Course Map
Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The Marathon International de Marrakech is a scenic course through Morocco's storied red city, winding past the ochre ramparts, the medina, and the palm groves on the desert fringe beneath the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. The terrain is largely flat and reasonably fast, and the cool January staging makes it one of the more PB-friendly races on the continent. It draws a good international field charmed by the exotic setting and the favorable winter conditions. The flat roads and crisp air reward steady, confident pacing. It suits runners who want a fast-leaning race wrapped in one of North Africa's most evocative and beautiful backdrops.
Course Insight
Marrakech is a flat, fast course through Morocco's red city, winding past the ochre ramparts, the medina and the palm groves of the Palmeraie with the snow-capped Atlas Mountains as a backdrop. The level terrain and cool January air make for a genuinely runnable day, leaving pacing discipline as the main variable rather than gradient. Midday warmth can build quickly once the sun is up, so manage fluids and don't over-run the cool early kilometres. The exotic setting is a scenic draw but not a distraction from a fast course. Run it as an even effort and the flat, PB-friendly profile rewards the patient.
Difficulty Breakdown
A fast, runner-friendly course.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 133m
- Elevation loss
- 133m
- Highest point
- 498m
- Lowest point
- 408m
- Net elevation
- 0m
- Start
- Avenue de la Ménara
- Cutoff time
- 5h 30m
Course Records
- Men's
- 2:06:32 — Hicham Laqouahi (Morocco), 2020
- Women's
- 2:24:48 — Hayat Benhniya (Morocco), 2026
Race History
The Marathon International de Marrakech was first held in 1987, making it one of Morocco's longer-running marathons, winding past the ochre ramparts and palm groves of the storied red city beneath the Atlas Mountains. Its flat course and cool January conditions built a reputation as one of the more personal-best-friendly races on the continent. From its early editions it drew a steady international field charmed by the exotic setting. Held each January, it remains a scenic North African fixture.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Marrakech Menara (RAK), Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN)
- Best area to stay
- The Medina for atmospheric riads near the route, Gueliz in the Ville Nouvelle for modern hotels, and the Palmeraie for resort-style stays a short drive away.
- Getting to the start
- The start is near the city centre by Bab Jdid; walk from Medina or Gueliz hotels or take a short taxi to the start.