Running for peace

IN COMMEMORATION of the inauguration of the Mubarak Al- Salam Bridge over the Suez Canal, a mini marathon was held last week in the coastal city of Ismailia, 120kms northeast of Cairo. Two hundred and fifty runners competed in the event -- 100 Japanese and 150 Egyptians, reports Mohamed El-Sayed .

The 2.5km peace run started at 11am from the middle of the 9-km Al-Salam (Peace) Bridge -- which was jointly constructed by the Japanese and Egyptian governments and was opened in 2001 to connect Africa with Asia. Among the participants international Japanese runner Mari Tanigawa, who won Tokyo and Paris marathons in 1991 and 1993.

"I'm very happy to take part in this event along with Egyptian and Japanese runners," Tanigawa told Al-Ahram Weekly before the start. "I like running and peace as well, and so I decided to participate in this marathon despite the fact that the distance of the marathon is very short. In addition, such events help consolidate the close friendship ties between Egypt and Japan represented in this magnificent bridge."

Marathon participation was not, however, limited to professional runners, and it brought together an eclectic mix of runners of all ages and walks of life.

"I came to Egypt as a tourist, but when I heard about this marathon, I decided to take part in it though I am not a runner," said Asano Yasuaki, a Japanese tourist who had adorned himself in an Arabian turban.

The race was short, and the finish line, for some, came quick.

Joyously received at the finish line on the east bank of the canal by Ismailia Semsemiyya troupe was Ismailia runner Adel Mohamed Mustafa, who finished first ahead of Tanigawa of Japan.

"I've won several local marathons before, but this is the first time I participate in, and win, an international one," said the young Egyptian runner.

The representative of the Japanese tourist office that organised the marathon said that next year's event will be longer than "mini".

"This small event comes two years after the construction of this magnificent bridge," he said. "Next year, however, we will organise an international marathon that brings together so many runners from around the world."

Al-Ahram Weekly Online : 11 - 17 December 2003 (Issue No. 668)
Located at: http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2003/668/sp3.htm