The red flags are flying, the drums are beating, everyone’s cheering, welcome to the start of the Marrakech Half Marathon.

Seventy per cent of the participants are Moroccans, all shapes, sizes and ages from the skinny, fit greryhound types to the much more sedate and well-cushioned amateurs.

Lots of Moroccan women run, some in teeny shorts and vests, others in modest tracksuits with headscarves on under their caps.

Everyone is in fine fettle, waiting for the race to start and there are lots of teams from companies or clubs.