Shaheed EL-Hafed (Refugee Camps), 23 February 2025 (SPS) – The 25th edition of the Sahara Marathon, an international event combining sports competition and human solidarity, will begin on Tuesday in the Sahrawi Refugee Camps, with the aim of renewing support for the Sahrawi people's struggle for freedom.
Established over twenty years ago by activists in solidarity with the Sahrawi cause, this event has seen growing international participation, attracting runners from all continents. It is part of a broader effort to provide support, alongside other forms of expression such as art and cinema.
The Sahrawi Minister of Culture, Moussa Salma, emphasized in a statement to APS that this edition will reaffirm the solidarity of athletes from around the world with the Sahrawi people and its just cause.
He also stressed that "sport is a form of resistance and resilience, as well as a vehicle for humanitarian messages."
The event offers a unique opportunity for athletes and activists from numerous countries to come together in the heart of the Sahrawi Refugee Camps.
This year, participation has reached a significant number, with around 300 runners from 32 countries. Requests to participate continue to pour in, reflecting the growing interest in this initiative, according to the same source.
The Minister assured that all conditions have been met to ensure the success of this edition, which will also include side activities such as art exhibitions, cultural evenings, training sessions, and debates.
Organized by the Sahrawi Ministry of Youth and Sports for over two decades, the Sahara Marathon carries a powerful message: it is both a call for peace and a new form of struggle for the freedom and independence of the Sahrawi people. More than just a competition, it reinforces the solidarity dimension of this cause through sports, while providing a platform for Sahrawi athletes to showcase their talent on the international stage.
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