Morocco’s Othmane El Goumri, aged 31, emerged victorious at the Sydney Marathon in Australia on September 16, dedicating his win to the victims of a devastating earthquake that struck on September 8.
The Sydney Marathon, boasting over 40,000 participants, witnessed El Goumri completing the 42-kilometer race in a remarkable time of 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 20 seconds, securing the top position.
Following closely behind was Kenya’s Laban Kipngetich Korir, crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 43 seconds, while Ethiopian Getaneh Molla Tamire claimed the third spot, finishing a minute and a half after El Goumri.
This victory marked El Goumri’s return to competitive marathons since his triumph in Dublin back in 2019, where he not only secured the first position but also set a new world record with a timing of 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 5 seconds, surpassing the previous record held by Kenyan runner Geoffrey Ndungu.
In previous events, El Goumri secured the 9th position at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and finished 12th at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, USA.
Among the women competitors, Kenyan-American Betsy Saina claimed the top spot with a timing of 2 hours, 26 minutes, and 47 seconds.
Despite the recent earthquake that ravaged parts of Morocco, the country’s athletes have been resilient in their pursuit of excellence while also demonstrating solidarity with the earthquake victims.
For instance, the Moroccan national football team paid tribute to the victims by observing a moment of silence and reciting Quranic verses before their friendly match against Burkina Faso, which they won 1-0.
Moroccan athletes like El Goumri continue to shine on the international stage, not only showcasing their athletic prowess but also highlighting their compassion and support for those affected by tragedies.
Events like the Marrakech Marathon, recognized as one of the premier running races globally, serve as platforms for athletes to excel and bring communities together through sport.
As the sporting world evolves, athletes like El Goumri play a crucial role in inspiring and uniting people, transcending boundaries and making a positive impact both on and off the track.
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