Marrakech International Marathon
Marrakech
The 37th Marrakech International Marathon takes place on Sunday 31 January 2027, with the marathon starting at 7:45 and the half marathon at 9:15 local time, on a flat course along the ramparts and palm groves.
Dates
- 31 January 2027
Source: Finishers — accessed 11 October 2026
A flat, fast winter race
The Marrakech International Marathon holds its 37th edition on Sunday 31 January 2027. It is organised by the Grand Atlas Association, with the Royal Moroccan Athletics Federation. There are two main distances: the marathon, starting at 7:45 local time, and the half marathon, at 9:15. A 5 km open to all and children's races complete the programme.
The course runs past the ramparts and along avenues of palms, orange and olive trees, with 147 m of elevation gain on the marathon and 70 m on the half: an almost flat profile. It carries a World Athletics label, from the international athletics federation, and is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. The front of the field is fast: in 2026, Morocco's Abdelhadi Labäli won in 2:07:34, and Hayat Benhima took the women's race in 2:24:48. The organisers expect more than 15,000 runners in 2027.
The weather makes the race
In late January, Marrakech offers temperatures well suited to running. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) climate normals, the average January maximum is 19.1 °C and the minimum 5.9 °C. The start is cool and the sun warms up towards the end: for the half, which starts later, Sabaro recommends a cap and sunscreen. In the morning, a throwaway layer makes the wait on the start line more comfortable.
Cold evenings matter for recovery too: in a riad, rooms open onto an open-air courtyard. Sabaro recommends checking that the room is heated, or choosing a large hotel.
Planning the weekend
- Bibs: collected at Koutoubia Square on the two days before the race, 29 and 30 January 2027. Sabaro recommends arriving by Friday at the latest.
- Where to stay: near the Koutoubia, to walk to bib collection. Les Jardins de la Koutoubia, from the Sabaro selection, is 300 m from the minaret, with heated pools and a spa for after the race. The city fills up that weekend: Sabaro recommends booking as soon as you enter.
- Entry: on the marathon's official website, where fees and rules are published.
After the race
The marathon falls one week before the start of Ramadan 2027, expected around 8 February: a stay extended by a few days still follows the usual rhythm. To recover, Sabaro recommends two or three quiet nights: a desert camp in Agafay, a kasbah in the High Atlas, or Essaouira, about 2 hours 30 minutes by road, for the ocean air.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2027 Marrakech Marathon?
Sunday 31 January 2027. The marathon starts at 7:45 local time; the half marathon at 9:15.
Is there a half marathon in Marrakech?
Yes, on the same day, starting at 9:15 local time, with 70 m of elevation gain. A 5 km open to all and children's races are also on the programme.
Is the course fast?
Yes. The marathon has 147 m of elevation gain and carries a World Athletics label. In 2026, the winner ran 2:07:34.
Where do you collect your bib?
At Koutoubia Square, during the two days before the race.