JEDDAH, 16 December 2004 — A compound in the A1 Zahra’a district of Jeddah was the venue for the Zahid Tractor 5 kms race in the Jeddah Road Runners season. On a sultry Friday evening 120 eager runners of all ages clad in brightly colored sports gear turned out for the grueling event.
The race enjoyed the full support of the management of the compound and the main sponsor, Zahid Tractor, as well as A1 Safi-Danone, Vertigo Cafe, Delta Water, Pepsi Cola, and Champion Chips.
The youngsters showed the older colleagues the way, leaving the lesser mortals to battle the humidity and aching joints, and enjoying a chat in the quiet of the evening with the crimson, orange sunset as a beautiful backdrop. Three laps around the compound was the plan and for those marathon men and women it was done in the blink of an eye.
A small number of the runners and walkers dropped out, not down, but nevertheless the whole affair was held in good humor. Some of the runners completed the circuit in the dark while the others had already started on the aprés run.
Club champion-in-waiting Ali Abdulrahman, extended his excellent start to the season by winning yet again, followed home by another promising youngster, Ahmad Aseeri. Nick Wilton was the first of the elder statesmen to cross the finish line, followed by visitor Tony Gardner. Mark Willingham wasn’t too far behind, and deservedly won the masters category.
The event was followed by a nourishing barbecue provided by the race organizer Jeddah Road Runners. Some lucky participants won substantial prizes in the raffle, which added to the fun. The chairman of the Jeddah Road Runners club, Osama Afif, thanked all of those companies and participants who contributed to the event because without their support, time, funding, and effort the race could not have been held.
In addition, club members Jean-Louis Jaubert and Gaby Sanquer deserve a special mention for their organization of the race, with the notable assistance of the French team who ensured that the runners were ably supported before, during and after the race.
Overall Winner: Ali Abdulrahman Open: lst - Ahmad Aseeri; 2nd: Gary Williams; 3rd - Sulieman Subhi; Veterans: 1st - Nick Wilton; 2nd - Tony Gardner; 3rd - Steve Allgood; Masters: lst - Mark Willingham; 2nd - Jean-Louis Jaubert; 3rd - Roger Le-roux; Seniors: lst - Bandu; 2nd - David Sim son; 3rd - Dave Zebedee.
Juniors: lst - Lester Montchalain; 2n! Jamie Wilton; 3rd - Francois Moreno.
A Category: lst - L. Esterhuizen; 2nd: E. Monthchalain; 3rd: T. Linton.
