After a long hot summer and a nearly five month hiatus from competition running, 88 participated recently in the Jeddah Road Runners season opening race, the traditional one mile. A substantial number of the runners were competing for the first time with the club, in all the various age categories, which shows that the running spirit is alive and well in the western community of the country.
With the exception of several races which are sponsored by individual companies, this year the club has a season sponsor for all other races: Carrefour, whose representatives, Judilasen and Contrino, were on hand to start the race.
There were several exceptionally fast times, given the straight course and the hot and humid conditions. Six new youngsters grabbed five of the top six positions, with Hazazi and Noor battling it out for the finishing line, and only separated by a whisker at 4.49. Club champion, Bakraiba, was fifth in 5.17.
In the veterans category, Bucher was the clear winner from long-time club member Al-Subhi, with another new member, Albert close behind. In the absence of traditional masters champion, Sanquer, Zeibnan strolled to victory; and Malloch was the customary top senior.
The ladies race provided a much closer finish with Queck just in front of Weindorf at the end, and Celine, also not too far behind. In the juniors category, visitor Murhaf, ran well to finish in just under 7 minutes, with club members Gosioco and Olofsson approximately 1 minute behind.
On behalf of the club, the chairman, Afif, thanked the sponsors, Carrefour, for their generosity and support at the post-race breakfast afterwards, and to committee members Al-Juffri, Doman, Yamani and Mohagab for organizing the event. The club anticipates a healthy, competitive season ahead with another 14 races to be held.
Results:
Overall Winner: Hazazi (4.49)
Open Category: 1st Noor (4.50); 2nd Mehemda (4.53); 3rd Jizan (5.01)
Veteran Category: 1st Bucher (6.13); 2nd AlSubhi (6.19); 3rd Albert (6.23)
Masters Category: 1st Zeibnan (6.18); 2nd Alkaibari (7.07); 3rd Weindorf (7.14)
Seniors: 1st Malloch (7.09); 2nd Coombes (15.07)
Ladies: 1st Queck (7.18); 2nd Weindorf (7.20); 3rd Celine (7.38)
Juniors: 1st Murhaf (6.59); 2nd Gosioco (7.45); 3rd E. Olofsson (7.50)
Hazazi triumphs in Carrefour Mile
