Assahafa.com
Moroccan runner El Mahjoub Dazza won, on Sunday, the 16th edition of the Casablanca International Marathon, which saw the participation of more than 10,000 runners.
El Mahjoub Dazza claimed the title after covering the 42.195 km distance in 2h 09min 43sec, ahead of his compatriot Omar Ait Chitachen (2h 10min 31sec), while Kenya’s Mathew Samperu finished third in 2h 12min 20sec.
In the women’s category, Moroccan Keltoum Bouasriya took first place in 2h 29min 49sec, followed by her compatriot Hasna Zahi (2h 29min 55sec) and Ethiopian Zenebu Fekadu (2h 30min 08sec).
In the half marathon (21 km), Moroccan athletes dominated the competition. Yassine El Alami finished first in 1h 03min 02sec, ahead of Said Ibssoui (1h 03min 05sec) and Mouad Hadout, who came third with a time of 1h 07min 41sec.
Among the women, victory went to Kaoutar Farkoussi, who completed the race in 1h 09min 58sec, followed by Fatima Zahra Birdaha (1h 11min 21sec) and Nazha Machrouh (1h 11min 32sec).
At the end of the race, El Mahjoub Dazza expressed his great satisfaction with this victory, noting that although he had hoped to break the course record, the conditions were not favorable.
“I decided to speed up from the fifth kilometer and ran the last seven kilometers alone in the lead, but I couldn’t beat the record. I’ll come back next year determined to achieve that goal,” he told the press.
For her part, Keltoum Bouasriya said she was delighted with her victory, stressing that her performance was the result of long and intensive training and serious preparation. She added that she intends to continue her efforts to come back stronger next season and attempt to break the race record.
Bouchta El Fadel, President of the Grand Casablanca Runners Association, which organizes the marathon, praised the success of this year’s edition, highlighted by a record participation of over 10,000 athletes representing more than 75 nationalities, as well as the strong turnout of spectators along the course.
“We are proud that this sporting event has become a true celebration for the city and for Morocco, both in terms of organization and the positive impact it has had on residents and participants,” he said.
The closing ceremony featured the presentation of trophies and awards to the winners, amid applause from a large Casablanca crowd cheering on both Moroccan and international athletes.
Organized by the Grand Casablanca Runners Association, the Casablanca International Marathon is a major annual sporting event that contributes to enhancing the city’s standing and promoting the values of sport, perseverance, and solidarity.
Source: map
