Marrakech, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
The Marathon International Marrakech draws about 3,000 runners each January through Morocco's imperial Red City. The course passes the Koutoubia Mosque, the medina walls, and the palm-lined avenues of the modern Gueliz district with views of the Atlas Mountains on clear days. January mild weather and exotic North African atmosphere make it a popular winter destination marathon.
Marathon International Marrakech is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Marathon International Marrakech is scheduled for Sunday, 17 January 2027 with a 8:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
The Marathon International Marrakech is a loop starting and finishing near Jemaa el-Fnaa and the Koutoubia Mosque, passing the medina walls, Menara Gardens, and the Gueliz boulevards with Atlas views on the horizon. The broad Gueliz stretches are the easiest because they stay flat and open, while the warmer medina-edge miles are tougher to manage; crowds are loudest at Jemaa el-Fnaa, around the Koutoubia, and through central Gueliz.
The Marathon International Marrakech course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
Registration is through https://www.marathon-marrakech.com/en/. Many international runners combine the race with a Marrakech holiday.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Marrakech.
The Casablanca Marathon attracts approximately 5,000 finishers each October through Morocco's largest city on the Atlantic coast. The course passes the Hassan II Mosque — one of the world's largest — the Corniche waterfront, and the Art Deco downtown district. October's mild Atlantic weather and flat coastal terrain make it North Africa's premier mass-participation marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026
The Maratona do Algarve draws approximately 1,500 finishers each November on a scenic coastal road in Vilamoura, Portugal. It is a late-season warm-weather option for European runners. The route passes marina roads, resort zones, and Algarve coastal scenery. Marina roads, resort zones, and Algarve coastal scenery make November's Vilamoura race a late-season warm-weather option for European runners on flat terrain.
Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026
The Lanzarote Marathon draws about 2,800 finishers each December through the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands. The course passes Timanfaya National Park approaches, black-lava fields, and Atlantic coastal roads with views unique to this UNESCO geopark island. December warm Canary Islands weather and otherworldly terrain make it an unforgettable destination marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
When a flat course helps your time, when hills are worth the view, and how to pick terrain that fits your training and goals.
Read guide →
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Read guide →
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
Read guide →