The 17th Crédit du Maroc Casablanca Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, October 25, will introduce several new features, including the World Athletics Elite Label, a live runner-tracking app and a solidarity initiative for people with disabilities. The organizers unveiled the changes at a press conference on Friday, October 23.
The organizers announced that the event had obtained the World Athletics Elite Label, the launch of a runner-tracking app and the introduction of a solidarity initiative for people with disabilities.
Held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, this year’s edition marks another step in the event’s development, with the marathon and half-marathon included in the official 2026 World Athletics Label Road Races calendar. The marathon course will also be certified by the international governing body.
Another new feature is a mobile app with live tracking, allowing family members, friends and spectators to follow runners’ progress on a map all the way to the finish line.
This edition will also introduce the “Challenge 421,” a solidarity initiative described as unprecedented in Morocco. It will give participants with disabilities the opportunity to cover the final 421 meters of the marathon and cross the same finish line as the other runners before receiving their medals.
Speaking at the press conference, Bouchta El Fadel, president of the Greater Casablanca Runners Association (ACGC), said obtaining the World Athletics Elite Label was an important recognition for the marathon, while also requiring compliance with demanding international organizational standards.
He also highlighted the ambition to establish the Casablanca Marathon as a leading international sporting event and a popular gathering that contributes to the city’s profile and vibrancy.
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On the sporting front, the 17th edition will feature an elite field of top Moroccan and international athletes. The women’s marathon lineup includes Ethiopians Bere Ayalew and Sofia Assefa, as well as Morocco’s Fatima Ezzahra Gardadi.
In the men’s marathon, the leading entrants include El Hassan El Abbassi of Bahrain and Ethiopians Abayneh Degu Tsehay and Workineh Tadese Mandefro.
The men’s half-marathon will feature Morocco’s Mustapha Akkaoui and Kenyans Shadrack Korir Kipyegon and Joshua Munyoto Kithuku. The women’s field includes Kenyan Regina Wambui Ndungu, Ugandan Rispa Cherop and Moroccan Rahma Tahiri.
Held under the slogan “Vibe Casa – Casablanca runs. Casablanca vibrates,” the event will feature three races: the marathon (42.195 km), the half-marathon (21.097 km) and a team relay (4 × 10.5 km).
Organizers expect 12,000 runners in the half-marathon, 2,200 in the marathon and 800 relay participants, divided into 200 teams.
