Hicham
El Guerrouj organizes the 2nd International Road race in Berkane
Mohammed Bencherif for the IAAF
8 March 2002 – Rabat, Morocco – Triple 1500m world champion Hicham
El Guerrouj, who is president of the charitable organization Bani Snassen, is to organize
the second international road race in his hometown of Berkane (north-east Morocco) on 31
March. The competition is organized with the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of
Morocco.
This edition, which offers a total purse of $240,000, thanks to the support of various sponsors has been baptized the 2nd International Run of Berkane – Running for Children.
This international event, organized with the assistance of the Moroccan Athletics Federation, will comprise four events: 10km and 5km (men and women), a mile race on the road and a 2000 metre race reserved for juniors.
The organizers are expecting a number of big stars from the world of athletics to participate and especially the representatives of the high plateaux: from Kenya And Ethiopia and a number of Belgians and French, especially in the 10,000 metres.
The defending Berkan champion, Peter Chibet of Kenya, will compete, as will his compatriot Charles Kamathi, who won 10,000 metre gold in Edmonton last year. Moroccan-born Ismail Sghir, who now competes for France has also confirmed his participation.
Other leading athletes expected to line up in Berkane include Belgium’s World Cross Country Champion Mohammed Mourhit (also of Moroccan origin), who will be aiming for a third title at the World Cross Country Championships in Dublin on 24 March; Olympic 5000 metre champion and World vice champion for the distance, Million Wolde of Ethiopia and a arge number of top Moroccan athletes headed by 3000 metre silver medalist at Edmonton, Ali Ezzine.
Among the spectators at this international event will be a number of leading Moroccan political, sporting and artistic personalities, as well as some of the organizers of the IAAF Golden League meetings. El Guerrouj hopes that the event will showcase the region and encourage local youngsters to practice sports in general and athletics in particular.
Cash prizes will go to the winners. For the star event, the 10,000 metres, the winner will receive €10,000 , second place €8,000, third place €7,000.
In addition, one of the sponsors has agreed to donate 30 computers to the Bani Snassen organization and to give courses to the youngsters in their use.