The 10k International de Marrakech is your next destination race

Now in its 12th edition this race has established itself as one of North Africa’s premier road running events. The course is exceptionally flat, threading through the city’s wide avenues and alongside ancient fortifications that have stood for nearly a thousand years.

The race date – this year on 18 October – brings crisp, clear morning air and ideal conditions to chase a personal best. Runners looking for a longer challenge can opt for the 20km distance held on the same day. Few races in the world offer a backdrop this dramatic, or a finish line this cinematic.

The reward of a destination race is what unfolds once the timing mat is behind you. Marrakech is a city that commands full attention. Step into the UNESCO-listed medina, a labyrinthine world of souks, spice markets, and ornate palaces where centuries of Moroccan history press close on every side. Recover in a traditional riad — those serene, courtyard-centered guesthouses that feel a world removed from the bustle just outside their carved wooden doors. Surrender to a post-race hammam, the quintessential Moroccan bath ritual, and emerge restored. Then make your way to Jemaa el-Fnaa, the city’s legendary central square, for slow-poured mint tea and slow-cooked tagine.

Reaching Marrakech is straightforward. The award-winning Marrakech Menara Airport sits just minutes from the city centre with direct connections from major European and North American hubs. Accommodation ranges from ultra-luxury desert resorts to intimate boutique riads at every price point — making it easy to build a trip that suits your style and budget.

Run a race this autumn that stays in your memory forever.