Famous Moroccan Marathon Runners

Khalid Khannouchi is a Moroccan-born American retired long-distance runner known for his impressive achievements in the marathon. He held the world record for the marathon and the road world best for the 20 km distance. Khannouchi is one of a select few to break the marathon world record multiple times. He made a significant impact in the running world by consistently pushing boundaries and setting new records. Khannouchi's career came to a close due to recurring foot injuries, leading to his retirement in 2012.

Jaouad Gharib is a Moroccan long-distance runner renowned for his achievements in the marathon. Despite starting his serious running career at the age of twenty-two, he went on to win the World Championships in 2003 and 2005. His 2005 victory marked him as the second consecutive world championship marathon champion. Gharib also earned a silver medal in the marathon at the 2008 Summer Olympics, showcasing his consistent excellence and skill in the sport.

Rachid El Morabity is a renowned Moroccan ultra-trail athlete, excelling in endurance races. He has achieved significant success by winning the Marathon des Sables a remarkable nine times. His impressive track record includes securing the second position in prestigious events such as the OCC and UT4M 90. With a strong focus on ultra-trail competitions, El Morabity has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, establishing himself as a dominant force in the world of endurance sports.

Mohammed Mourhit is a Belgian top cross country, middle, and long-distance runner known for holding one European record in the 3000 m and being a former European 10000 m record holder. He has achieved notable success in international competitions, including winning a bronze medal at the 1999 World Championships in the 5000 metres and a silver medal at the 2001 IAAF World Indoor Championships in the 3000 metres. Despite a suspension for EPO use in 2002, he made a comeback in 2004 and continued to excel in competitions.

Salah Hissou, a Moroccan long-distance runner, achieved significant success in his career. He secured the gold medal in the 5000 meters at the 1999 World Championships in Athletics and set a world record over 10,000 meters in Brussels in 1996. His remarkable performances also earned him a bronze medal in the 10,000 meters at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Hissou's talent and dedication to his sport solidified his reputation as a top athlete on the global stage.

Ayad Lamdassem El Mouhcine is an accomplished long distance runner, originally from Morocco but competing for Spain internationally. He has a successful career, representing Spain in various prestigious events such as the Summer Olympics, European Athletics Championships, and IAAF World Cross Country Championships. Lamdassem has achieved notable accolades including silver at the European Cross Country Championships, gold at the Ibero-American Championships, and setting the Spanish national record in the marathon. His impressive personal bests in various distances showcase his talent and dedication to the sport.

Rhadi Ben Abdesselam was a prominent Moroccan long-distance runner known for his impressive achievements in international competitions. He competed in the 1960 Olympics in both the marathon and 10,000 meters events, showcasing his exceptional talent and endurance. He made history by becoming the first African athlete to win the individual gold medal in the International Cross Country Championships in 1960. Despite finishing second to Ethiopia's Abebe Bikila in the marathon, Ben Abdesselam's remarkable performances solidified his reputation as a skilled and formidable runner on the global stage.

El Hassan El-Abbassi is a Moroccan-born long-distance runner representing Bahrain on the international stage. He achieved notable success by winning the gold medal in the 10,000 meters at the 2014 Asian Games and the 2015 Asian Athletics Championships. El-Abbassi holds a personal best time of 27:25.02 minutes for the 10,000 meters distance. However, his professional career has been marred by a suspension from competition due to an ongoing investigation by the Athletics Integrity Unit following the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Ridouane Harroufi is a highly accomplished Moroccan long-distance runner specializing in road running competitions, particularly the marathon. He has achieved notable success in various high-profile races in the United States, including the Azalea Trail Run, Bay to Breakers, Boilermaker Road Race, Bolder Boulder, Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, Gate River Run, and OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Harroufi has also represented Morocco at prestigious international events such as the IAAF World Cross Country Championships and the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.