La 35e edition of the Marrakech International Marathon and Half Marathon will be an exceptional edition, with a record number of participants”, indicated the director of the Marathon, Mohamed Knidiri, during a press conference dedicated to the presentation of the circuit and the athletes participating in MIM 2025.
True to its reputation, the MIM, which holds the African record for the event, will be enhanced this year by the participation of world-renowned elite runners, including the Kenyan Kitwara Sammy Irop with a time of 2:04:28, his compatriot Kilimo Rhonzas Lokitam (2:06:09) and the Moroccan Mohamed Reda El Aaraby (2:06:55), said Knidiri.
For the ladies, the event will see the participation of the Ethiopian athlete Beyene Tirfi Tsegaye (2:19:41), her compatriot Bekele Abebech Afework (2:23:33), as well as the Moroccan Kaoutar Farkoussi (2:25). :35), Rkia El Moukim (2:26:51), Kaltoum Bouaasariya (2:27:22) and Hasna Zahi (2:28:23), he said.
A qualifying edition for the World Championships
“This year we expect exceptional performances and tough competition as the 35e edition will qualify for the World Championship which will take place next September”, he assured, noting that the ocher city offers a mild climate in January and a course conducive to performances.
Placed under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, the MIM, organized by the Grand Atlas Association (AGA), in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports, the Royal Moroccan Athletics Federation, the wilaya of the Marrakech-Safi region and the Marrakech municipal council, has been ranked 11 since 2013e world rank and received the World Athletics label in 2020, making it eligible for the World Championships and the Olympic Games.
The program for this edition also includes a race for the benefit of children, a 5 km “Welcome Race” open to all, organized on January 25, with the aim of familiarizing athletes with the climate and atmosphere of the city. of Marrakech and a “Day without cars” under the theme “Environment and road safety at the heart of priorities”.
(with MAP)
