Video: Here are your winners from the 2018 Al Mouj Muscat Marathon

Energy Friday 19/January/2018 12:31 PM
By: Times News Service

Muscat: Winners for three of the main events at the 2018 Al Mouj Muscat Marathon were announced on Friday.
In the marquee Full Marathon, Kenyan runner Moses Too came in first, running a distance of 42 kilometres in just under 2 hours and 20 minutes (02:19:30), with an average pace 3:20 minutes per kilometre. Local lad Anouar El Ghouz and another Kenyan, Gideon Kipgurui Kipsang, came in second and third (02:20:41 and 02:22:00 respectively).
**media[809194]**
Jordanian Mohammad Alkhwaldeh won the Half Marathon, clocking in the distance at 01:14:01, while Omanis Hilal Al Golandni and Mahmood Al Qurawi finished second and third, clocking in at 01:14:35 and 01:15:09 respectively.
The renowned Al Khwaldeh defied the odds by securing the first place in half-marathon. "For me, it's the finish line that really makes the race special and keeps me going," said Al Khwaldeh.
**media[809193]**
It was assumed that the half-marathon runner, who completed at an outstanding time, would break the record of 2017 Omani winner Abdullah al Qarini (01:10:19).
"I was looking forward to this day and have been working extremely hard not to compete against anyone but myself," said the winner.
Abdullah Al-Quraail (00:33:55), Ahmea Al-Amri (00:35:02) and Omar Al-Rashdi (00:35:34) rounded up the rop three for the 10k run.
**media[809189]**
With the seventh edition of Al Mouj Muscat Marathon, athletes are seen excited to be a part of what is now known as the event of the year for the Sultanate.
While some are first-time runners, others are running to break their previous marathon records.
Blake Andrew, 27, a resident of Australia, has been practicing for the marathon for the past five months. He participated for marathon after three years.
"On weekdays, I would in a nearby park because there is heavy traffic on the roads. On weekends, I stretch it by running from my house to sea face and a back," he said, adding, "The spirit of Muscat and all the athletes that have taken part this year has brought such positive energy that one manages to accomplish the distance one has set sights on."
**media[809191]**
For Meena Shah, 38, a resident of Muscat, this is going to be the first time running the marathon. She has been practising all of last year with a professional training group. "It is a mixture of excitement and nerves for me. It is a both physical and mental test for me. If I finish it, I know I would have pushed myself out of my comfort zone," she said.
Many people are also running for a social cause to support the Oman Diabetes Association.