Scheduled for January 25, this iconic race returns with a redesigned course, high-tech registration, and a massive field of global athletes, solidifying its legacy as Africa’s oldest and most celebrated endurance event.
MARRAKECH – The “Ochre City” is preparing to transform into a high-speed corridor for elite athletes and amateur joggers alike as the 36th edition of the Marrakech International Marathon and Half-Marathon kicks off on January 25, 2026. This prestigious event, a staple of the international racing calendar since 1987, serves as a testament to Morocco’s growing influence as a global hub for world-class athletics.
Coming off the high of hosting AFCON 2025, Marrakech is seamlessly shifting its energy from the football pitch to the pavement. Having successfully managed the influx of fans as one of the six host cities for Africa’s premier football tournament, the city is now channeling that organizational momentum toward welcoming over 16,000 runners. This staggering turnout reaffirms the marathon’s status as a pillar of Moroccan sport and a vital chapter in the city’s historic sporting legacy.
A Faster, Fluid New Course
In a significant update for the 2026 race, Mohamed Knidiri, President of the Grand Atlas Association, revealed during a recent press conference that the marathon route has been strategically redesigned. The primary objective was to address logistical hurdles and “bottlenecks” reported in previous editions, ensuring a smoother experience for the massive waves of participants.
While the race will still weave through the city’s iconic, lush gardens and along its ancient, sun-drenched ramparts, the new path is engineered for speed. By streamlining the turns and widening the thoroughfares, organizers hope to provide a course that allows elite runners to chase personal bests and potentially shatter the existing African continental record of 2:06:32. The half-marathon route, however, will remain unchanged, preserving its traditional fast and flat appeal.
Democratizing the Run
In an effort to make the event more inclusive and “democratize” the practice of running, a brand-new 5-kilometer “public race” will debut on January 24. This Saturday morning event is specifically designed to engage the local community, students, and younger generations. By introducing this shorter distance, the Grand Atlas Association seeks to cultivate a festive, carnival-like atmosphere 24 hours before the professional elite take the stage, encouraging fitness for all ages and backgrounds.
High-Tech Management and Elite Field
The 2026 edition is also embracing a digital transformation. To manage the complex logistics of 16,000 individual entries, a new electronic card system has been implemented. This high-tech upgrade will streamline the registration process and results tracking, ensuring that prize distributions for both the “clash of titans” in the pro category and the various age-group winners remain accurate and immediate.
The competitive field promises to be a spectacular display of endurance. Elite distance runners from Kenya and Ethiopia are expected to dominate the front of the pack, facing off against Morocco’s own homegrown stars. Notable among the local favorites is Fatima Ezzahra Gardadi, the 2023 World Championship bronze medalist. Her participation underscores the race’s significance as a certified qualifier for the World Athletics Championships and the Olympic Games.
A Legacy of Excellence
Since its inception, the Marrakech Marathon has served as a vital springboard for legendary Moroccan athletes. It was here that Abdelkader El Mouaziz, the double London Marathon and New York Marathon champion, cemented his status as a pioneer. Other notable alumni include Abderrahim Goumri, who clocked a blistering 2:05:30, and double world champion Jaouad Gharib.
As the first starting pistol prepares to fire at 8:00 AM on Sunday, January 25, Marrakech stands ready. Supported by the Ministry of National Education, Preschool, and Sports, as well as the Royal Moroccan Athletics Federation (FRMA), the city is set to prove once again why it remains the premier destination for world-class endurance racing in Africa.
