25 JAN 2009: MARRAKESH MARATHON & HALF MARATHON, MOROCCO

Way back in the late 80's 2:09 owner Mike Gratton ran in the Marrakesh Marathon, finishing 5th in a time of 2.17.

It was the first edition of the event and it has since gone on to become a classic taking in the famous Square El-Djemma Fna, the impressive ramparts and the avenues of palm trees of this oasis city at the base of the Atlas Mountains. And with the introduction of a half marathon in the modern version it is becoming even more popular.

The course record for the marathon is now an impressive 2:08 indicating that it is a flat course, although being at an altitude of 1,000m there is a minor affect of your breathing. The winter climate is a balmy 20C so all-in-all this is an excellent mid-winter escape.

Time Limits: The time limits for the races are: Half Marathon 3hrs, Full Marathon 5hrs 

Itinerary

Fri 23 Jan: Check in for the Royal Air Moroc flight from London Heathrow to Marrakesh departing at 1710 and arriving at 2200. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for 3-nights on B&B basis.

Sat 24 Jan: Free time to discover the markets of Marrakesh and registration at the 'Marathon Village'.

Sun 25 Jan: The Marathon and Half Marathon Start at 08.30.

Mon 26 Jan: Transfer to the airport for the Royal Air Moroc flight to Heathrow departing at 1050 and arriving at 1550.

Run this event for charity.

2:09 Events Travel Essentials - Large Duffel Bag, Document Belt, 2:09 Training Technical T-Shirt, 2:09 CoolMax Running Socks

Hotel

The 4 star El Andalous Hotel is ideally situated in the heart of the residential area, l'hivernage and is set in its own beautiful grounds of around 7000 square metres. The hotel is a modern hotel, in an Andaluscian style and is just a short walk from the famous El-Djemma Fna Square. This is a large hotel with lots of amenities including several restaurants, a heated swimming pool, tennis courts and a children's playground. This is an ideal hotel for families. There are also quite extensive conference facilities.

The hotel has 195 rooms and 10 rooms with living rooms. All of the rooms are entirely air-conditioned and have heating too. Each room includes two double beds (140 cm wide), there is an en-suite bathroom and separate toilet, telephone, Satellite TV and a private balcony. Some of the rooms have a safety deposit box too. The rooms are quite spacious and decorated in a modern contemporary style.

There are several restaurants within the hotel complex. La Casa is a tapas bar with a warm atmosphere and a latin american ambience. World music is played here until 2 in the morning and there are live cooking demonstrations too.
Cordoba Restaurant is the hotel's international restaurant with a buffet.
Almeira Restaurant serves Moroccan specialities and Granada is open for evening snacks. Le Palmier bar and Ichbilia bar serve a selection of cocktails and beverages.

To make your stay the most comfortable, El Andalous hotel offers you a heated swimming pool with a temperature of 28 degrees all year. There are tennis courts, a fitness area, a sauna, hammam, money exchange, laundry service and 24 hour room service Threre is also table tennis, a Billiards room, baby foot and an adventure playground for children.

Run this event for charity.

2:09 Events Travel Essentials - Large Duffel Bag, Document Belt, 2:09 Training Technical T-Shirt, 2:09 CoolMax Running Socks

PRICES

Run this event for Charity

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