INTERNATIONAL: Rachid El Morabity won the opening stage of the Marathon des Sables on Sunday (March 27), as the 36th edition of the race got underway in the Sahara Desert.

El Morabity, who bagged his eighth title last year, eased to victory in the 30.3km stage ahead of fellow Moroccan Aziz Yachou, while his brother Mohamed finished third.

In the women’s race, debutants Anna Comet of Spain and France’s Sylvaine Cussot came first and second respectively, while defending champion Aziza Raji completed the podium.

Monday’s second stage takes the runners along a 38.5km route.