Haridev Pushparaj -
Muscat, Jan 18 -
Mazin al Khusaibi’s experience has been the story of the growth of the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon into its eighth edition. An amateur runner who decided to take up running marathons seriously with the aim of competing in the Muscat Marathon speaks volumes about the evolution of the event.
The half-marathon Omani winner of the race finished eighth overall with a timing of 1:28.10s.
The 26-year-old from Nakhl has abandoned all other vocational pursuits and nurtured his dream of running marathons and becoming a professional runner.
As a start, the Omani half-marathon champion’s ambition has been fulfilled through the platform of the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon.
“I have been practising for the last eight months and it has made me really focus on the race and I have become more professional in my approach,’’ he added. “I don’t do any other job as my complete focus had been on running the half-marathon, so it has been a wonderful experience,’’ Mazin explained.
Mazin felt the quality of the race field was pretty good and he was highly appreciative of his competitors.
“It was a learning experience, just to be there and compete with such a top class field of runners,’’ he added.
The Omani lad stated his main objective through the middle of the race was to ensure he finishes well.
“I was not really looking at the timing but I was just looking to finish well and in good shape,’’ Mazin added. The jubilation on Mazin’s face while he was standing on the podium was that of a job accomplished.
There was elation for reaping the rewards of a gruelling and punishing schedule. Mazin now intends to focus on participating in more international events and representing Oman.
Ethiopian pride
Ethiopia’s Gada Bontu enjoyed the first ever outing at the Muscat Marathon to the hilt.
Winning the female race with a timing of 2:36.03s just made it the icing on the cake.
“The conditions were good and I am happy with my performance. It was a good run,’’ she said.
Bontu credited her coach for her performance and hoped to come back to Oman for next year’s
edition as well.
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