Jordan runners enjoy Ayla Red Sea Half Marathon

By Roufan Nahhas - Dec 05,2015 - Last updated at Dec 05,2015

Group photo at the winners’ podium of the Ayla Red Sea Half Marathon in Aqaba on Friday (Photo courtesy of Run Jordan)

AQABA — Jordan’s Deif Allah Awwad (Male, 1:11:08h) and Hanoia Hasaballah (Female, 1:24:50h) on Friday were crowned champions of the 11th edition of the Ayla Red Sea Half Marathon with the participation of more than 2,000 runners from around the world.

Hani Mulqi, chief commissioner of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, deputised for HH Prince Firas Bin Raad, chairman of Run Jordan and patron of the event which witnessed participation from the US, Germany, Hungry, Great Britain, Egypt, Sudan, France, Japan, Argentina, Philippines and Morocco in all race categories: The 21km Half Marathon, 10km Fun Run and 4.2km Children’s Race.

Lina Al Kurd, general manager of Run Jordan, told The Jordan Times that it was an amazing turnout.

“We thank all those who are making the marathon a success with special thanks to all sponsors, media and volunteers. This year’s event was under the slogan “Run for a Cause” to highlight an important aspect of all Run Jordan events that twenty per cent of the ticket sales go to charity,” she said.

“We are happy to see this number of fans of the marathon taking part and the best of all we saw families participating in all categories of the event. Next year, we are planning more events to suit everyone,” she added.

Ghazi Farouq, Run Jordan board member, said that students were the main focus this year.

“We had a long list of schools and university students taking part in the event and this is what made this year’s event so special and we thank Ayla for sponsoring the students and orphans to take part in the event,” he said.

The race witnessed heavy participation of runners from Jordan governorates.

“The start was a bit windy and dusty which was annoying a bit for us but we did well and finished the race and this is an achievement for us,” Zarqa resident, Hlail Fayez ,who took part in the 10km said.

Ahmad Hweitat from Ma’an expressed his happiness in being able to do something to help those in need through sports.

“This is our chance to make a difference in our society and through running we can contribute in doing good things for others,” he said.

“It was well organised but as usual we faced some fans blocking the way, but we know it is because they are excited like us,” he added.

This year Run Jordan established cooperation agreements with two major NGO’s in the city of Aqaba namely: The Friends of Autism Society; which helps to support autistic children and their families in the southern region of the Kingdom, and the Bride of the South Orphan Society; which offers counselling and educational support for orphans.

Results

21km

Male

Deif Allah Awwad1:11:08h

Stephen Shelande 1:12:19h

Bashar Rahel 1:13:52h

Female

Hanoia Hasaballah 1:24:50h

Heidi Shelander1:33:14h

Samah Al Najjar1:34:51h

Wheelchair 21km

Male