This achievement further establishes Ouhaddou as a prominent figure in Spanish athletics, adding to her already extensive list of accolades. The victory in Mérida follows strong performances in the Seville and Madrid marathons, and her current status as the reigning champion of the Córdoba Half Marathon.
The competition in Mérida was challenging due to adverse weather conditions, including high humidity and persistent wind, which added an extra layer of difficulty for the participants. Despite these factors, Fátima Ouhaddou showcased her experience and strategic prowess.
In the initial kilometers, Venezuelan Edymar Brea and Ecuadorian Diana Tisalema led the race, with Ouhaddou closely trailing in a leading group that also included Lidia Campo, the current Spanish 10-kilometer champion, and Queralt Criado.
The close competition continued beyond the 10-kilometer mark. However, around the 15-kilometer point, Ouhaddou launched a decisive burst of speed that left her rivals unable to respond. She crossed the finish line with a time of 1:14.52, successfully defending her national title with a lead of over 30 seconds. Lidia Campo secured third place with 1:15.24, followed by Queralt Criado with 1:15.39.
“"It was a tough race, but I managed it well, starting at a slow pace and then pushing forward from kilometer 15 until the end. I'm proud to win here."
After the race, the athlete highlighted the demanding nature of the course but expressed her pride in the victory, especially in Mérida, a city where she made her half marathon debut in 2016 as a popular athlete. This triumph secures her participation in the European Championship marathon in Birmingham, where she aims to defend her continental crown, which she won a year ago in Berlin.
