Fez hosted the 2025 Spiritual Marathon, featuring a full marathon, half marathon, and 10 km race, attracting participants from various backgrounds. The event emphasized culture, inclusivity, and community spirit, showcasing the historic streets of Fez while recognizing top finishers in each category during a festive awards ceremony.
The Fez Spiritual Marathon 2025 took place today in Fez, Morocco, showcasing a blend of fitness and community spirit. Despite inclement weather in the morning, which included rain, participants eagerly gathered at the starting line. The event commenced at 8:00 a.m. for the full marathon, followed by the semi-marathon and 10 km race at 9:15 a.m., drawing entrants from diverse backgrounds across Morocco and the globe.
This marathon featured three races: the full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.1 km), and a 10 km run. The race routes navigated through Fez El-Bali’s historical alleyways, providing runners with an immersive experience into the city’s rich culture and breathtaking architecture. Taking advantage of the city’s picturesque landmarks, the marathon highlighted the beautiful Moroccan backdrop for all participants.
Winners:
In the men’s full marathon, Moroccan Azzeddine Feraoun finished first with a time of 2:18:53, with Hicham Sadouq finishing just a second later and Kenyan Erick Ndiema Leon following with a time of 2:20:13. Ethiopian Senbete Gelane Bulbula claimed first in the women’s category with a time of 2:39:04, followed by two Kenyans.
In the semi-marathon, Meshack Kimutai of Kenya topped the men’s category at 1:05:17, while Moroccan Mounir El Ouali and Said Ben Akka followed closely. Irene Chepchirchir Korir from Kenya won the women’s race with a time of 1:15:31, with Moroccan runners closely behind.
For the 10 km race, Moroccans dominated both men’s and women’s categories. Jamal Hitran led the men’s race at 29:10, followed by Aziz Hemmani and Anass Zerraqui. Hajar El Haddioui took first for women with 35:23, followed by Aya El Fathi and Asmae Mrini.
The event emphasized inclusivity, welcoming runners of various abilities and ages. Families, children, and elderly participants created a supportive environment, with cheers from spectators and local musicians contributing to the festive surroundings. Organized by Dila Athlétique, the marathon promotes health, unity, and cultural heritage.
Participants praised the organization, scenic routes, and warm hospitality of locals, culminating in a ceremony where Moroccan Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali presented awards. More than just a competition, the marathon fostered a sense of community, celebrating collective accomplishments and personal milestones alike. Runners left with cherished memories from a unique blend of tradition and athleticism in Fez.
The Fez Spiritual Marathon continues to gain traction internationally, positioning Morocco as a leading destination for marathon events.
The Fez Spiritual Marathon was a successful event celebrating unity and fitness, featuring various race categories that showcased the cultural heritage of Fez. The local and international participation was significant, highlighting the marathon’s inclusive nature. The event underscored the importance of community engagement, athlete support, and local traditions, leaving runners with enriching experiences that blend athletics with cultural appreciation.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
