Mrashani claims top spot in Zayed road race

Simon Mrashani of Tanzania won the second Zayed International Road race here in the capital yesterday.

A veteran of many a marathon, which is run over 42 kms, Simon completed yesterday's eight-km distance in a time of 22minutes 50 seconds with Mubarak Reehan of Al Ain Club and Yousef Ahmed of Al Wasl Club finishing second and third respectively.

The winner of a marathon in Japan in 1994, the 37-year-old now turns his eyes on the Berlin Marathon in October. "I owe this win to the Dubai Police, who have been very supportive and helped me take part in today's event," said Simon.

American Alice Hansen retained the women's title in a time of 29 mins 32 secs, followed by Irish Anne Sweeney (32.10) and Briton Shaz Hussey (33.39).

"This year the race was much better as there was a lesser crowd. However, with quite a few locals participating the competition was better," said Hansen, a regular on the UAE long-distance circuit.

Fayez Ahmed Saleh of Abu Dhabi won the 3.5 km event for boys with Ibrahim Mohammed Ibrahim of Um Al Quwain and Ali Abbas Juma of Dubai finishing second and third respectively.

In the girls' division Noora Ahmed Latif of Dubai came first followed by Farah Abulaziz and Mariam Arif, both from Abu Dhabi .

Ibrahim Salem Ahmed, Ali Saeed Saeedi and Faisal Masood took the first three places in a special race for persons with special needs.

Held under the patronage of Lt. Gen. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, the race was organised by the UAE Athletic Association and all events attracted good participation.

Sultan Saqr Al Suweidi, Secretary General, Public Authority for Youth and Sports Welfare and Maj. Gen. Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi distributed the prizes in the presence of UAE Athletic Association officials.