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Rabat – Moroccan runner Hamza Sahli secured victory in the 15th Casablanca International Marathon yesterday, completing the challenging 42-kilometer course in an impressive 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 1 second.
Sahli is a long-distance runner from Morocco who earned a bronze medal in the half marathon at the 2019 African Games. He also represented Morocco at the 2019 World Athletics Championships, where he competed in the men’s marathon and secured an 8th place finish.
After the race, Sahli shared his satisfaction with MAP, crediting his success to a deliberate strategy of leading from the start to prevent any surprises from Kenyan competitors.
Fellow Moroccan runner Omar Ait Chitachen crossed the finish line just behind Sahli, securing second place with a time of 2:11:50. followed by Eritrea’s Nguse Amlosom, who completed the race in 2:12:34.
In the women’s division, Kenya’s Joan Jepkosgei claimed the top spot with a time of 2:27:42. Morocco’s Hasna Zahi finished closely behind, earning second place after a fierce competition against Kenyan runners, clocking in at 2:28:57. Kenyan Gladys Kiptoo rounded out the podium, finishing in 2:29:41.
Read Also: Casablanca International Marathon Is Back for its 15th Edition
Meanwhile, Moroccan runner Yassine El Alami clinched the half-marathon title, crossing the finish line of the 21K with a time of 1:01:40, with fellow Moroccan Houssan Bouzaidi trailing just a second behind at 1:01:41. Walid Lidam took third place.
In the women’s half-marathon, Kenya’s Faith Chepkoech captured first place with a time of 1:10:25. . Moroccans Khaoutar Farkoussi and Wafaa Zeroual followed, clocking in at 1:11:13 and 1:14:33, respectively.
The 10-kilometer race saw Moroccan Zine Eddine Ouria take the lead, completing the course in 28 minutes and 32 seconds. Mustafa Ouchto and Oussam Cheraki closely followed, finishing in 28:34 as well as, and 28:35.
In the women’s 10-kilometer event, Morocco’s Roukia Mokim emerged victorious with a time of 32 minutes and 21 seconds. Aicha El Baa and Kawtar Hirich claimed second and third, finishing at 33:00 and minutes and 33:10, respectively.
The Casablanca International Marathon, organized by the Wilaya of the Casablanca-Settat region in partnership with local and national entities, has grown into a celebrated annual event. It attracts thousands of both amateur and professional runners every year.
Mohamed Jouahri, General Director of “Casablanca Events and Animation,” commended the 15th edition as a “resounding success on all fronts,” pointing to the strong turnout of athletes and enthusiasts as proof of the event’s rising popularity.
Jouahri envisions Casablanca eventually hosting a marathon with up to 50,000 participants, supported by the dedication of all stakeholders, including Casablanca’s residents, whose warm welcome left a positive impression on many participants.
