This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Hibapress
The Moroccan Rachid El Morabity won the 5th stage of the sand marathon on Friday, a distance of 42,195 km.
The Moroccan athlete signed a time of 3 h 26 min 15 sec, in front of his brother Mohamed El Morabity who ranked 2nd with a late 40 seconds. Mohamed El Morabity was followed by Ahmed Ouikhalfen, who finished 3rd with 4 minutes and 26 seconds late.
With this victory, Rachid El Morabity remains at the top of the general classification and approaches his 11th coronation. He is now a leader with a time of 19 hours, 14 minutes and 44 seconds, followed by his brother Mohamed (19 hours, 19 minutes and 11 seconds). Ahmed Ouikhalfen (20 hours, 44 minutes and 29 seconds) now occupies 3rd place. The battle between the two El Morabity brothers promises to be exciting during the 6th and last stage called “Marathon”, 21.1 km long whose departure will be given on Saturday morning.
Among women, Frenchwoman Maryline Nakache dominated without sharing. With a time of 3 hours, 45 minutes and 27 seconds on this stage, it stands out as the ultra-favorite of this 39th edition. She is ahead of Moroccan Aziza El Amrany, her most serious competitor, 2nd with a time of 3 hours, 49 minutes and 4 seconds, and the Japanese Tomomi Bitoh who is in third place (4 h 29 min and 5 sec).
In the general classification, Maryline Nakache still remains in first place with a total time of 22 hours, 04 minutes and 5 seconds, followed by Aziza El Amrany in second place with a time of 23 hours, 44 minutes and 39 seconds and the Japanese Tomomi Bitoh, who is in third place with total time of 27 hours, 29 minutes and 56 seconds.
The sand marathon is a running, open to walkers, in 6 stages (250 km), in food self -sufficiency and free pace, with obligation for the competitor to carry his equipment (food and mandatory equipment).
The 38th edition of the MDS, organized from April 12 to 22, 2024, was won by Moroccans Rachid El Morabity and Aziza El Amrany.
