FAQ - Is There a Running Store in Marrakech?

One question I am often asked by people visiting or planning to visit is, “Are there running stores in Marrakech?” or “I forgot my shoes back home, can I buy running shoes in Morocco?”

The direct answer is, no.

To be technical the answer is, not really. There are no running specific stores here in town that, I know of. I say that I know of, because in my more than six years here in Marrakech I've never found one. 

The good news is that you can still find running gear in Marrakech. The city is growing very rapidly and new kinds of stores are opening all the time. When I moved here a few years ago there were only a few small sporting goods stores (think general purpose sports gear), now Marrakech has several modern sports stores but still no "running specific" stores. Many of these stores now carry running clothing and shoes most of which is Nike and Adidas. Also, there is now a small Decathlon (European sports store chain) opening next to the Marjane on the way into town from Casablanca.  

If your currently in Marrakech and looking for some running shoes or clothing your best off going to Decathlon. There you will find a decent selection of road running shoes and a few trail shoes (though if you have bigger feet you may struggle to find your size). They also carry a decent selection of running clothes and accessories for both men and women at decent prices. Decathlon also has gear for cycling, hiking, and many other sports and activities. 

My recommendation is that if you’re planning a visit to Marrakech bring what you need. This I what I'd recommend for you to if you plan to travel anywhere. A lot of us runners are very particular about the kinds of shoes we run in or clothes we wear so it's best to be prepared but in the case you do accidentally forget something you need there is still a chance you'll be able to find it for your run in Marrakech. 

If you've visited in the past and happen to know of a running specific store in Marrakech let us know in the comments below. 

What Should Women Wear When Running in Morocco?

   "I'm coming to Morocco next week and don't know what is okay for me to wear as a women, any advice?

  Well, there's no need to wonder any longer. Here is some advice to help you in deciding what to wear while running in Morocco.

  In all the time I have lived here I have never heard about a rule dictating what females can or can't wear while running in Morocco.  Every year Marrakech holds a marathon and the clothing that the women runners wear is always very diverse. There are ladies wearing full track suits with head coverings and others in shorts or capri pants or tights and t-shirts or tank tops. I do see women wearing shorts while running and often out of respect for the culture their shorts are not really short and tight.

  While we recommend that you wear what is comfortable to you it is also wise to respect the culture as well. Shorts or capries/tights and a running t-shirt are more than appropriate. If you were running outside of a big city, like in a village or countryside, it would likely be wise to wear pants but here in the city, like (Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, etc.) it would not be a necessity. Remember, Marrakech is full of tourists so there is a wide range of how people dress here.

   This advice comes from our experience living here and observing others. Like I said before there are no rules or laws dictating how to dress while running in Morocco so this post is just the advice I give to people whenever I am asked by people signing up for one of our guided runs through the city of Marrakech.

  Signing up for one of our running tours is a great way to get out for a run on your next holiday in Marrakech. Whether you're looking for someone to just show you around for your first run or for a running partner for your entire time in Marrakech we have the runs for you. Pick your distance(s) and let us plan your runs. All of our guides live here and know their way around both the city and the culture, which enables you to be able to relax and just enjoy your run. Check out what kinds of runs we offer here and you can register here.

   Now pack your running clothes and plan to run while in Morocco.

Is it Safe to Run in Morocco?

  People often like to ask me questions like, "Is it safe to run in Morocco?" "Isn't it scary to run in a foreign country?" "Isn't running there dangerous?"

  If you were to do a quick Google search on this topic you might get the idea that running/jogging is a rare thing in Morocco and that you might be the only one out there or that if you are female runner it might be dangerous. When I first visited Morocco I was nervous about running here because of how different a place I thought it was. But as I have learned, in my time living here is that's just not quite the truth. Just like a lot of other countries running is common (and getting more so) here. In some cities it is more popular than others, such as in Marrakech, Casablanca, or Rabat you will probably see more runners than you will see in villages or rural areas, but this is often true of anywhere.

  So, back to the question, "Is it safe to run in Morocco?" Just like running in anywhere, running here can have some inherent risk associated with it. Twisted ankles, traffic, crowded streets, pollution, local cultural differences, and weather are all things that need to be taken into account. But for the most part if you run against the traffic and use common sense, running in Morocco is safe. I think that part of the apprehension a lot of people may have is because the culture and language are so different from what they are used to. The unknown can be scary and being somewhere where you feel so out of place can be intimidating. But the unknown doesn't equal danger. 

    Now that I have said several times that it is safe, what about the claims that it is not safe. The truth is that everyone is going to have different experiences, some good and some bad. I've heard stories about women having men yell out to them and harass them while running but things like that will happen in NYC's Central Park or in London (I've also had people call out at me in the USA, Spain, Italy and in Morocco), it's not right but it happens everywhere. My experience, the experience of my wife, and many of my friends, who run here, are good ones. We try not to run during rush hour or at the hottest part of the day, nor do we run late at night. We dress respectfully (I do where shorts and so do some of the women i know, others wear 3/4 pants)... (this could be a whole post on its own... and probably will be) and my wife runs with friends. From this blog you can see that I have run in many different places and at different times in Morocco and safety has rarely ever been a problem for me. Morocco's government works hard to make it's country a safe place to visit.

  My goal here is not to try and convince you that Morocco is the safest place on Earth to run or that nothing has or ever will happen to a runner. Rather, it is to encourage you to take a chance and not put off one of your passions or hobbies you enjoy while on holiday in Morocco because you heard some stories. Pack your shoes and running kit the next time you plan a trip to Morocco. Be smart about it, run with a friend if you want or one of our coaches, tell someone where you're going and take money for a taxi back (just in case), but enjoy running in one of the most beautiful places on earth and take in the country in a way few foreigners get to see it.

  Our running tours offer a great way to get out there for a safe run with someone who knows the area and runs here almost every day. They know the area's best for running and the best sights to see. Also, as you'll be running with someone who lives here there is the added bonus of getting to hear about Morocco from a different perspective. When you book a run with us you will be able to forget some of those worries about running alone and just enjoy your run. You can see the kinds of runs we offer here and you can register here.

  Now plan your trip and get out there and run.