ICESCO Marathon in Rabat Promotes Health and Inclusion
On Saturday, the vibrant city of Rabat served as the backdrop for the fourth edition of the ICESCO Marathon, which saw the enthusiastic participation of more than 1,000 athletes and running enthusiasts from various generations, including individuals with disabilities. This event transcended mere competition, aiming instead to deliver a powerful message of solidarity, inclusion, and the promotion of mental health, coinciding with the first anniversary of the Fête de l’Unité.
Under the compelling slogan, “Let’s Run Together for Our Mental Health and Well-Being,” the marathon was organized in collaboration with the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture, operating under the Ministry of National Education, Preschool, Vocational Training, and Qualifications. The event also received support from the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Sports, alongside contributions from the Moroccan Anti-Doping Agency (AMAD) and various national and international partners.
The marathon featured a scenic 9-kilometer route starting from the ICESCO headquarters, guiding participants through several prominent streets in the Riyad district of the capital. Beyond the competitive aspect of timing and ranking, the event emphasized inclusivity, showcasing the participation of individuals with disabilities and reinforcing the notion that sports should remain accessible to all.
A Celebration of Athletic Achievement and Community Spirit
From a sporting perspective, the marathon highlighted the achievements of various athletes across different categories. In the senior men's division, Yassine Alami emerged victorious, followed closely by Azzedine Feraoun and Mohamed Bouanari. Among the female competitors, Hasna Zahi secured the top spot, trailed by Wafaa El Wafi and Amina Chahid.
The veterans’ category also witnessed remarkable performances, with Hicham Saddouki, Kamal Driri, and Hassan El Harcha taking the podium in the men’s section, while Hanan El Bijaoui, Meriem Khali, and Fatouma El Mbarki stood out among the women. The junior races featured impressive displays of talent, with Adam Hassouni winning the boys' event ahead of Omran Zahi and Bilal El Arj, while Malak Zayani finished first in the girls' category, followed by Marwa El Jarari and Houda Ait Faraj.
Moreover, the events dedicated to individuals with special needs showcased extraordinary performances as well, with Hassan Benaadou, Abdallah El Harti, and Hafid El Harrak clinching the top three positions in the first category, and Ayoub Chennoufi, Mohamed Ali Jalil, and Mohamed Hamdi excelling in the second.
Salem Ben Mohamed Al-Malik, the Director General of ICESCO, emphasized the significance of this event, stating that it serves as a renewed opportunity to promote health while instilling values of hope, perseverance, and solidarity. He acknowledged the support of sponsors and partners, whose contributions were vital for the event's success.
For ICESCO, the marathon represents more than just a sporting initiative; it embodies national and humanitarian values while showcasing the potential of multi-stakeholder cooperation centered around a shared belief: that sports are a genuine lever for development. This fourth edition held particular symbolic importance, coinciding with the first anniversary of the Fête de l’Unité, reinforcing commitments to both national unity and individual growth.
Ultimately, the message resonating from Rabat is clear: running together also means learning to live together. This ambition underscores the social and human vocation of sports in fostering community spirit.
As reported by lopinion.ma.
