Musa Khalfan clocks 10.6 seconds on his Ultimate Racenight debut

Jay Asser 08:24 21/11/2015
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Dominating: Musa Khalfan.

    The second Ultimate Racenight League saw a new champion crowned in the 100m as Musa Khalfan made a big impact in his first appearance.

    After missing Racenight 1 due to a competition in Saudi Arabia, Khalfan, who represents the UAE, led the men’s senior field with a 10.60 seconds finish.

    The battle was on between the Emirati and Darrell Elliott, winner of the 100m in Racenight 1, but as he did in the Etisalat Fitness Fest two weekends ago, Khalfan came out on top.

    “It’s not a battling thing, but it’s a game that we all motivate each other and train,” said Khalfan, playing down any rivalry.

    “I’m supposed to do 200m, but I don’t want to do 200m because I want to give a chance to other runners. Next time I’ll try to compete with them but not go full, so they feel I’m a part of them. It’s all about a team and teamwork.

    “I’m on my preparation period now. So by the time February rolls around, I’ll be fully loaded.”

    On the women’s side, Harriet Stewart once again captured the senior 100m, but surprised even herself with a personal best time of 12.71 seconds, easily beating the 12.9 she registered in Racenight 1.

    “I was shocked,” Stewart said. “Running into the headwind, I didn’t feel that fast today. For some reason, I just ran a PB.

    “I mean I’ve trained hard and put the work in, but sometimes the race conditions just aren’t good. So if you’re running into a head- wind, or just don’t feel fast, awake or relaxed, the 100m can be a bit tricky. But I’m pleased.” 

    Stewart followed up the impressive performance by also claiming the 200m in 27.33 seconds, despite not competing in that event in Racenight 1 and admitting it wasn’t normally her race. One of the four performances of the night, as decided by the coaches and awarded a Saucony voucher, was 15-year-old Adil Amin.

    The Ultimate Athletics-sponsored runner didn’t appear to miss a beat in his first competition since recovering from inflammation under his patella, winning the men’s U17 800m with a time of 2 mins 7.9 secs.

    “This is the first time I’ve put on my spikes again,” Amin said. “I feel really weird considering my thighs are all cramped up and legs are all weak, but 2:079 is pretty good for a first race of the season. I’m trying to beat my PB of 2:04 and go under two minutes.

    “I ran pretty well considering it’s the first race of the season. My injury took a bit to recover but I think I’m back now.”

    The other three performances of the night belonged to Lia Warren, winner of the girl’s U11 300m in 52.9 seconds, Adithya Mathew, top finisher in the boy’s U13 80m in 10.84 seconds and Ruva Makunda, champion of the women’s U15 100m in 13.0 seconds.

    Following a break in December, the Ultimate Racenight League will resume with the third meet scheduled for January 28. 

    Recommended