The fourth edition of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) Marathon took place in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday, 31 October 2026, under the theme “Let’s Run Together for Mental Health and Well-Being.” The event brought together more than 1,000 runners from different age groups and social backgrounds, including children, young people, women, men, and persons with disabilities, in an atmosphere combining sporting competition with a spirit of participation.

This edition was organized in partnership with the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture; the Ministry of National Education, Preschool, Vocational Training and Qualification; the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports of the Kingdom of Morocco; the Wilaya of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Region; the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade; the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation; the Moroccan Anti-Doping Agency; and Air Arabia.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, signaled the start of the race outside the Organization’s headquarters on FAR Avenue in Rabat’s Hay Riad district. The approximately nine-kilometer route passed through several of the capital’s main streets, offering a shared sporting experience that encouraged physical activity and raised awareness of its importance to mental health and quality of life.

Dr. AlMalik stressed that sport serves as a means of promoting mental health and well-being by creating opportunities for communication, building self-confidence, and fostering cooperation. He noted that the marathon reflects ICESCO’s commitment to providing inclusive spaces that bring together people from all backgrounds, support the participation of young people, women, and persons with disabilities, and promote the values of solidarity, coexistence, and equal opportunity.

Mr. Karim Hamidouche, Secretary-General of the Moroccan National Commission, praised the strong turnout for this edition, describing the event as an opportunity to promote noble human values. He emphasized that the initiative embodies the complementarity of sport, education, culture, and health, and that developing balanced individuals who engage positively with their surroundings is a shared responsibility requiring concerted efforts from institutions and all segments of society.

Following the race, Dr. AlMalik and Mr. Hamidouche, alongside representatives of the partners and sponsors, honored the winners in the different categories and presented incentive prizes, including airline tickets. Medals and certificates of participation were also awarded in recognition of the runners’ performance to encourage them to continue engaging in sports.

This edition was supported by several partners, including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Special Olympics Morocco, the Royal Moroccan School Sports Federation, Aswak Assalam, and Assurances Lyazidi.