Doha: More than 650 runners braved the brisk early morning air to line up for the fifth annual Doha College 5km and 10km run at Aspire Zone on Saturday, December 5.
Runners from 12 years old completed between two (5km) and four (10km) laps of the Aspire Zone when former 10,000m world champion and British Olympian Liz McColgan sounded the starter’s horn.
The 10km race was won for a second time by marathon runner Andrew Jones in 32 minutes 09 seconds while Nathan Riding took the honour in the 5km in 18:22 minutes for the third time.
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Doha College Principal Dr Steffen Sommer praised the efforts of all the winners and the participants, whether they run, jogged or walked around the course.
“The purpose of the Doha College Run is to encourage health, fitness and fun in our community and it was fantastic to see such a large number of participants on Saturday,” Dr Sommer said.
“We were privileged to have some extraordinary talent at the event, including the overall winner of the UAE 50km ultra-marathon held in Doha on Friday and world champion for the 100km race Camille Herron.”
Race Director Nicola Symons thanked the sponsors and the community for their ongoing support.
“It was great to see some participants collect their first race medal as well as hearing about those who had recorded personal bests,” Symons said.
“Some groups were running for special causes too. It was fantastic to see so many people enjoy the race and have fun at the same time.
“I would like to give a special mention to our sponsors, Aspire Zone Foundation, The Torch Hotel and Vita Coco, as well as Liz McColgan, the USA 50km team, and the many volunteers and marshals, who were a major contribution to the event’s success.”
Events Manager at Aspire Zone Foundation Mr Abdullah Al Khater said he was pleased to partner with Doha College.
“One of our main areas of focus at Aspire Zone is encouraging the local community to stay fit and healthy, and we are always keen to organise and host events that support this aim,” he said.
Winner of the 10km race Andrew Jones said he enjoyed winning the race for a second year.
“It was a great race again with great support from people. It’s a great set-up that Doha College has got and it’s great to win it again,” he said.
10km winners
Male junior: Alex Rowe (52:35)
Female junior: Katie Palfreeman (39:04)
Male open: Andrew Jones (32:09)
Female open: Rebecca Page (43:39)
Male veteran: Sean Dollman (37:08)
Female veteran: Anna Beattie (48:48)
Male master: Jeff Collingwood (39:34)
Female master: Joanne Arambarri (56:32)
5km winners
Male junior: Micky Shillington (18:49)
Female junior: Ellie Walters (20:32)
Male open: Nathan Riding (18:22)
Female open: Kat Matuosova (22:51)
Male veteran: Damien Chaussabel (21:31)
Female veteran: Jane Rimmer (24:31)
Male master: Stephen Andrews (21:28)
Female master: Evan Luz Camargo (24:34)
The Peninsula
