JEDDAH, 9 April 2004 — The Jeddah Road Runners wrapped up their points-awarding races in their running season with the traditional mile, sponsored by Al Reza Food Services Co. Ltd. This was the seventh ‘Mac-Mile’, as it has affectionately become known, and was held recently to the east of Jeddah, in the cooler temperatures of the early morning.
Al-Subhi retained his ‘Mac-Mile’ crown having triumphed in the corresponding event in 2003. He was chased home this time by a first-time visitor, Vangestel, who finished a few seconds adrift in 5.31. Third overall was an occasional visitor, Williams, who also ran well. The more established runners, Doman and Esma had a duel for top veterans spot, with Doman coming out tops in just under 6 minutes.
One of the most improved runners of the season is Khalid Mohagab, who having shed some weight, ran exceptionally well, finishing in his highest ever position of eighth. Although a relative newcomer to athletics, Khalid has persevered throughout the last two seasons, balanced his diet, and improved his training schedule. With this performance, he will surely be challenging others in the top half of the field on a regular basis next season.
An exciting battle developed for top masters, with Bandu winning in 7.09, Law second and Hongto third, with only nine seconds separating the three. There was a warm welcome for a former club member, Aziz Hubess, in his first outing for several years, and he finished the course in 8.31.
The marketing manager of Reza Food Services Co. Ltd, Ahab Qunibi, was on hand at the postrace breakfast to distribute the awards, and the club thanked the company for the sponsorship of the traditional ‘Mac-Mile’, and their support over the past many seasons. The club announced that a series of fun-runs would be held during the spring and summer to maintain interest in running throughout the warmer months.
Results: Winner: AI-Subhi: 5.27; Open: Vangestel- 5.31; Williams — 5.41; Bahatan-6.10; Veterans: Doman — 5.55; Esma- 6.04; Sanquer- 6.16; Masters: Bandu — 7.05; Law (R) — 7.09; Hongto — 7.18; A category: Vermaak- 6.39; Juniors: Law (S) — 7.40.
