Top runners take on Samsung Amman Marathon

AMMAN — The Samsung Amman Marathon, the most popular running event in the Kingdom, kicks off on Friday with the participation of more than 12,000 runners in the 42km Marathon, the 21km Half Marathon and 10km Fun Run.

Lina Al Kurd, vice director general of Run Jordan, told The Jordan Times that Jordanian runners are ready to take on the best of the best in the marathon world.

“Although our champion Mithqal Abbadi, winner of last year’s 42km race, will be absent due to another sport engagement, we have faith in our runners who will take on the professional list of runners who are taking part in the event,” she said.

International runners will join the thousands of runners from Jordan and the Arab world.

“We are seeking to have a well-organised event in the presence of local and international runners and at the same time raise the level of awareness among the society about the benefits of sports especially running in daily life,” Kurd said.

“We have an impressive list of professional runners such as Asefa Diro Hunde from Ethiopia and Sarah Kerubo Kebaso from Kenya in addition to others,” she added.

Joining Hunde from Ethipia are Tilahun Ayele Tariku and Gedamnesh Mekuanent Yayeh, meanwhile, joining Kebaso from Kenya are Henry Kimutai Kibet and Rebecca Jerotich Talla.

Kenya’s Kebaso registered her personal best record in Cividale del Friuli Marathon with 2h37m25s in March 2015, while Henry Kimutai Kibet’s best personal record also in Cividale del Friuli Marathon was 2h15m13s.

“The tourism sector will also be a winner as these events encourage internal and external tourism and this is one of our goals to encourage tourism and a healthy lifestyle,” she said.

According to Kurd, more than 1,000 volunteers are taking part in the event.

“The marathon witnesses the largest number of volunteers who will make sure that everything is done according to a comprehensive plan set under the guidance of HH Prince Firas,” she stated.

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.

Meanwhile, the 42km marathon will start from the front of the main building of the Greater Amman Municipality and end at the Roman Amphitheatre while the 21km run will start from Al Jayesh Street and end at the Roman Amphitheatre.