Lahcen Ahansal

Lahcen Ahansal (in Arabic: لحسن أحنصال) is a Moroccan long-distance runner, born on January 1, 1971, in Jbel Bani (a village located 25 km from Zagora). He is considered a Marathon des sables specialist which he has won 10 times. Lahcen is the elder brother of athlete Mohamad Ahansal.

Biography Lahcen Ahansal was born into the Berber confederation of the Aït Atta, located in southern Morocco. He came from a modest family and was orphaned of his father. As a child, he did not practice sports competitively but already displayed exceptional physical abilities. becoming the undisputed master of the event. It earned him the nickname of Prince of the Desert. In 2008, his younger brother Mohamad, who had often finished second, won the race.

In addition to his athletic career, Lahcen Ahansal organizes races such as the Zagora Marathon,

Achievements

Marathon des Sables

10 victories: 1997, and then from 1999 to 2007 (9 consecutive victories) 1998: (13th edition): 2nd place 1996: (11th edition): 5th place 1994: (9e edition): 5th place 1992: (7e edition): 3rd place

Other Races

2023: 2nd place at the Ultra Trail Plage Blanche (MAR) 2010: Winner of the Al Andalus Ultimate Trail 2006: Winner of the Belgium Ultra Marathon (100 km) 2006: 2nd place at the Beaujolais Marathon (team victory) 2006: 3rd place at the Ultra Marathon of Verbier, Switzerland 2002: 2nd place at the 100 km of Bienne, Switzerland 2001: Winner of the Swiss Alpine Marathon (Davos, Switzerland) 1999: Winner of the Défi Val-de-Travers, Switzerland (74 km, 2952 m elevation gain) 1998: Winner of the Super Marathon des Gorges du Verdon, France 1998: Winner of the Austria Ultra Marathon 1995: 3rd place in the Super Marathon of Morocco (held in the Atlas Mountains)

Personal Records

Marathon: 2 h 16 min 50 s (1997) 1000 meters: 2 min 55 s (1999)