We recall names such as Abdelkader Mouaziz, Abderrahim Ghomri Jawad Gharib, Khalid El Boumlili Rashid Ghannoun, Zhor El Kamch, Asmae Aaghzaoui and many others who have achieved success in the Marrakech Marathon before going taking part in the larger Marathons abroad.

Indeed, this is the main objective of the Grand Atlas Association President, Dr Mohamed Knidri.Once he completes an event he starts working to organize another on the basis of a balance sheet. That is the case with this year's Marathon, which will involve over 6,000 athletes from 4 corners of the world of which are the top 70 runners. Several top foreign runners had their start in Marrakech. Examples include Ndiwa Allan, Sammy Chumba, Taniu Mark and David Rotoch.
But beyond all these performance and pleasure that this marathon brings, we must remember the media coverage it generates.

This time, Canal Plus will join its counterparts for a report of 13 minutes which will be broadcast repeatedly in addition to its transmission to other specialised televisions. This year media coverage will be increased by the participation of top runners such Elias Kiptum, Jonathan Kiptoo, Luka Kipkemboi Chelimo, David Rutoh, Gelaw Tsega, Margaret Karie Toroitich, Khalid El Boumili, Samira Raif, Malika Assahsah, and many others.

In addition to the semi-marathon, there will be a race devoted to school children aged 10 to 13 years under the leadership of our champions Khalid Sekkah, Nezha Bidouane, Moulay Brahim Boutayeb, Fatima Ouam and Hicham El Guerrouj.

Whatever the size of the budget devoted to this marathon, it will inspire everyone involoved and develop friendships and great pleasure for all the participants.As for the organizers, their inspired work deserves our gratitude.

Paco Borao, Vice President Membership said that it was his first time in Marrakech and he welcomed the opportunity to participate in the promotion of Marrakech through the organistation of the Marathon and felt that Morocco was an excellent country for this kind of event and had made great progress in social development. The Marathon is a healthy and cost efficient way to visit a beautiful city like Marrakech.

He observed that sports tourism was an excellent addition to Marrakech's tourism industry. There is no selection policy for the Marrakech marathon, those that win marathons in their own country have the possibility to participate in Marrakech. Marrakech is a partner in the Association of International Marathons and Distance races and is an international event and is part of our promotion programme for the Marathons and it provides an excellent course for the participants. Marrakech has a very important rolme in the promotion of the Marathon programme. It is one of the locations where we always hold the marathon and we have become very much attached to the city. The countries in Africa who produce the best marathon runners are Kenya, Ethiopia and Morocco.

Mohamed Knidiri, President of the Grand Atlas Association, organiser of the marathon, said it is a very well organised event and that this is the starting point for amateur athletes who become professionals in the future. As an example, Moroccan athlete Abdelkader Mouaziz won the marathon of Marrakech in 1999 and then after that he won in London and New York and then again in London. He pointed out that being the first of the year, this marathon allows both Moroccan and foreign athletes to prepare adequately for other upcoming events. In addition, the Marrakech marathon is also a major event that contributes a great deal to the economy and tourism both in Marrakech and in Morocco.