Marrakech Marathon 2012: any takers?
Personally, just thinking about it hurts! Running for 42.2 kilometres!
That’s the official distance you have to run to complete a marathon and it’s what will be run for the 23rd edition of the Marrakech International Marathon, which will take place on 29 January 2012. It appears that all the big names of the discipline will be there for the event, including previous winners of this race that has a big reputation these days and attracts no less than 5000 participants.
Note that for those who are less fit, or just lazier, it’s possible to sign up for the half-marathon which is only 21 kilometres…no sweat!
Entries are accepted online or by post (address and details below) until midnight 23 January. And if you miss the deadline you can sign up in person at the Marathon Village, at the Place du 16 Novembre, over 27/28 January. You can pick up race bibs from a special office in the Marathon Village over 27/28 January as well.
The course is predominantly flat and is approved by the official authorities of the marathon discipline, yes indeed Sir! It starts and finishes behind the Sofitel Hotel Marrakech, on the large Avenue de la Menara. The course will travel round the whole city, via the Agdal gardens, the Sidi Youssef Ben Ali quarter, the Palmeraie, Gueliz and Hivernage…everywhere in fact. The course passes in front of certain excellent restaurant Marrakech, participants are reminded to not confuse the official refreshment stands, which will be serving energy drinks and other specialised nutrition, with the establishments mentioned earlier which will in general be serving more Flag Special, Casablanca (local beers), tajines and couscous, a little heavy for the final sprint…
Voila, the race starts on 29 January at 8.30am for the half marathon and 9am for the full marathon. And as a happy proprietor of a riad Marrakech, I invite all my colleagues to line up with me at the start line, at 8.30am sharp…well, mustn’t exaggerate too much… Shall we?
Emmanuel
PS: If my time is good this year, I’ll think about upping the distance for the 2013 Marrakech Marathon…stop laughing…it’s not nice!
Details:
Grand Atlas Association
Dar talib daoudiat unité 4
MARRAKECH
Morocco
Tel : (00 212) 524 31 35 72
Fax : (00 212) 524 31 31 95
E-mail: marathonmarrakech@yahoo.fr
