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Sport

Moroccan Athlete Emerges Victorious in Marrakech Marathon

Monday 29 January 2024 - 08:10

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Kawtar Farkoussi surged across the finish line to claim the top spot at the 34th annual Marrakech International Marathon on Monday. The 27-year-old Moroccan long-distance runner completed the race in an impressive 2 hours, 27 minutes, and 58 seconds, outpacing over 12,000 competitors from across the globe.

Farkoussi's remarkable victory left her fellow Moroccans, Fatiha Benchatki (2:28:29), and Kawtar Bouassria (2:29:17), trailing behind. This triumph marks her return to the winner's circle since June 2022 when she set a record time of 32:35.85 in the 10K race at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.

The Marrakech Marathon, renowned internationally as a premier event for both elite athletes and enthusiasts, offers participants a scenic route through the ancient city's historic ramparts, flanked by palm, orange, and olive trees. Under the esteemed patronage of King Mohammed VI, the marathon has significantly contributed to boosting tourism in Marrakech, now recognized as a destination for thousands of running enthusiasts drawn to the allure of the "Red City."

Positioned as one of the world's fastest marathons, the event aims to reclaim its status as a gathering ground for the sport's luminaries. Farkoussi's impressive performance underscores the Marrakech Marathon's journey towards achieving this ambitious objective. Her victory adds another chapter to the event's illustrious history spanning over three decades.