Mohamed El Morabity Wins the First Stage of the 2025 Marathon des Sables
Moroccan runner Mohamed El Morabity has accomplished a remarkable feat by winning the first stage of the 39th edition of the Marathon des Sables, held on Sunday between Jebel Irhs and Oued Tijekht in the Errachidia province, covering a distance of 32 kilometers.
El Morabity crossed the finish line in a stunning time of 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 29 seconds, finishing just ahead of his brother Rachid El Morabity by a little over a minute. Rachid completed the race in 2 hours, 21 minutes, and 39 seconds, while Hamid Yachou secured third place, finishing 1 minute and 34 seconds behind Rachid.
In the women’s category, French athlete Maryline Nakache emerged victorious in this first stage with a time of 2 hours, 58 minutes, and 22 seconds, finishing comfortably 10 minutes ahead of Moroccan runner Aziza El Amrany, who clocked in at 3 hours, 8 minutes, and 12 seconds. Dutch contender Ragna Debats, one of the favorites for the title, took third place with a time of 3 hours, 17 minutes, and 14 seconds, trailing the leader by nearly 19 minutes.
This opening stage has set the tone for this highly anticipated edition of the Marathon des Sables, which promises to be filled with challenges for all participants.
