Perhaps I should have said, “not that many people” and a big percentage of the people running in those countries are ex-pats living or working there.
I spent a month in Kenya - a country with perhaps the richest distance running heritage on the planet. Did not see one person other than ex-pats running.
Come by Uruguay anytime (not a G8 country by any means), you’ll see many runners in any runable place. Same situation in many non-G8 countries.
I know this thread is old, but if anyone comes across this topic again, there are a (few) very competitive runners in Marrakesh as well as triathletes (including myself).
Places to run are Palmeraie and Mohamed 6 boulevard. Early morning is best.
There are lots of great cyclists and biking routes with lots of climbing as well. A couple of good bike shops Cannondale and Giant.
A decent lap pool: 6 lanes / 25 meters for 130DH ($13) drop in fee.