A substantial turnout of runners participated in the Carrefour-sponsored 10 kms race in north Jeddah recently, the fourth event in the season-long calendar of events organized by the Jeddah Road Runners to benefit the running community in the western region. The course comprised two laps; 36 completed the full course, and 40 ran one lap only.
New member, Mehemda, demonstrated that he is in a class of his own, by strolling to victory by over six minutes, in an exceptionally fast time of 33.41. Given that the course comprised approximately 1 km off-road on a dirt track with some soft sand, and the still hot and humid conditions at this time of year, the finishing time is even more noteworthy.
In the open category, there is a welcome return to the form that he demonstrated a few years ago, by Yamani, who finished in 4th position overall. O’shea ran well too and placed 7th; and there was a close finish between Mariano and Bucher, with only a few seconds separating the two at the end. Ortiz, Polido and Tamondo, representing the Filipino community, made a good effort; and Garcia and Evangalista brought up the rear to a well-deserved round of applause from the runners and supporters.
In the veterans category, Hawsawi was victorious, with a good two minutes separating him from 2nd placed Bucher. McRiath and Francks both had good finishing times showing the benefits of their speed-work training sessions throughout the long hot summer. Calapatan and Zamora also ran well.
In the masters, Zeibnan excelled and was well ahead of his rivals, and seems destined to wrest the masters crown this year from Sanquer. Standing on the winners’ podium for the first time in the ladies category were White and Elliston. Both enjoyed the run, and finished well under the 60 minute mark.
In the one-lap event (5kms), visitors Hazazi and Jizani, and junior member Al Kaff, were the top three.
On behalf of the club, the Chairman, Afif, thanked the sponsors, Carrefour, whose representatives, Judilasen and Contrino, were on hand to distribute the prizes at the post-race breakfast, and to the usual Club Committee members Al-Juffri, Doman, Yamani and Mohagab for organizing the event.
Results:
Overall winner: Mehemda (33.41)
Open category: 1st Alahdal (39.53); 2nd Bakhraiba (41.35); 3rd Yamani (45.25)
Veteran category: 1st Hawsawi (46.26); 2nd Bucher (48.46); 3rd McRaith (51.38)
Masters category: 1st Zeibnan (45.42); 2nd Weindorf (52.24); 3rd Alkhaibari (57.35)
Seniors: 1st Malloch (52.49)
Ladies: 1st White (57.45); 2nd Elliston (59.28)
Mehemda strides to victory in Carrefour 10 kms race
