© Provided by Yabiladi
Only nearly 1,500 foreign athletes will be at the start of the 32nd edition of the Marrakech International Marathon, scheduled for May 15 in the ocher city due to the health measures in force once morest Covid-19, while the previous edition experienced the participation of regarding 4,500 athletes, announced the organizers.
Speaking during a press briefing dedicated to the presentation of this edition, the president of the International Marathon Association of Marrakech, Mohamed Knidri, specified that this event will be marked by a massive participation of Moroccan athletes, especially that This is the first sporting event organized following the easing of the measures decreed to deal with the pandemic.
Initiated in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports, the wilaya of the Marrakech-Safi region, the urban municipality of Méchouar-El Kasbah and the prefectural council of Marrakech, this marathon will be an opportunity for the all Moroccan runners to qualify for the next world championship, explained Mr. Knidri, also president of the Grand Atlas Association.
He did not fail to underline the socio-economic impact and the remarkable contribution of this event to the influence and international promotion of the tourist destination of Marrakech, highlighting the rich and diversified program of this edition which will attract a total of 12,000 athletes.
Mr. Knidri then noted that the menu includes a cycling race on May 14 to raise awareness of the importance of environmental protection and another foot race reserved for children over a distance of 3, 5km.
Are expected at the start of this 32nd edition, renowned international athletes like the Ethiopian Endeshaw Negesse (record at 2h4mn52s), the Kenyans Stephan Chamlany (2h6mn22s) and Julius Kiprono Tarus (2h07mn35s), and among women, Ethiopian Mulu Seboka (2h21mn56s) and Kenyan Margaret Agai (2h23mn28s).
The start of the 42.195 km marathon is scheduled for 6:00 a.m., while that of the half-marathon is set for 7:00 a.m., it is specified.