Leading the Moroccan assault was Ahmed Tamri as he won the Elite Non-Resident Male category in a time of 29.44 minutes, the only runner to clock under 30 minutes.
Samir Jouaher led a clean sweep for Morocco in the Men’s Open category run in a time of 30.23 minutes, while compatriots Anouar Al Ghouz (30.23) and Brahim Slimani (30.42) occupied the next two steps on the podium.
“Morocco is known for its long distance runners, so our challenge was to ensure we were there battling for the top spots tonight,” Tamri said after the race.
“Considering that there were quality runners from so many different countries we had to stick around each other to make sure one of us could break through when the time was right.”
Matching the Moroccan performances in the Elite Non-Resident Females’ category were runners from Ethiopia as they made a clean sweep of the podium spots. Berhe Hafte won in 30.22 minutes, followed by Demiesa Berhan (35.30) and Aregawi Berhan (35.31).
“The most important part was to get a good start and set the right pace especially at the beginning. I think we managed very well in backing each other and that proved to be the strong point of our success for Ethiopia,” said Hafte.
Finland’s Hyrykainen celebrates Women’s Open win.
There was a surprise in the Women’s Open category as Anne Mari Hyrylainen finished on top with the fastest time of 35.50 minutes. The Finn, who has already qualified for the marathon race at this summer’s Rio de Janeiro Olympics, was pleased with her form.
“I knew that I had to set my own pace and run my own race. And that is exactly what I did as I broke away early in the race,” said Hyrylainen.
The race for Elite Emirati runners was won by Mubarak Rashid Hassan Al Marashda with a time of 32 minutes and 37 seconds, leaving Obaid Mohammed Al Nuaimi in second (32:43) and Khalifa Mohammed Obaid Al Nuaimi (33.22) third.
Tournament director Hassan Al Mazrouei presented the medals and trophies to the winners after races in all five divisions.
The three-week long sporting extravaganza, which offers a total prize fund of Dh8 million, is sponsored by Land Rover, Al Tayer Motors, RTA, Emaar, Emirates Airlines, Al Naboodah, Ahmed Siddiqui & Sons and Arabian Automobiles.
