Adelfo Paredes saved his best performance of the season for the last race of the season, clinching victory in the 5km handicap race which took place at Riyadh Village on Friday morning.

Held in hot temperatures, a handicap race means that all runners start at different times, with the slowest runners starting first and the fastest runners starting last, and in theory all finishing around the same time.

Paredes has run consistently throughout the season, usually placing in the top 10 and sometimes in the top five, without ever really threatening to win a race. However on this occasion, the Mexican benefitted from the staggered start times and his adeptness at running in hot conditions, running the whole race alone and completing it in an impressive time of 21:09. He was followed home by Chris Pullar, who ended his debut season as a runner on a high, completing the course in 21:28 and smashing his personal best in the process. The club wishes him and his wife the very best of luck in their attempt at the London Marathon this month. Third place was club stalwart Padraig Cusack, who made light of the sleepness nights he has endured since becoming a father in February to finish in a time of 21:52.

The women’s race was won, predictably, by Claudine Roghi, who has proven to be the best and most consistent female participant over the course of the season. She started with a handicap of 26:30, and despite protesting that she wasn’t on top form that day, managed to complete the course with the clock reading 50:29, which gave her an actual time of 23:59, a season best into the bargain. Visitor Kelly O’Donovan came second in 25:36, and in third place the dynamo that is Mona Shahab proved that she has overcome her recent injuries with a strong performance and a finishing time of 26:37.

Gerhard and Kerstin Kick, long time members of the club, both enjoyed their final race with the RRR on Friday, as they are moving on to new pastures soon. Gerhard achieved his highest finish all season (4th) and Kerstin ran with their children at the beginning before completing a couple of quick laps to go out on a high. RRR wishes them all the best in the future.

This race was the final one of the season, and the club now takes a break as the temperatures rise over the summer. Races will resume in September, and the Riyadh Road Runners look forward to welcoming back old faces and greeting new faces for the 2014-2015 season.