The third edition of the Dakhla International Marathon, held in Morocco, has concluded with remarkable success, attracting 6,400 participants from various countries. The event, which took place on November 1, 2026, was organized by the Wadi Al-Ahd Gold Athletics Association under the supervision of the Royal Moroccan Athletics Federation. The marathon was held in collaboration with the Dakhla Wadi Al-Ahd province authorities and supported by local councils and partners.
The event was marked by the presence of high-profile guests, including the UAE's Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Mur, President of the UAE Athletics Federation, who attended as the guest of honor. This move highlights the strong brotherly relations between Morocco and the UAE and demonstrates the role of sports in fostering cooperation and exchanging expertise between the two countries. The UAE's participation added a significant dimension to the event, going beyond sports to promote diplomacy and cooperation.
The Dakhla International Marathon has become a prominent sporting event, leveraging the city's natural and tourist attractions. The event's success is a testament to the city's growing reputation as a hub for international sports events. The marathon featured a competitive field of professional athletes, with Kenyan runners dominating the men's 10km category. Festus Kiprop took the top spot with a time of 28 minutes and 32 seconds, followed by his compatriot Kirimi Moses.
In the women's category, Moroccan athlete Meryem Azrour took the top spot with a time of 31 minutes and 57 seconds, ahead of her compatriots Fatiha Asmid and Kouhtar Farkoussi. The strong performance by Moroccan athletes demonstrated their dominance in the event. The participation of 6,400 runners reflects the event's growing popularity and the city's ability to host large-scale international events.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the General Secretary of the Dakhla Wadi Al-Ahd province and the President of the Dakhla commune, Ragheb Hirma Allah. The high-level attendance underscores the importance of the event and its impact on promoting sports and development in the region. The marathon has become an annual gathering that combines sports, development, and international cooperation.
The success of the third edition of the Dakhla International Marathon has solidified its position as a premier sporting event, leveraging the city's natural and tourist attractions. The event's growth and popularity are expected to continue, with the UAE's participation adding a new dimension to the event. The marathon has become a platform for promoting sports, development, and international cooperation.
The Dakhla International Marathon has demonstrated its potential to promote sports, development, and international cooperation. With 6,400 participants and a strong field of athletes, the event has become a major sporting event in Morocco. The UAE's participation as the guest of honor has added a significant dimension to the event, highlighting the strong relations between Morocco and the UAE.
Key points
- The Dakhla International Marathon drew 6,400 participants from various countries.
- The event featured a strong presence from the UAE as the guest of honor.
- The marathon has become a premier sporting event, leveraging the city's natural and tourist attractions.
