26-01-2025
35th Marrakech Marathon Sees Stellar Performances from Global Athletes
Rabat - Kenya's Alfonce Kigen Kibiwott emerged as the winner of the 35th edition of the Marrakech International Marathon (MIM 2025) on Sunday.
He completed the grueling 42.195 km course in 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 47 seconds.
Moroccan runners Soufiyan Bouqantar and Omar Ait Chitachen followed closely behind, finishing in 2:09:13 and 2:09:25, respectively.
Their strong performances placed Morocco firmly on the podium alongside the Kenyan champion.
In the women's marathon, Beyenne Tifri Tsegaye from Ethiopia delivered a stellar performance, crossing the finish line in 2:25:44.
Moroccan athlete Oumaima Saoud took second place with a time of 2:29:51, while Ethiopia's Bekele Abebech Afework secured third, completing the course in 2:30:39.
Meanwhile, the half marathon saw a remarkable performance from Morocco's Aziz Aitourkia, who clinched first place by completing the 21.975 km race in 1:01:35.
He edged out Kenya's Langat Leonard Kipkoech by just three seconds, while fellow Moroccan Mousaab Hadout secured third place, finishing just a second behind Kipkoech at 1:01:39.
In the women's half marathon, Bahrain's Violah Jepchumba Kilonzoa took first place with a time of 1:10:42.
Moroccan athletes Kawtar Kahhaz and Nazha Mchrouh followed in second and third, clocking 1:11:31 and 1:11:59, respectively.
The award ceremony, held in the presence of regional officials and dignitaries, provided a platform for the winners to reflect on their journeys.
Kigen Kibiwott and Tifri Tsegaye both attributed their success to rigorous training and preparation. They also commended the organizers for creating ideal race conditions, which contributed to the event's overall success.
Aziz Aitourkia, the half marathon champion, described the victory as a testament to his discipline and hard work. He expressed his commitment to pushing boundaries and achieving even greater results in future competitions.
The president of the Grand Atlas Association and director of the marathon, Mohamed Knidri, hailed the 2025 edition as an exceptional success.
Speaking to MAP, he credited the organizers' meticulous planning and local authorities' unwavering support for ensuring a seamless event.
Knidri noted the high caliber of this year's participants, which included over 15,000 runners from across the globe, with more than 110 elite athletes among them.
The Marrakech International Marathon, ranked 11th globally since 2013, has solidified its position as a premier event in the global athletics calendar. The marathon earned the World Athletics label in 2020, and continues to earn its mark as a qualifying event for the World Championships and the Olympic Games.
This year's marathon extended its impact beyond the competitive races, as it was also an event for the local community. A children's race added a heartwarming touch, while the 'Welcome Race' on January 25 allowed both runners and their supporters to enjoy Marrakech's unique sites.
The event also had a 'Car-Free Day,' which not only showed the city's commitment to sustainability but also road safety for the influx of pedestrians.
The 35th edition of the Marrakech International Marathon stood out as a show of athletic excellence, cultural exchange, and community engagement, further solidifying its reputation as a world-class event in the heart of Morocco.
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