The Marrakech Marathon has always been a popular winter destination marathon for local runners since Irish Olympian Tommy Hughes earned his “Marrakesh Express” nickname after winning the second edition of this marathon in 2:13:59 in 1992 as part of his preparation for the Barcelona Olympics later that year. North Down ACs Donald Smith headed to the “red city” so named for its sun baked clay city walls to enjoy exploring the souks and test whether winter training in Bangor’s recent snow and storms would assist in the 28ºC heat he encountered during the later stages of the marathon… An 8:30 start just after sunrise allowed marathon runners to get some early miles completed in the relatively cool air with views beyond the city to the Atlas Mountains, and the novelty of passing camels by the roadside. Donald finished the marathon in 4:08:22.
