The morning air was crisp as I stood at the starting line of the 35th International Marathon of Marrakech, surrounded by 12,000 fellow runners from around the world. The mixture of excitement and nervous energy was palpable as we waited for the race to begin, the call to prayer echoing across the pre-dawn city. As someone who's called Morocco home for years, this was more than just another race – it was a chance to experience Marrakech in a completely new way.
Pre-Race Experience: The Marathon Village
Before diving into the race itself, let me share a bit about the pre-race experience. The marathon village, bustling with energy, is where runners collect their bibs and explore the expo. One thing I love about Morocco is how international events here bridge cultures – while announcements were primarily in Arabic (Darija) and French, the organizing team made sure everyone felt welcome, with volunteers ready to help in various languages.
Bib Collection and Social Run
A unique aspect of the Marrakech Marathon is the pre-race social run. It's a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow runners and shake off those pre-race jitters. I met runners from all over the world, including a gentleman who had run five marathons in just two months! This social aspect truly embodies the Moroccan spirit of hospitality and community.
Race Day: From Dawn to Finish Line
The Course
The marathon route offers a fascinating tour of Marrakech, with about 200 meters of elevation gain throughout the course. While this might sound challenging, the route is actually quite manageable, even for those used to flatter courses. The course takes you through various neighborhoods, offering glimpses of both modern and traditional Marrakech.
Weather and Conditions
One crucial aspect of running in Marrakech is the weather. The race started in cold conditions, but temperatures rose to 23-24°C by afternoon. This temperature variation is typical of Marrakech and requires smart pacing and hydration strategies.
Practical Tips for Future Runners
What to Pack
Based on my experience, here's what worked well:
- Lightweight, breathable running gear
- Hydration system (I used a 5L Advanced Skin race vest)
- Energy gels (I carried 6-7 light gels)
- Both warm and cool weather gear (temperatures vary significantly)
Hydration Stations
Water stations are well-placed throughout the course, though they use plastic bottles. Remember to practice using these during training if you're used to cups.
The Local Experience
What makes the Marrakech Marathon truly special is the local support. Throughout the course, cheering crowds and helpful volunteers create an atmosphere that's uniquely Moroccan. The hospitality doesn't end at the finish line – even at my riad, the staff were genuinely interested in hearing about the race experience.
Race Review and Results
While I missed my sub-3 hour goal by two and a half minutes, the experience was unforgettable. The organization was impressive, with clear signage and plenty of support along the route. The finishing area, with its iconic blue carpet, provides a memorable end to your 42.2km journey.
Planning Your Marrakech Marathon Experience
Where to Stay
Consider staying in a riad near the race start/finish area. These traditional Moroccan houses offer not just accommodation but an authentic experience of Moroccan hospitality.
Pre-Race Meals
Many local restaurants cater to runners during marathon weekend. I enjoyed a pre-race pasta meal at La Bottega, which proved to be an excellent choice.
Join the Marrakech Marathon Community
Have you run the Marrakech Marathon or are you planning to? I'd love to hear about your experience or answer any questions you might have about running in Morocco. Share your finish time in the comments below – let's celebrate each other's achievements!