2024 Fez Running Festival: A Marathon Experience Like No Other

The Dila Sports Development Association (DSDA) organized the third edition of the Fez Running Festival on February 25, featuring circuits of 5, 10, and 21 kilometers.

Hundreds of runners completed their registration on Thursday, February 22, at the main gate of Parc Amerique Latine in Fez, according to the organizers. Registration fees for all three categories were set at MAD 120 ($12).

A two-kilometer race for children was held on February 24, lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes, while the adult marathon races took place on February 25 and lasted almost 3 hours.

Key Participants' Insights

Khalid Erratibi, winner of the 21-kilometer circuit, described the competition as fierce in the first 10 kilometers but managed to adapt to the race in the remaining 11. Erratibi expressed gratitude to his personal coach, Hassan Elghachoui, and dedicated his victory to friends, fellow athletes, organizers, and journalists who supported him.

Runner-up Said Asmaar praised the organizers for a successful event despite facing an injury that nearly prevented his participation.

Abdelali Chaaibi, winner of the 5-kilometer circuit, noted favorable race conditions and considered his participation in the Fez Running Festival his best achievement to date.

Event Officials' Remarks

Officials of the Fez Running Festival provided with details of the event's finalists across various categories. Bouazza Kessaoui, Adnan Mouhammadi, and Marouane Fethi secured the top three positions in the men's 10-kilometer category, while Aya Fethi, Ghita Behari, and Youssra Houssni dominated the women's 5-kilometer circuit.

Soukaina Hamam, Fatima-Zahra Elbouchi, and Hanan Znibech excelled in the women's 10-kilometer category, while Meriem Bennani, Lamiae Lehlou, and Rim Lehlou emerged victorious in the 21-kilometer circuit.

Former Moroccan athlete and Fez Marathon organizer Abderrahime Bouramdane highlighted the event's role in promoting sporting engagement within civil society and its positive impact on participants' mental and physical well-being. He emphasized the potential growth of the Fez Running Festival, hinting at additional categories in future editions.

The Fez Running Festival: Sports and Charity

The marathon commenced at City Center Park, taking participants through various landmarks in Fez before concluding at the starting point. Athletes traversed prominent avenues and boulevards throughout Fez during the race.

Winners across all categories were honored with medals during the award ceremony, attended by notable Fassi personalities and sponsored by Moroccan companies and institutions.

The Fez marathon's official website hailed the event as a celebration of athleticism and history, aiming to promote Fez as Morocco's spiritual capital and provide a unique experience for participants. The competition doubled as a fundraiser for charity causes combating chronic diseases, supporting associations focused on diabetes, bowel cancer, and breast cancer while promoting health through sports across Moroccan regions.

Looking Ahead

After two successful editions in Fez, the 2024 edition of the running festival is scheduled to feature 10, 21, and 42-kilometer circuits, with details regarding time and location to be announced.