Aziza El Omari loses the title, finishing second in the Marathon des Sables behind Marilyn Nucash.
Moroccan runner Aziza El Omari has lost her title as champion of the Marathon des Sables, finishing second in the 39th edition of the race behind French competitor Marilyn Nucash, who dominated all stages of the women’s race.
Despite placing second in the first five stages, El Omari secured victory in the final stage held on Saturday, clocking a time of 1 hour, 51 minutes, and 14 seconds. Marilyn Nucash finished that stage in second place with a time of 1 hour, 43 minutes, and 15 seconds, ahead of Japan’s Tomomi Beato, who came in third with a time of 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 29 seconds.
In the overall marathon standings, Marilyn Nucash took first place with a total time of 23 hours, 57 minutes, and 20 seconds, followed by Aziza El Omari with an aggregate time of 25 hours, 26 minutes, and 23 seconds. The third position went to Tomomi Beato, finishing in 29 hours, 38 minutes, and 25 seconds.
The Marathon des Sables is considered one of the toughest races in the world, spanning six days across the harsh terrains of the Moroccan desert, requiring participants to have a high level of physical and mental endurance.
