Morocco’s national team athlete Hamza Sahli won the 15th Casablanca International Marathon on Sunday with a time of 2:09:01 for the 42-kilometer course.
Moroccan Omar Ait Chitachen came second with a time of 2:11:50. Eritrea’s Nguse Amlosom secured the third spot at 2:12:34.
In the women’s category, Moroccan runner Hasna Zahi ranked second with a time of 2:28:57, following Kenyan Joan Jepkosgei who over ranked all runners, clocking in at 2:27:42. Kenyan Gladys Kiptoo, secured the third position with a time of 2:29:41.
In the half marathon (21 km), Moroccan athlete Yassine El Alami claimed the title with a time of 1:01:40. Houssam Bouzaidi followed closely at 1:01:41, just two seconds ahead of Walid Lidam, who came third.
For the women’s half marathon, Kenyan Faith Chepkoech secured first place, completing the race in 1:10:25, followed by Moroccans Khaoutar Farkoussi (1:11:13) and Wafaa Zeroual (1:14:33).
Moroccan runner Zine Eddine Ouria won the 10-kilometer race, clocking 28:32, followed by Mustafa Ouchto (28:34) and Oussama Cheraki (28:35). In the women’s category, Morocco Roukia Mokim won with a time of 32:21, with Aïcha El Baâ (33:00) and Kawtar Hirich (33:10) taking second and third, respectively.
Mohamed Jouahri, CEO of the marathon’s organizing body, Casablanca Events and Animation, welcomed the marathon’s success and highlighted Casablanca’s potential to host a marathon attracting 30,000 to 50,000 participants in the coming years.
Mohamed Mhidia, Governor of the Casablanca-Settat region; Abdellatif Maâzouz, President of the Regional Council; Nabila Rmili, President of Casablanca’s Commune, and other prominent figures presented the awards to the winners.
The Wilaya of Casablanca-Settat and Casablanca’s Commune, in partnership with the Royal Moroccan Athletics Federation, the Regional Council, the Regional Academy for Education and Training, and Hassan II University, co-sponsored the event.