Early on Sunday morning, thousands of people laced up their trainers and took over the streets of Casablanca for the 2026 10KM International by WeCasablanca, which sold out before race day with 16,254 runners from 63 countries.
The race started at 08:30 on Boulevard Al Massira. Around 200 elite athletes joined amateur runners on a certified route stretching from Boulevard d’Anfa to the Corniche. Organisers also signed new partnerships with races in Valencia, Dchira-Laayoune and Dakhla to share know-how across Moroccan and African road races.
Morocco led the men’s race. Hicham Ouladha won in 27:59, just ahead of Yassine El Allami in 28:00. Ethiopia’s Biniyam Melak came third in 28:02.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Chane Fentaya Adane finished first in 31:00. Morocco’s Birdaha Fatima Al Zahra came second in 31:05, followed by Ethiopia’s Kassie Wubrist Aschal in 31:06.
Crowds lined the route to cheer runners, with live percussion groups adding to the mood. The event relied on 200 judges and 400 volunteers.
Mohamed Jouahri of Casablanca Events & Animation said the race has grown from 1,100 runners in 2017 to more than 16,000 today, making it a major event in the city’s sporting calendar.
