Sixty runners from fifteen countries are set to participate in the 11th edition of the Trans Sahara Marathon. The event, taking place from February 14 to 22, will see athletes traverse the Sahara Desert in Morocco's Zagora province. Starting from M'Hamid El Ghizlane, the competitors will tackle a grueling 149 km course over four stages, culminating in Zagora. The diverse group of participants hails from Morocco, Japan, the United States, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Afghanistan, Luxembourg, Germany, the Czech Republic, Latvia, the Netherlands, England, and Ireland. They will face two initial stages of 32 km each, a challenging 31 km stretch of pure sand, and a final 55 km stage. The marathon's route will take runners through the breathtaking Chegaga dunes and the Iriqui National Park, known for its vast desert landscapes and rich wildlife. Participants will also experience the serene beauty of the Jebel Bani oases and the warm hospitality of the region's nomadic families. On the competitive front, Mohamed El Morabity is the standout favorite among the men. With victories in the Oman Marathon and the Marathon des Sables 2023 under his belt, El Morabity aims to add the Trans Sahara Marathon to his accolades. His main competition is expected to come from Italy's Alberto Tagliabue and France's Romain Castiglia. In the women's category, Japan's Tomomi Bitoh emerges as the top contender. Having secured second place in the Marathon des Sables 2024 and last year's Trans Sahara Marathon, Bitoh will face challenges from England's Gemma Game, Japan's Kumiko Ishiwata, and Portugal's Ana Pereira. Beyond the race, the Trans Sahara Marathon serves a greater purpose. Organizer Mohamad Ahansal and participants are committed to supporting local schools and communities, thereby enhancing the event's social impact in the region.
