Moroccan runner El Mahjoub Dazza claimed victory on Sunday at the 16th edition of the Casablanca International Marathon, which brought together more than 10,000 participants from over 75 nationalities. Dazza secured the title after completing the 42.195 km race in 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 43 seconds, ahead of fellow Moroccan Omar Ait Chitachen (2h 10min 31sec). Kenya's Mathew Samperu finished third with a time of 2h 12min 20sec. In the women's category, Morocco's Keltoum Bouasriya took first place in 2h 29min 49sec, followed by Hasna Zahi (2h 29min 55sec) and Ethiopia's Zenebu Fekadu (2h 30min 08sec). Moroccan athletes also dominated the half-marathon (21 km) event. Yassine El Alami won in 1h 03min 02sec, just ahead of Said Ibssoui (1h 03min 05sec) and Mouad Hadout (1h 07min 41sec). Among the women, Kaoutar Farkoussi took the top spot in 1h 09min 58sec, followed by Fatima Zahra Birdaha (1h 11min 21sec) and Nazha Machrouh (1h 11min 32sec). After the race, Dazza expressed his delight with the win, though he admitted he had hoped to break the course record. «I chose to accelerate from the fifth kilometer and ran the last seven kilometers alone in front, but I couldn't beat the record. I'll be back next year to make that dream come true», he told reporters. For her part, Bouasriya said she was «thrilled» with her victory, noting that it crowned months of intense preparation. She vowed to continue training hard to come back stronger next season and attempt to break the women's record. Bouchta El Fadel, president of the Greater Casablanca Runners Association, the event's organizer, praised the marathon's success, highlighting the record participation and the enthusiasm of the local crowd. «We are proud that this sporting event has become a real celebration for the city and for Morocco, both in terms of organization and the positive energy it generates», he said. The closing ceremony featured the presentation of trophies and awards to the winners, amid applause from an enthusiastic Casablanca audience that turned out in large numbers to support both Moroccan and international runners. The marathon's official start was attended by Mohamed Mhidia, Wali of the Casablanca-Settat region, Nabila Rmili, President of the Casablanca City Council, and several elected officials and sports figures. Organized annually by the Greater Casablanca Runners Association, the Casablanca International Marathon has become a major sporting event that enhances the city's international standing while promoting the values of sport, perseverance, and solidarity.
