Shocking news hit the Marathon des Sables runners on Thursday night (April 27). Nine times winning the race, Rachid El Morabity gave up just minutes after being caught carrying food in a bag.
The goal of the race is to travel 250 km in 7 days through the Sahara desert, self-sufficient in food. Therefore, any food provided by third parties is prohibited. But a surprise inspection carried out in a Moroccan tent gave positive results.
The organizational punishment was delivered immediately: a three-hour penalty that ended Rachid El Morabity’s tenth title dream. He wants to join his compatriot Lahcen Ahansal in the legend of this event. El Morabity’s teammate and compatriot Aziz El Akkad has decided to give up.
Rachid El Morabity’s younger brother, Mohamed, remains at the top of the rankings alone, 3 minutes 17 seconds ahead of direct rival Aziz Yachou.
In the women’s standings, French marathon runner Maryline Nakache topped, 30 minutes ahead of Aziza El Amrany of Morocco and Tomomi Bitoh ofJapan.
