Samsung Amman Marathon set to kick off October 9

AMMAN — The Samsung Amman Marathon kicks off October 9 with the participation of thousands of runners in the 42km, the 21km half marathon and 10km Fun Run.

 “Long distance running is designed to promote healthier lifestyles through training the body and the mind, we, at Run Jordan, have adopted this moto and seek to find partners who share our vision to develop the local community and promote good health. Our partnership with Samsung Electronics over the past seven years has proved to be a very effective one demonstrated by the great success of Samsung Amman Marathon, which has helped in putting Jordan on the international sporting map, as well as promoting the Kingdom as a prime destination for sports and tourism,” HRH Prince Firas Bin Raad, patron of the event and Run Jordan chairman of the board, said during the launching event.

Aqel Beltaji, mayor of Amman, stated that the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) is keen on supporting national initiatives and programmes that contribute to supporting and developing local communities. He also said that GAM is proud of its strategic partnership and Run Jordan’s vision since it brings everyone together for a common goal.

Lina Kurd, vice director general of Run Jordan, told The Jordan Times that this year’s event is all about the city of Amman.

“The event is launched under the theme ‘Run to the Heart of the City of Amman’ and will have a new route for the 10km Fun Run which will start at Princess Alia Street: Al  Hussein sports City-Gate #1, down to Arar Street ending at the finish line at the Hashemite Square- Gate #1,” she said.

Meanwhile the Children’s Race will be held at King Hussein Park on October 2nd.

“As usual the children’s race will be held before the big event in order to give the children the chance to have their own marathon and enjoy it,” she added.

Kurd expressed his satisfaction with the popularity of the race considering it a family event.

“We have been able to attract the participation of individuals from various countries across the world,” she said.

“The Kingdom as a whole benefits from the success of the Samsung Amman Marathon, not only is Jordan now recognised as a prime destination for sports and tourism, but the benefits stretch beyond that as 20 per cent of the marathon proceeds go to charity,” she added.

Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics Levant president, Bumsuk Hong, stressed on the long standing partnership with Run Jordan, saying: “Through our social corporate responsibility programs, Samsung aims to improve the societies where it works. The marathon positively impacts individuals’ lives and places special focus on leading a healthy lifestyle by introducing running as a culture, thus creating a sustainable change within the community.”

According to Kurd, registration booths are now open for everyone and they are placed around the city.

“We have booths for registration in the following locations: Cozmo 7th Circle, City Mall, Taj Mall, Avenue Mall, Safeway Shmeisani, and Fitness First Gym in Abdoun and Shmeisani. Moreover, registration at Run Jordan’s headquarters in Shmeisani or online through the website www.runjordancom, is also available. Electronic payment methods are available on Run Jordan’s official website,” she said. 

Last year, Jordan runner Mithqal Abbadi was crowned champion of the 42km Full Marathon while Kenyan runner Sarah Kepasso (2h44m41s) broke all previous records in the same category for women.

Abbadi clocked 2h26m07s, followed by Jordan’s Fathi Al Dayyat (2h38m07s) and Mohammad Muhammad (2h38m44s).