Dubai : The usually calm and picturesque Al Mamzar beach came alive yesterday morning with nearly 1,000 women runners racing towards the finish line in the first ever 5k (kilometres) women's run, organised by the UAE Athletics Federation, under the patronage of Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The UAE Athletics Federation-trained athletes Betty Desalegen Belayneh breezed through the beach to win the run in 16 mins 46sec, closely followed by her colleague Alia Saeed Mohammad in 16:55.
Ethiopian born 19-year-old Belayneh, who is a UAE passport holder, revealed that the win had given her the confidence to perform well in the oncoming Asian Games in Guangzhou City, China. The first three positions were a clean sweep by the Ethiopians with Amnae Beriso finishing third at 17:32.
Speaking to Gulf News, Belayneh said: "I speeded up after the 4k mark and it feels great to win my first road race." She pocketed the winner's prize of Dh10,000, a trophy and a pink Acer laptop.
Eighteen-year-old Alia Saeed is not upset that she could not finish first despite giving her best. "The training has helped me and I will use this to better myself." Beriso had flown in specially for the run and, unlike the first two, lives in Ethiopia.
Notwithstanding the professionally trained runners, Anne Mari Hyrylainen of Finland raced to finish line in 19:19 sec to clinch the fourth place. "I am basically a marathon runner and had completed the last Dubai Marathon in 2 hours and 62 minutes. It wasn't difficult to catch up with the Ethiopians, but the distance (of 5k) is too short for me," remarked Hyrylainen, who is a member of Dubai Creek Striders.
Disappointing show
Finishing fifth yesterday was disappointing for Emma Philips from Great Britain who had won the 10k Dubai marathon run earlier this year. "I was suffering from cold and was not at my best. I participated because I did not want to miss a race like this and I am happy I finished at 19:24sec," said Philips who trains every day at the Abras running club.
Most women participating in the run yesterday undergo regular training at various health clubs across the UAE. Lisa Perry, for instance, works out at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel's gym. "I enjoyed the run and it was fabulous, though the weather was really hot. Maybe the start could have been at 7am instead of 8am. It was a great display of camaraderie."
Clare Constable from Great Britain, who finished seventh with 20:51 sec, drove from Ras Al Khaimah to take part.
Even women over the age of 50 took part, like Christine Jones from Great Britain. "I enjoyed this run so much that I want to now take part in the coming Dubai marathon," said Jones.
Results
1. Betty Desalegn Belayneh (UAE) 16:46sec.
2. Alia Saeed Mohammad (UAE) 16:55sec.
3. Amnae Beriso (Ethiopia) 17.32sec.
4. Anne Mari Hyrylainen (Finland) 19.19sec
5. Emma Philips (GBR) 19.24
6. Bethany Mcchesney (Canada) 20.44sec
7. Clare Constable (GBR) 20:51sec.
8. Nicola Thompson (GBR) 21:06sec
9. Lamya Wanid (MAR) 21:59sec
10.Amy Farrell 22:31sec.
