Sahli won the title after smashing the 42 km of the event in 02h09m01sec, followed by his compatriot Omar Ait Chitachen, who finished in 02h11m50sec. Third place went to the Eritrean Nguse Amlosom (02h12min34sec).
Among the ladies, the Moroccan athlete Hasna Zahi, after tough competition with the Kenyans, finished in second place with a time of 02h28min57sec, behind the Kenyan Joan Jepkosgei, who won in 02h27min42sec. The other Kenyan, Gladys Kiptoo, was satisfied with the third step of the podium (02h29min41sec).
In the half-marathon (21 km), Moroccan athlete Yassine El Alami won the title after covering the distance in 01h01min40sec. Houssam Bouzaidi took second place with a time of 01h1min41sec, two seconds ahead of Walid Lidam, third.
On the women’s side, Kenyan Faith Chepkoech was crowned champion by finishing the race in 01h10min25s, ahead of the two Moroccans Khaoutar Farkoussi (01h11min13sec) and Wafaa Zeroual (01h14min33sec).
The other race on the menu for this edition, that of the 10 km, was dominated by the Moroccan Zine Eddine Ouria, author of a time of 28min32sec. He beat Mustafa Ouchto (28min34sec) and Oussama Cheraki (28min35sec).
Hamza Sahli told MAP that he chose to lead the race from start to finish to leave nothing to chance and avoid any surprises from the Kenyans, underlining the tough competition imposed by the other athletes and the difficulty of the course. of the marathon.
He said that this coronation is the result of intensive preparations, particularly the four months preceding this marathon, adding that this victory only strengthens his determination to shine in the next events.
For her part, Hasna Zahi considered that the competition was of a high level, due to the experience of the Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes who were competing, noting that a second place in an international competition of the rank of the Casablanca marathon is a good result which will give him more motivation for the next competitions.
As for the technical aspect, Mohamed Jouahri, general director of the local development company “Casablanca Events et Animation”, organizer of the marathon, affirmed that this 15th edition met with “a great success at all levels”, as in testifies to the massive participation of runners, practitioners and athletics enthusiasts.
For him, the city of Casablanca deserves to organize a race capable of attracting between 30,000 and 50,000 participants in the coming years.
Furthermore, Jouahri praised the commitment of all stakeholders, including the inhabitants of Casablanca, in favor of the success of this athlete, adding that many runners and participants welcomed the warm welcome given to them by the Casablancais.
And to maintain that the participation of international runners representing more than 50 countries from all continents confirms the influence of the Casablanca International Marathon, welcoming the massive participation of women, another objective that this edition managed to achieve.
At the end of this international competition, the Wali of the Casablanca-Settat region, governor of the prefecture of Casablanca, Mohamed Mhidia, the president of the Council of the region, Abdellatif Maâzouz, the president of the Municipality of Casablanca, Nabila Rmili, and other personalities presented the medals and prizes to the winners.
This marathon, organized under the aegis of the Wilaya of the Casablanca-Settat region and the commune of Casablanca, in partnership with the Royal Moroccan Athletics Federation, the Council of the Casablanca-Settat region, the Regional Academy of education and training of Casablanca-Settat and the Hassan II University of Casablanca, has established itself as an unmissable annual meeting which attracts thousands of runners, amateurs and professionals, but also a exceptional opportunity to discover the assets of the economic capital.
Interview: Time.news Editor Meets Marathon Expert
Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today! With the recent success of the 15th Casablanca Marathon, we have an exciting story to tell. Let’s start with the highlights. Hamza Sahli won the marathon with an impressive time. What do you think contributed to his victory?
Expert: Thank you for having me! Hamza’s victory was indeed remarkable. His strategy of leading from start to finish played a crucial role. By taking command early, he minimized the risk of being overtaken by the strong Kenyan competitors. His extensive preparation, particularly the four months leading up to the marathon, also set him apart. This highlights how essential tailored training is for peak performance.
Editor: Absolutely! Sahli’s finishing time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 1 second really stands out. How did you perceive his approach, considering the well-established competition he faced from the Kenyans?
Expert: It was a smart move. The Kenyans have a reputation for their endurance and speed, making them formidable opponents. Sahli recognized this and decided to control the race pace. This tactic not only kept him in a leading position but also forced his competitors to work harder to keep up. His confidence and strategy paid off, reflecting his thorough understanding of marathon dynamics.
Editor: It’s fascinating how race tactics can impact outcomes. Shifting focus to the women’s marathon, Hasna Zahi finished second against tough competition. What insights can you share about her performance?
Expert: Hasna’s performance was commendable, especially under high-pressure circumstances. Finishing behind seasoned runners like Joan Jepkosgei and facing the challenges presented by experienced Kenyans demonstrated her skill. She mentioned that while second place can be viewed as a disappointment, it actually serves as motivation for future competitions. This is crucial; every race provides lessons that can help athletes evolve.
Editor: Indeed! The half-marathon and 10K events also showcased great talent. Yassine El Alami’s win in the half-marathon – what does it say about the current state of Moroccan athletics?
Expert: Yassine’s time of 1 hour, 1 minute, and 40 seconds reflects the depth of talent in Morocco’s long-distance running scene. The competitive environment is evidently nurturing athletes like him and Bouzaidi, improving overall race standards. It’s a good sign for the future of Moroccan athletics—a blend of local talent rising to challenge international competitors.
Editor: The 10 km race was no less thrilling, with Zine Eddine Ouria clocking 28 minutes and 32 seconds. What does this trio of Moroccan athletes signify for the sport in terms of regional representation?
Expert: Zine Eddine’s performance is a testament to Morocco’s strong running tradition. Competing rigorously against runners like Mustafa Ouchto shows that Moroccan distance running is not only surviving but thriving. This trio—Sahli, El Alami, and Ouria—highlights how Moroccans are not only solid competitors but also potentially future stars on the international stage.
Editor: organizing such a large-scale event, as highlighted by Mohamed Jouahri, plays a vital role in developing athletics in Casablanca. What impact do you think events like these have on local communities and sports culture?
Expert: Events like the Casablanca Marathon foster a vibrant sports culture and encourage community involvement. They inspire young athletes and promote healthy lifestyles. Additionally, they can boost local economies through tourism and commerce. The excitement and camaraderie generated during such events unify runners, residents, and sponsors, creating a supportive atmosphere for athletic development.
Editor: Thank you for your insights! It’s clear that the Casablanca Marathon was not only a showcase of athletic excellence but also a catalyst for inspiring future competitions and community engagement.
Expert: Thank you! It has been a pleasure discussing the impact of this event and celebrating the achievements of these talented athletes. Looking forward to seeing how they progress in their careers!