Abdellah Tazi, Abderrahmane Slimani, Aziz Slimani, Fatah El Ghiati, Mohamed El Achhabi, Hamid El Kharak, Boubker El Ghandour, Lohssine Bensouda, Hassan Rafahia, Omar Hassy, Abdellah Bagui, and Redouane El Guezzar. From COD Meknès (CODEM), the players recognized included: Hamadi Hmidouch, Abdelghani Lakhal El Ghouini, Hamid Abdelouaheb, Abdellatif Benhalima, Mohamed Samba, Mostapha Bidane, and Idriss Badidi. This FRMF initiative also provided an opportunity for exchange between past and present generations of players, and sparked dialogue around the evolution of modern football, the statement concluded.
Morocco World
3 hours ago
- Morocco World
Ghanaians Can Now Travel to Morocco Without Traditional Visa
Doha – Ghanaian citizens no longer need to obtain traditional visas to enter Morocco, following a new bilateral agreement between the two African countries. The landmark policy change, which takes immediate effect, replaces embassy appointments with an online travel authorization system promising approvals within 24 hours. Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the development during his two-day working visit to Rabat. 'This is one of the key agreements reached with the Moroccan Foreign Minister during my two-day working visit,' Ablakwa stated. The minister shared the news on his official social media pages on Friday, explaining that Ghanaians can now travel to Morocco using an electronic authorization system. Moroccan officials confirmed the immediate implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorization to Morocco (ETAM) system for Ghanaian citizens. 'We've agreed to make mobility easier for our citizens,' Ablakwa said during a press briefing with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita. 'Although there is already a direct air link between Ghana and Morocco, the visa has been the main barrier to trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchange. Now, with this new measure, that barrier is lifted.' The visa waiver policy aims to significantly enhance trade, boost tourism, and deepen interpersonal connections between the two countries. Existing direct flights operated by Royal Air Maroc will be increased to support this new agreement, potentially establishing daily connections between Casablanca and Accra. 'This will significantly boost tourism and trade, especially since Morocco is a very popular destination,' Ablakwa added. In their joint statement, both ministers affirmed their commitment to promoting tourism, trade, and economic development. They also revealed intentions to finalize a complete visa exemption agreement for holders of ordinary passports in the future. Beyond facilitating travel, the diplomatic engagement produced a seismic shift in Ghana's foreign policy. During the same visit, Ghana formally terminated its recognition of 'SADR,' the paper state proclaimed by the separatist Polisario Front, which it had supported since 1979. Ghana now fully backs Morocco's autonomy proposal for Western Sahara, describing it as 'the only realistic and sustainable basis for a mutually acceptable solution' to the regional dispute. The ministerial meetings yielded several additional cooperation agreements. Both countries signed a memorandum of understanding on political consultations to enhance diplomatic coordination. Morocco pledged to increase scholarships for Ghanaian students from 90 to 140 annually across various disciplines through the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI). 'This is excellent news for us,' Ablakwa remarked. 'Our universities will also welcome Moroccan students, particularly those interested in English-language programs and African studies. We'll soon have a specific agreement in place to facilitate this academic cooperation.' Economic collaboration featured prominently in discussions, with plans for a joint business forum focusing on fertilizer supply—a strategic sector given Ghana's annual import bill of over $3 billion in agricultural products. Both countries will deepen cooperation in agriculture and food security, with special attention to Ghana's cocoa sector. 'Ghana currently spends nearly $3 billion annually on food imports. Our new President is committed to reversing that trend,' said Ablakwa. 'Morocco's expertise in agriculture, agri-food, and fertilizer production gives it a clear advantage. Moroccan experts will soon collaborate with their Ghanaian counterparts to determine the best fertilizer type for our needs.' Transportation links also received attention during Ablakwa's meeting with Morocco's Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh. Both parties discussed opportunities in air connectivity, maritime transport, and logistics. Ablakwa mentioned that President John Mahama hopes to make a state visit to Morocco soon, reciprocating King Mohammed VI's 2017 visit to Accra, during which 25 bilateral agreements were signed across key sectors. 'The borders in Africa must not be allowed to divide us—they can be bridges of connectivity. Diplomacy must make meaningful impact in the lives of the people we serve,' Ablakwa concluded. The current agreement builds on earlier discussions between the two countries. In March, Ablakwa met with Morocco's Ambassador to Ghana, Imane Ouaadil, where they initially agreed to introduce a visa waiver for travelers from both countries. This development goes in line with Ghana's broader visa liberalization policy. In January, then-President Nana Akufo-Addo announced the removal of visa requirements for all African passport holders effective January 1, making Ghana the fifth African country to implement such a policy after Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin. Morocco and Ghana have steadily strengthened their bilateral relations in recent years. In January, Morocco was represented at Ghana's presidential inauguration, with Moroccan officials participating in the ceremony that saw President John Mahama take office. The two countries position their engagement as a model for strengthening intra-African partnerships.
Morocco World
3 hours ago
- Morocco World
Saudi Arabia Celebrates Successful Hajj Season
Rabat — Saudi Arabia's authorities are celebrating a successful Hajj season at all levels, which ensured security and health for pilgrims. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Governor of the Mecca region and Vice Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj, extended his congratulations to all people who contributed to the success of Hajj this season. 'My thanks to my colleagues in the security, health, and service sectors,' as well as the volunteers who ensure access to the Hajj rituals. He also extended his appreciation to pilgrims, describing them as 'key partners in this success through their commitment and adherence to the regulations.' About two million Muslims performed the Hajj this season. The Saudi General Authority for Statistics said over 1,673,230 people carried out Hajj rituals, among them being 1,506,576 foreigners who traveled from around the world to Saudi Arabia. The number of Saudi citizens and residents who performed Hajj this season reached 166,654. As for Morocco, the Ministry of Equipment announced a quota of 34,000, with 22,400 pilgrims managed through official government channels and 11,600 through travel agencies. Crowd control crackdown Saudi authorities faced many challenges with unauthorized pilgrims this season. Emerging reports detail that many people across the world have flocked to the Gulf countries to perform the Hajj without going through the official procedure and selection measures. Earlier this month, Saudi authorities reportedly expelled over 205,000 people who attempted to perform the Hajj without a permit. Saudi Public Security also identified over 415 fake Hajj offices and turned back more than 269,000 pilgrims without permits. Those who broke the law faced penalties, including arrest measures against at least 1,239 individuals who attempted to transport unauthorized pilgrims. In April, Morocco's General Consulate in Jeddah urged Moroccan citizens regarding entry and residence regulations, detailing strict measures implemented by authorities in Saudi Arabia. 'Holders of Umrah visas are prohibited from entering Saudi territory starting April 13, 2025. Those already in the country before this date must leave Mecca and Saudi territory completely by April 29,' the consulate warned in its statement. The Saudi Ministry of Interior also announced strict financial penalties against anyone violating regulations regarding Hajj . Among the penalties are a fine estimated at $5,331 to those caught performing, or attempting to perform, Hajj without a permit. An estimated fine of $26,658 is also imposed on people who apply for a visit visa on behalf of someone who 'performed or attempted to perform Hajj without a permit,' Gulf Business reported recently. The same fine applies to anyone who travels and stays in Mecca during the restricted period. Tags: Hajj 2025Hajj pilgrimage
