Kirsty Robson was on her travels again, this time hitting Morocco and couldn’t resist the lure of a 10k race – here’s her story…

From Chopwell to Morocco! While most of you were enjoying your usual weekend runs, I found myself lining up for a slightly different experience… the Course de Fès – De Bab en Bab in Morocco!

Race morning started with a “character-building” ride in a tiny red taxi that I’m fairly certain hasn’t seen an MOT in decades. On arrival, bib collection involved navigating armed police, crowds, and general mayhem – all part of the adventure! The start line was incredible – crowds singing and clapping, and before I knew it I was being interviewed and announced over the microphone as being from Newcastle, UK… followed by a cheer from the crowd (slightly embarrassing but also pretty special!).

The race itself? Hot. Very hot. But what it lacked in organisation, it more than made up for in atmosphere. The support was unbelievable — every runner who passed had a word of encouragement, and it really felt like a shared experience. A particular highlight was meeting a runner from a local club who decided – regardless of anything I said – that he was going to stick with me and encourage me the whole way because it was my first race in Morocco.

By the end, I’d not only gained a running buddy but also an open invitation for me and the family to visit his hometown and run another race in Meknes! All in all, a bit chaotic, very warm, but an incredibly memorable and uplifting experience. Safe to say… not your average Sunday run!