The Moroccan capital, Rabat, hosted the 3rd edition of the ICESCO Marathon on Sunday, 30 November 2025, under the theme “Sport, a pathway to empowerment and inclusive socio-economic development.” The event saw the participation of around 700 runners from various age and social groups, including categories for those under 15, adults, and those over 45, for both men and women. The marathon also featured runners with special needs and some members of the diplomatic corps.

The 3rd edition of the ICESCO Marathon was organized in partnership with the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, the Royal Moroccan School Sports Federation, and the Wilaya of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, along with several sponsors.

Dr. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, officially launched the marathon, which started in front of ICESCO headquarters and covered approximately 9 kilometers. In his speech, Dr. AlMalik emphasized the importance of sports as a lever for sustainable development and a tool for developing youth skills, fostering values of discipline, teamwork, and positive citizenship.

After the race, Dr. AlMalik, Karim Hamidouche, Deputy Secretary-General of the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, and Ms. Kenza Abourmane, Director of the Youth Sector at the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, distributed medals and prizes to the winners in various categories.

The first-place winner received a fully funded week-long trip outside Morocco. Incentive prizes were also awarded to the winners, and participation certificates were given to the runners in recognition of their commitment and sportsmanship.

The sports event, overseen by ICESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector, headed by Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, aimed to use sports as a means to promote values of coexistence and peace, enhance social cohesion and solidarity, and contribute to improving the physical and mental health of various groups, with a special focus on involving and empowering people with special needs and encouraging their integration into sports and community life.