Casablanca Marathon 2026: Date, Route, Registration and Hotels
Everything about the Casablanca Marathon: race date, distances, flat course from the Hassan II Mosque, how to register, what was new in 2026 and the best affordable and mid-range hotels.
Every autumn, thousands of runners line up at the foot of the Hassan II Mosque for the Casablanca Marathon, one of the biggest road races in Morocco. The course takes you along the Atlantic Corniche, through Art Deco boulevards and past the city’s most famous landmarks, with crowds and live music along the way. This guide covers everything you need to know about the race, plus the best affordable and mid-range hotels for your race weekend.
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Casablanca Marathon at a glance
- Official name: Marathon International de Casablanca (Crédit du Maroc Casablanca Marathon since 2026)
- When: usually the last Sunday of October
- 2026 edition: the 17th, held on Sunday 25 October 2026
- Races: marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.097 km) and a four-person marathon relay
- Start and finish: Hassan II Mosque, on the seafront
- Course: fast and mostly flat, certified by AIMS and World Athletics
- Organiser: Association des Coureurs du Grand Casablanca (ACGC)
- Official website: casablancamarathon.com
What is the Casablanca Marathon?
The Marathon International de Casablanca is one of Morocco’s biggest city races and is growing fast every year. It is organised by the Association des Coureurs du Grand Casablanca and takes place every year in late October, when the heat of summer has gone and the Atlantic breeze keeps temperatures comfortable for running.
The race welcomes everyone, from elite Moroccan and East African athletes chasing prize money to first-time half marathoners and groups of friends running the relay. The 2025 edition set a participation record with more than 10,000 runners from over 75 countries, and Moroccan runners won both marathon races: El Mahjoub Dazza won the men’s race in 2:09:43 and Keltoum Bouasriya won the women’s race in 2:29:49.
The 2026 edition: what’s new
The 17th edition on Sunday 25 October 2026 was the biggest step up in the race’s history:
- A new name: the race became the Crédit du Maroc Casablanca Marathon, under a three-edition partnership.
- Elite Label: both the marathon and the half marathon joined the World Athletics Label Road Races calendar at Elite level, which brings stricter standards for organisation, safety and anti-doping.
- Around 15,000 runners expected from about 60 countries: 12,000 in the half marathon, 2,200 in the marathon and 200 relay teams of four.
- Bigger prize money: a total of 2.2 million dirhams, with equal prizes for men and women.
- Early starts: the marathon started at 7:30 a.m., the relay a few minutes later and the half marathon at 8:45 a.m.
- A bigger Marathon Village at the Espace Sacré-Cœur in the city centre, where runners collected their race packs.
The organisers aim to grow the event to 20,000 participants by 2030, so expect places, and hotel rooms, to go faster every year.
Races and distances
- Marathon (42.195 km): one big loop through the city, starting and finishing at the Hassan II Mosque. The time limit has been 6 hours.
- Half marathon (21.097 km): by far the most popular race, with a 3-hour time limit. Walking is allowed.
- Marathon relay: teams of four runners share the full marathon distance, with legs of around 10.5 km. A great option for friends, families and company teams.
Entry usually includes a finisher medal, a T-shirt, timing chip, water and food stations, medical support, bag drop and an e-certificate. Prices and inclusions change from year to year, so always check the official website before you register.
The course
The marathon follows a single loop that starts and finishes next to the Hassan II Mosque. The route, called “Vibe Casa” in 2026, runs along the ocean on the Corniche and through some of Casablanca’s best-known neighbourhoods and boulevards, with festive zones and live music along the way. It is mostly flat, with only around 200 metres of elevation gain over the full distance, which makes it a good race for a personal best.
The official course is certified by AIMS and World Athletics, so your time counts for qualification and ranking purposes. Each year’s map, aid stations and GPX file are published on the official website before race day.
How to register
- Go to the official website, casablancamarathon.com. International runners can also find the race on World’s Marathons.
- Pick your race: marathon, half marathon or relay.
- Register early. Registration usually opens several months before the race and the half marathon can sell out.
- Check whether the organisers ask for a medical certificate, and prepare one before you travel if they do.
- Collect your race pack in person at the Marathon Village in the days before the race. Bring your ID and confirmation email.
When is the next Casablanca Marathon?
The race has been held on the last Sunday of October in recent years (30 October 2022, 29 October 2023, 27 October 2024, 26 October 2025 and 25 October 2026). If the pattern holds, the 2027 edition should fall at the end of October 2027. The official date is announced on the organiser’s website, usually early in the year, so plan your trip around the announcement and book your hotel as soon as it is confirmed.
Want to race in Casablanca at another time of year? The Casablanca 10KM International by WeCasablanca takes place in May, with more than 15,000 runners expected in 2026, on a city-centre course that passes the Twin Center, Boulevard d’Anfa and the Corniche.
Where to stay for the Casablanca Marathon
For race weekend, the best areas are the city centre (close to the Marathon Village and Casa Port train station), the streets around the Hassan II Mosque (walk to the start line), and the Corniche in Ain Diab if you want an ocean view and a pool. Rooms fill up quickly around race weekend, so book as early as you can and choose a free-cancellation rate.
Distances below are approximate straight-line distances to the start line at the Hassan II Mosque.
Affordable hotels
Hôtel Central
Budget · Old Medina · about 1.7 km to the start
A simple, good-value 2-star hotel on Place Ahmed El Bidaoui, at the edge of the old Medina. It has 32 rooms, some with balconies over the port, free Wi-Fi, a terrace and a 24-hour front desk. Ideal if you want to spend less on the room and more on the trip.
The Hotel Syracuse
Budget · City centre · close to the Marathon Village
A 3-star hotel on Rue Tata in the heart of downtown Casablanca, with air-conditioned family rooms, free Wi-Fi, a terrace and restaurants serving Moroccan and Mediterranean food. Its central location makes it easy to collect your race pack and explore the Art Deco centre.
Ibis Casablanca City Center
Budget · Next to Casa Port station · about 2 km to the start
A reliable 3-star chain hotel right beside the port and a few minutes’ walk from Casa Port train station, which makes it a great choice if you arrive by train. It has a restaurant, bar and good breakfast for carb-loading, and is one of the most reviewed hotels in the city.
Ibis Casablanca Abdelmoumen
Budget · Maarif · free parking
A 3-star Ibis on Boulevard Abdelmoumen, near the shops and restaurants of Maarif. Rooms are soundproofed with air-conditioning, and there is free parking, which is useful if you are driving to Casablanca for the race.
Mid-range hotels
Melliber Appart Hotel
Best for runners · about 500 m to the start
The closest well-reviewed option to the start line: a 4-star apart-hotel on Boulevard Youssef, a short walk from the Hassan II Mosque. Every unit has a kitchenette, so you can prepare your own pre-race breakfast, and there is free private parking and a restaurant. On race morning you can simply walk to your start pen.
Exe Casablanca
Mid-range · Boulevard Zerktouni · about 1.2 km to the start
A modern 4-star hotel on Boulevard Mohammed Zerktouni, with a spa, fitness centre, restaurant and bar, and rooms with sea, terrace or city views. A good balance of comfort and location, and the spa is welcome after 42 kilometres.
Best Western Plus Casablanca City Center
Mid-range · Maarif business district
A 4-star hotel in a quiet, secure part of the business district, about 30 minutes from Mohammed V Airport. Rooms are modern with tea and coffee makers, and the hotel has a restaurant, bar and 24-hour front desk. Popular with business travellers and runners alike for its consistent service.
Eurostars Casa Anfa
Mid-range · Hay Hassani · spa and gym
A highly rated 4-star hotel with a spa, fitness centre, sun terrace and private parking, a little further from the centre on Boulevard Sidi Abderrahmane. A comfortable base if you are travelling with family and want somewhere calm to recover.
Hôtel Club Val d’Anfa
Mid-range · Corniche, Ain Diab · ocean views
A 4-star hotel set in gardens about 50 metres from the beach in Ain Diab, with an outdoor pool, fitness centre and rooms with balconies over the ocean or garden. Perfect for turning race weekend into a short beach holiday; take a taxi to the start on race morning.
Useful services for your race trip
Flights to Casablanca
Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) is Morocco’s main hub, with direct flights from across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and North America. Prices rise sharply close to race weekend, so compare fares as soon as the date is announced on Aviasales or Kiwi.com.
Airport transfers
The airport is about 30 km south of the city centre. The airport train to Casa Port and Casa Voyageurs is cheap and easy, but after a long flight with a race bag a private transfer is far more relaxing. Pre-book a fixed-price driver with Kiwitaxi or Welcome Pickups so someone is waiting for you at arrivals.
Mobile data
You will want data for race tracking, maps and taxi apps. A Morocco eSIM from Airalo can be installed before you fly, so you are connected as soon as you land.
Travel insurance
Running a marathon abroad is exactly when you want good cover. Make sure your policy includes medical care and sports activities. EKTA offers travel insurance that you can buy online in a few minutes.
Car hire
You do not need a car in Casablanca itself, but if you plan to continue to Rabat, El Jadida or further after the race, compare rental prices on DiscoverCars or Localrent. Avoid driving on race day: many central roads and the Corniche are closed.
Tours and things to do after the race
Stay an extra day to enjoy the city. Book a guided visit of the Hassan II Mosque, a food tour or a day trip to Rabat on GetYourGuide. For more ideas, read our Casablanca travel guide.
Race weekend tips
- Arrive by Friday. Race packs are collected in person at the Marathon Village, usually from midweek until Saturday evening.
- Plan your race-morning transport. Roads close early around the course. Stay within walking distance of the start or book a taxi the night before.
- Get around with petits taxis and the tram. Red petits taxis are cheap; ask the driver to use the meter. The tram connects the centre with Ain Diab and the Corniche.
- Expect mild weather. Late October days in Casablanca are usually warm and humid with cooler mornings, good running conditions, but stay hydrated.
- Eat well, but carefully. Enjoy tagine and couscous after the race, and stick to familiar food the night before.
- Carry cash. Many small cafés and taxis only accept dirhams.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Casablanca Marathon?
It is usually held on the last Sunday of October. The 2026 edition took place on Sunday 25 October 2026. Check the official website for the next date.
Where does the Casablanca Marathon start?
The marathon, half marathon and relay all start and finish next to the Hassan II Mosque on the seafront.
Is the Casablanca Marathon course flat?
Yes. It is mostly flat, with around 200 metres of elevation gain over 42.195 km, and it is certified by AIMS and World Athletics.
Can beginners run the Casablanca Marathon?
Yes. The half marathon is the most popular race, walking is allowed and there is a 3-hour time limit. The relay is another easy way to join in.
Where should I stay for the Casablanca Marathon?
Stay near the Hassan II Mosque to walk to the start, in the city centre to be close to the Marathon Village and Casa Port station, or on the Corniche in Ain Diab for ocean views.
Turning your race into a longer trip? Plan the rest of your route with the free Moroccanly trip planner.
Questions and tips
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