Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Fun runners, charity champions and serious contenders put their best foot forward for the first race action of the New Year in Bahrain.
More than 200 keen participants took part in Friday’s annual Seef Mall Half Marathon in a determined bid to shed the excess pounds of festive fare and prepare for more challenging events to come.
The event, organised by running enthusiasts the Bahrain Road Runners, is the precursor to the mighty 42.2km Bahrain Marathon set to be staged next month.
Hisham Al Shehabi, BRR’s public relations officer, said: “The BRR organises weekly races and 10 major events throughout its calendar attracting hundreds of participants.
“As there is only one half marathon per year it is regarded as one of the milestones for runners to achieve.
“Many participants wish to conquer a marathon at least once in their life-time and this event is a great step forward, especially with our own full marathon coming up. It’s a great way to prepare.
“There are many goals that the BRR would like to achieve this year and I think advocating a healthy lifestyle, increasing our member base and making our races more professional are at the top of our list.”
The day started off with a 3km junior run followed by the 21.1km adult race attracting runners from the ages of 16 to 60-plus.
Proud mum Mary Cooper, 39, was spotted cheering on her two sons, Grant, 10, and Zane, six, who both attend Riffa Views International School, in their first race in Bahrain. Her husband Doug, 43, an oil rig manager working in Saudi Arabia, took part in the half marathon.
The family come from Houston in the US state of Texas and now live in Jasra. Mrs Cooper said: “The kids were excited to experience a race in Bahrain and have fun. My husband Doug and I usually compete in triathlons together so the boys are not new to the racing scene.
“But my five-year-old daughter Mae and I were happy to be on the sidelines on this occasion and they had our full support.”
Banker and avid marathoner, Khalifa Najim, 51, from Hamad Town, enjoyed the day too. He said: “I love to run – it is a part of me. I can’t even count how many half marathons I have participated in although I have never taken part in a full marathon yet. I advise everyone to go for a run whenever they can as it really is a great way to stay healthy and de-stress.”
Housewife Christina Brown, 49, from Riffa Views, said: “This is my third half marathon and I have been running for three years to improve my health as well as the enjoyment of it. You can take your running shoes with you anywhere in the world.
“This half marathon is good preparation for me as I am in training for the Cyprus Marathon around Paphos in March. It will be my second 42.2km marathon.”
Marine Valerie Gaskin, 36, from Juffair, has raced in Japan as well as in the US where she was stationed. She said: “This is my second time participating in a BRR-organised event. I first joined the Bahrain Cross Island Race last year and really enjoyed it.
“I just love this kind of atmosphere, coming out and meeting fellow runners as well as getting some good exercise in. There is a great sense of camaraderie, no animosity and just a good time.”
Aamer Ebrahim Ahmed, 32, an airport technician from Hamad Town, agreed and hoped the race would prepare him for the full marathon to come. “I am excited as this was my first 21.1km run. Running really gives me a great feeling and it relaxes me too.”
Mike Hulver, 53, a geologist at Saudi Aramco in neighbouring Saudi Arabia, led a group of 20 runners as part of the oil company’s community service promoting wellness.
He said: “Our juniors did very well landing the top three spots. We have a normal training group in Saudi of almost 200 and have been racing in Bahrain for a couple of years. We are promoting personal health and well being.”
One of the happiest competitors was Bahrain Defence Force’s Maali Taawer, 26, from Isa Town, who came in second place, 10 minutes behind young Moroccan winner Eddahbi Nassir, who said: “It was my third time taking part in this event and I am very happy with the outcome. I am looking forward to the full marathon challenge next.”
The BRR is now busy organising its full marathon scheduled to take place next month and the committee is looking for sponsors.
To help, visit the website www.bahrainroadrunners.com
