Moroccan Runner Wins Marrakech Marathon in Under 2:08

When Abdelhadi Labäli crossed the finish line at the 36th Marrakech International Marathon on Sunday, he didn't just win a race. He helped prove that Morocco's Red City has become one of the world's premier destinations for runners of every level.

Labäli finished the elite men's race in 2 hours, 7 minutes, and 34 seconds, claiming victory on home soil. Ethiopian runner Mekonen Hayimoro Yele secured second place, while fellow Moroccan Youness Benar rounded out the podium in third.

But the real story unfolded beyond the elite competition. More than 15,000 participants from countries around the globe descended on Marrakech, transforming the historic city into a moving celebration of human determination.

The event kicked off with a 5-kilometer race starting at the iconic Koutoubia Mosque near Jemaa el-Fna square. Families, solo runners, and groups of friends of all ages and fitness levels joined together under the motto "A race for everyone, a victory for everyone."

Since its launch in 1987, the Marrakech International Marathon has grown into a major fixture on the global road racing calendar. What started as a single race has evolved into a weekend-long celebration that goes far beyond athletics.

The Ripple Effect

This year's marathon weekend brought the community together through cultural events, workshops, and activities designed especially for children. The organizers intentionally designed the event to blur the lines between visitors and residents, elite athletes and casual joggers.

By welcoming participants from all backgrounds and abilities, the marathon creates something rare in competitive athletics: a genuine sense of shared community. Whether you're chasing a personal record or simply enjoying a morning run with your kids, everyone crosses the same finish line.

The event positions Marrakech as more than just a tourist destination. It showcases the city as a place where athletic excellence and cultural celebration happen side by side, where locals and visitors become fellow participants in something bigger than themselves.

For one weekend each year, the Red City proves that the most inspiring victories aren't always measured in minutes and seconds.