Casablanca came alive this Sunday with the 2025 edition of the 10KM International by WeCasablanca, an event that shattered previous records and brought global attention to Morocco’s economic capital. Drawing in 12,000 runners, including 540 participants from 52 different countries, this year’s race stood as a clear statement of the city’s ambition to become a leading destination for world-class urban sporting events.
What truly set this edition apart was its official recognition by World Athletics—the first time the course was certified by the global governing body. This gave the race a competitive edge without losing its inclusive spirit. Runners kicked off from the symbolic Al Massira Boulevard, right beneath the Twin Center towers—a location chosen to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Green March, infusing the event with a patriotic undercurrent.
The route took runners through some of Casablanca’s most iconic streets, winding along Anfa, My Youssef, and Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah boulevards before stretching out along the city’s famed Corniche. It was a course designed not only for speed but for spectacle—one that gave elite athletes a chance to break records and allowed amateur runners to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. A spirited crowd lined the streets, creating a festive, unifying energy that turned the race into a true celebration of community and perseverance.
Organizers prioritized performance and safety by grouping runners into timed waves based on their estimated finish times, allowing for smoother pacing and an optimal race experience for all. The competition didn’t disappoint. In the men’s race, Spain’s Elias Fifa clinched victory in a swift 27 minutes and 51 seconds, edging out Kenya’s Silas Senchura by just two seconds. Moroccan runner Zineddine Ouria followed closely behind in third with a time of 28:02.
On the women’s side, Ethiopia’s Ayalew Likina Amebaw delivered a standout performance, demolishing the event record with a stunning finish of 29:55. Hot on her heels were two Kenyan athletes: Chacha Jani Ghati and Chiruiyot Lydia Jeptarus, finishing just one second apart at 31:32 and 31:33, respectively. Many runners also notched personal bests, a testament to the race’s high-performance potential and expertly crafted course.
But the event extended far beyond race day. From September 17 to 27, Place Rachidi transformed into a bustling sports village, drawing over 9,500 visitors. The space hosted family-friendly activities, athlete meet-and-greets, workshops, and exhibitions, all designed to foster a deeper connection between the public and the world of sports. It was an inclusive initiative aimed at encouraging participation across all age groups and backgrounds.
Behind the scenes, a team of 170 volunteers ensured the smooth running of the event, handling everything from logistics and safety to participant coordination. For Mohamed Jouahri, CEO of Casablanca Events & Animation, this edition marked a significant milestone. He sees it as confirmation of a broader vision—one that places sports at the heart of the city’s urban development and international appeal.
Since 2016, Casablanca has been investing in a comprehensive sports strategy in collaboration with the city council. The 10KM International by WeCasablanca is a cornerstone of that initiative, reinforcing the city’s goal of becoming a major hub for urban athletics. The success of this year’s race only adds momentum to that mission—and the countdown to 2026 has already begun.
