DJ Run Morocco returned to Casablanca’s Sacré Cœur Cathedral on Saturday, june 21st for its second edition, bringing together around 1,600 runners and music enthusiasts for a day of fitness and festivities. Founded by five friends and inspired by a global trend, the event combined a 5 kilometer run, live DJ performances and wellness activities in an effort to make healthy lifestyles more accessible and enjoyable.
Preparations had begun hours earlier. By 7 a.m., organizers, volunteers and participants were already bustling around the venue, while games, giveaways and activity stands welcomed early arrivals. Families, seasoned runners, first-timers, influencers, coaches and even toddlers mingled under the watch of security personnel and police, setting the tone for a morning centered as much on community as on competition.
Behind the concept are five friends: Yassine Ouarrach, Zineb Bennouna, Kenza Nasreddine, Yasmine Ouf and Amine Allali, who first discovered the idea on social media and decided to recreate it on a smaller scale.
« We had around 100 runners in the first edition, and it blew out of proportion on social media » Yassine Ouarrach, founder and managing director of Jeem and one of DJ Run’s co-founders, told TelQuel English. « We hoped to get more than 1,000 people, and we ended up having 1,600 today. It was really amazing«
The concept, he explained, stems from a desire to encourage healthier lifestyles by making sport more enjoyable and accessible. « You can’t just tell people to do sports. You need to find something that resonates with them » Ouarrach added. « Music is a universal language. »
Music on the move
The race officially got underway at 9 a.m. Led by a moving sound system, the procession featured DJ and producer Irinee S, accompanied by a saxophonist and a drummer. Designed around a relatively slow pace, the event encouraged participants to run together rather than compete against one another.
The first runners crossed the finish line shortly after… 9:20 a.m., but the festivities were far from over. Less than half an hour later, the mobile DJ set returned to the cathedral, joining another stage already keeping the crowd energized. Dancing continued throughout the morning as participants gathered around the event village.
Inside the cathedral, three 20-minute cycling sessions offered another way to stay active, while outside, music and celebrations carried on.
Wellness meets entertainment
For DJ and producer Irinee S, the event represents a positive evolution in the relationship between music and wellness. « After 15 years of DJing around the world, I love having different kinds of events » he told TelQuel English. « I love the idea of having a non-alcohol party. We can absolutely match music with wellness. The atmosphere today was super positive. People were smiling, dancing and clapping »
Reda Kadmiri, sound engineer and producer at Sound and Technical Solutions, sees the emergence of such daytime events as part of a broader global shift. « Partying and music used to be nightlife activities, but this new trend of day activities centered around health and wellness is reaching Morocco after becoming popular around the world » he said. « We’re at the iconic Sacré Cœur Cathedral and the atmosphere is very friendly and family oriented. »
Participants echoed that enthusiasm. « The race was so good » said Alan, who was taking part in his first race. « I really enjoyed the run, the people, the atmosphere and the community. Everyone was in sync »
Anastasia, another first time participant, said the music made all the difference.« Usually I run and it’s boring » she said. « But with music and people, I feel good ».
As for Fatiha, a regular marathon runner and a senior citizen, the event carried a deeply personal meaning “it´s very deep. I am here for my son in heaven” the senior citizen explained.
Looking beyond Casablanca
Having already expanded from around 100 runners in its first edition to 1,600 participants this year, organizers are already looking to scale up the concept, with ambitions of attracting more runners and introducing multiple trucks and DJs in future editions.
DJ Run’s second edition highlighted a growing appetite for experiences that blur the lines between fitness, entertainment and community.
More than just a race, Run&Beat offered a glimpse into a new approach to wellness, one that combines movement, music and community. By turning exercise into a shared celebration, the event highlighted how healthy habits can be made more accessible, enjoyable and meaningful for participants of all ages and backgrounds
