Batna – The province of Batna hosted the 14th edition of the Madghacen International Marathon on Saturday, featuring the participation of 1,200 male and female runners from 40 provinces across Algeria, along with several international students residing in the country.
The starting signal for the event, organized by the Friends of Madghacen Association in collaboration with the Batna Athletics League, was given in front of the November 1, 1954 Sports Complex in the city of Batna, under the supervision of the province’s secretary-general, Rachid Zouad.
The marathon comprised three race categories:
- A 13-km race
- A 21.1-km relay race (2×10.55 km)
- The full marathon covering 42.195 km
Participants followed a carefully managed route from the starting point to the Madghacen Royal Numidian Mausoleum, where the event concluded.
According to Azeddine Gherfi, president of the Friends of Madghacen Association, the marathon is not just an athletic competition but also serves cultural and promotional purposes, aiming to raise awareness about the historical importance of the Numidian royal tomb and highlight the need to preserve and protect this ancient monument.
Meanwhile, Hakim Laghwil, director of events and competitions at the Batna Athletics League, praised the ideal conditions for the runners, including the well-prepared course and the refreshing autumn weather that contributed to a smooth race.
On Friday evening, participants attended a special presentation at the Scientific Leisure Center within the Kechida Cultural and Sports District in Batna. The presentation focused on the ongoing efforts to preserve the Madghacen Mausoleum, located in the Boumia municipality, and highlighted the monument’s historical and archaeological significance.
For more updates on sports events in Algeria, visit DZWATCH.DZ.
Author: nor-eleslam
Madghacen Marathon, Athletics in Algeria, Batna, Numidian Heritage
