Dubai: Shaikh Mansour Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum lauded the success of International Run Day 2009, which was held at the Al Mamzar Park on Thursday.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Defence under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Shaikh Mansour presented the prizes after the race.
"We are keen in the UAE to organise international events to show the world that sports is an important factor in strengthening the relationships between countries and sports people. [Events like this] reflect that... the UAE [is capable of] hosting big sport events and sports champions from all over the world," he said.
Samuel Carenga of Kenya crossed the finish line first in the professional 10 kilometre race, clocking 26 minutes 12 seconds to receive $5,000 (Dh18,368) in prize money. His compatriot Patric Sheroya came second in a time of 26 minutes and 25 seconds, winning $3,000. Marco Jozeph of Tanzania finished third in a time of 26 minutes and 34 seconds, bagging $2,000. In the ladies 10 kilometre race, Sesilia Martoma of Kenya came first, clocking a time of 32 minutes to win $5,000. Neshimi Mermana of Burundi came second in a time of 33 minutes one second, receiving $3,000. Aysha Abdullah of Tanzania finished third in 36 minutes and 43 seconds, winning $2,000.
The Under Secretary of Defence, General Obaid Mohammad Al Ka'abi, also took part in the prizegiving.
"Organising the International Run Day showed the Ministry of Defence's commitment to support and strengthen the relationships between the different sections of our community. Thousands of school students - boys and girls - took part in the youth races held yesterday. I take this opportunity to thank all the sponsoring companies who made this International Run Day a tremendous success," said Al Kaabi.
In the 10 kilometre race for the disabled, Julian Cazouly of France finished first, Hoag Marcel of Switzerland second and Ayedh Al Ahbabay of the UAE third.
