Sharqiya South: Stage two of the Desert Marathon concluded on Sundy, January 11, with Moroccan athletes delivering commanding performances across both men’s and women’s divisions, while the desert landscape provided a masterclass in psychological endurance.
STAGE 2 RESULTS – 165KM DIVISION
Men’s Division:
1. Elmorabity Mohammed (Morocco)
2. Elmorabity Rachid (Morocco)
3. Saleh al saidi (Oman)
Women’s Division:
1. Aziza Elamrany (Morocco)
2. Aziza Raji (Morocco)
3. Natalie Taylor (Great Britain)
Morocco achieved a remarkable double triumph, with siblings claiming first and second positions in both categories. Brothers Mohammed and Rachid Elmorabity executed a flawless tactical race in the men’s division, while runners Elamrany Aziza and Raji Aziza replicated the achievement in the women’s competition.
Oman’s Saleh al saidi secured third place in the men’s race, benefiting from local knowledge and support, while Great Britain’s Natalie Taylor claimed the final women’s podium position with a determined performance throughout the demanding course.
Stage two presented runners with two distinct challenges. The route commenced with a spectacular section through towering sand dunes, requiring technical climbing skills and precise navigation. The undulating terrain, while visually stunning, demanded constant adaptation and careful energy management.
The latter portion transformed into long, straight sand roads. While appearing less technically demanding, these sections presented a significant psychological challenge.
The unchanging landscape and visible but seemingly unreachable finish line tested mental resilience as much as physical endurance.
“The dunes were brutal on the body, but those straight roads were brutal on the mind,” observed Cindy Haase (Germany). “It’s a different kind of exhaustion.”
Temperature conditions added another layer of difficulty, with early morning cool giving way to intense midday heat that felt significantly elevated on the exposed sand roads, where shade was non-existent. The combination of direct sun and heat radiating from the sand surface created particularly challenging conditions during the middle hours of the stage.
As evening approached, the final participants completed the stage to enthusiastic support from fellow competitors. MENNO Spoelstra (Netherlands), along with Great Britain’s ROBERT Clack and CLAIRE Fielding, demonstrated the perseverance that defines ultra-endurance racing.
Clack and Fielding are competing under the “Medic to Medic” initiative, utilizing their desert marathon challenge to raise awareness for humanitarian medical assistance programs.
“Every finisher on Sunday earned their place in this race,” said race director Said al Hajri. “The final competitors crossing the line showed the same determination and courage as our podium finishers.”
With Stage two complete, the overall standings reflect Morocco’s current strength, though significant racing remains. Medical staff report all participants in good condition, with proper hydration protocols and foot care proving essential for continued participation.
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