Casablanca is getting ready to run — and this year the city wants the world to notice.
Around 15,000 participants from 60 countries are expected to take part in the 17th edition of the newly renamed Crédit du Maroc Casablanca Marathon on October 25, 2026.
The race returns with a new route, a stronger elite field, a World Athletics Elite Label and a much bigger ambition: to turn the event into one of the most recognisable city races in Africa.
The organisers have even given the edition a new identity.
Vibe Casa.
The idea is simple: this should feel like more than a race.
It should feel like Casablanca.
15,000 Runners — And Three Ways to Race
The numbers are already significant.
Organisers expect around 12,000 runners in the half-marathon, 2,200 in the full marathon and another 800 participants in the relay, split across 200 teams.
- 42.195 km marathon
- 21.097 km half-marathon
- 4 × 10.5 km relay
The start and finish will be close to the Hassan II Mosque, with a redesigned course intended to showcase more of Casablanca’s neighbourhoods and landmarks.
For runners, that means the city itself becomes part of the race.
Crédit du Maroc Puts Its Name on the Race
Crédit du Maroc has become the marathon’s naming partner, giving the race its new official name: Crédit du Maroc Casablanca Marathon.
The partnership is designed to run across multiple editions and is part of a wider effort to scale the event.
Organisers have already set a target of reaching 20,000 participants by 2030.
World Athletics Elite Label
The marathon and half-marathon are now part of the World Athletics Label Road Races calendar, with the event carrying the Elite Label.
Around 30 elite Moroccan and international runners are expected to take part this year.
The total prize fund has also risen to MAD 2.2 million, up 41% from the previous edition, with equal reward structures for men and women.
The City Becomes Part of the Experience
The 2026 edition is being marketed under the concept “Vibe Casa.”
The organisers want runners to experience Casablanca through movement, architecture, neighbourhoods and atmosphere rather than simply complete a distance and go home.
The Marathon Village will also return to Espace Sacré-Cœur from October 21 to 24, with race-pack collection, partner activations, exhibitions and activities for runners, families and children.
A Bigger Emphasis on Inclusion
This year also brings a new initiative called Challenge 421.
The concept allows people with disabilities to complete the final 421 metres of the marathon and cross the same finish line as other participants.
Safety Is Getting More Serious Too
Organisers have announced 16 doctors, 24 nurses and 12 medicalised ambulances, together with defibrillators, medical stations, GPS monitoring and a central command system.
The stated goal is to make first medical contact with any runner in difficulty in less than four minutes.
Casablanca Wants a Place on the Running Map
Big city marathons do more than bring athletes together. They create identity.
Casablanca now wants to strengthen its own place in that landscape.
It already has the scale. It has the city. It has an international field.
And this year, it has a stronger sporting label, a new naming partner and a clearer ambition.
The next question is whether Casablanca can turn those ingredients into a race runners around the world actively plan to travel for.
On October 25, the city gets another chance to answer it.
15,000 runners. 60 countries. One city trying to turn a marathon into a global calling card.