37th Marrakech International Marathon

The Marrakech International Marathon is one of Africa's best-known road races. The 37th edition takes place over the weekend of 30 and 31 January 2027, with a 5K Race for All on Saturday and the marathon and half marathon on Sunday morning, centred on the Koutoubia. It suits serious runners, first-timers and families looking for a winter running break.

About the Marrakech Marathon

Held under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, the race takes runners through the 'ochre city', past palm groves, ramparts and wide avenues. The official site describes the half marathon as fast and flat, which makes it popular with runners chasing a personal best.

The race weekend includes a Marathon Village at Place de la Koutoubia, where runners collect bibs in the days before the race. The organisers also list bib collection points at Marrakech railway station and Jemaa el-Fna in the week before. All three distances appear on the official website with times, locations and registration information in French, Arabic and English.

the Marrakech Marathon 2027 dates and venue

According to the official website, the 5K Race for All starts at 09:00 on Saturday 30 January 2027 in front of the Koutoubia (Jemaa el-Fna). The marathon starts at 07:45 and the half marathon at 09:15 on Sunday 31 January 2027.

The Marathon Village at Place de la Koutoubia opens in the days before the race for bib collection. Check the official Marrakech Marathon website for registration, opening hours and the course map.

How to get to Marrakech for the Marrakech Marathon

Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) has direct flights from many European and Arab cities and domestic links within Morocco. It is a short drive from the medina and the main hotel districts by taxi or transfer.

Marrakech is also connected by train to Casablanca, Rabat and Tangier, with a change to the high-speed line for Tangier. Inside the city, taxis are the easiest way to reach the start area; on race morning, roads around the course are closed, so plan to walk the final part.

Where to stay

Riads inside the medina are within walking distance of the Koutoubia and Jemaa el-Fna, which is convenient for race morning. Guéliz and Hivernage offer modern hotels with easy taxi access, and the Palmeraie suits groups who want resort facilities.

Late January is a busy period in Marrakech, so book rooms early, especially for running clubs and groups that want to stay together.

Planning a group trip to the Marrakech Marathon

Running clubs, charity teams and corporate groups often travel to Marrakech for the race weekend. A group tour to the Marrakech Marathon typically includes arrival on Thursday or Friday, bib collection at the Marathon Village, the race on Sunday and a recovery day exploring the medina, the souks and the Majorelle Garden.

Register runners on the official site well before the deadline, collect passport details for bib pick-up and plan a group meeting point near the Koutoubia. Families can join the 5K on Saturday.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Marrakech Marathon 2027?

The marathon and half marathon are on Sunday 31 January 2027, and the 5K Race for All is on Saturday 30 January 2027, according to the official website.

What time does the marathon start?

The official site lists 07:45 for the marathon and 09:15 for the half marathon on Sunday. The 5K starts at 09:00 on Saturday.

Where do I collect my race bib?

The organisers list the Marathon Village at Place de la Koutoubia, plus earlier collection at Marrakech railway station and Jemaa el-Fna. Check the official site for opening hours.

Which airport is closest?

Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), a short drive from the medina and the start area.

Is the course suitable for a first marathon?

The official site describes the half marathon course as fast and flat. First-time runners should still train properly and check the course map in advance.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to the Marrakech Marathon in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.