Snap shots
AS MORE than 200 runners prepared to conquer the streets of El-Gouna, Amira El-Naqeeb was there every step of the way.
"Eins, zwei, drei..." That's how a German organiser signalled the start of the third El-Gouna running and walking race.
Participants from 17 countries took part. Gert Deridder, a 44-year-old German stormed to victory in the men's 10km race.
Prior to the start was a folklore ceremony with the troupe playing on the flute and percussions and the horses dancing to the tunes.
Participants and spectators were equally excited. Both enjoyed the scenic view of the spectacular yachts of the jet set docking at the Abu Tig Marina, the heart and central hub of El-Gouna. Others indulged in some star-gazing and enveloping themselves in the warmth of the friendly sun. "This race is unique because I will be able to see the city while running," said Claudia from Germany. "It is a great opportunity for the tourists."
"The idea came from the annual Luxor Marathon," Sherif Abdel-Aziz, El-Gouna's marketing manager, told Al-Ahram Weekly. "Rolf Raima, former general manager of the Steigenberger Hotel, started it here. We developed it so that all the El-Gouna community could take part." Abdel-Aziz added that German organisers of the Luxor Marathon flew in to help out and out of "mere fascination with El-Gouna".
Abu Tig Marina was the venue for the start and the finish. Participants were addressed in English, French, German and Arabic. Maps were distributed to illustrate the route of the race. There were illustrative wooden signs pointing directions to the runners.
The race was divided into 10km run, a 5km walk and 3km walk. "Not everyone can run so we must have variations. It's an event for the community," Abdel-Aziz explained. "At the end our main aim was to show El-Gouna," he added.
The race was divided into males and females for each category. "It's the first time this year that we have prizes for the families who participated as a whole in the walks," Abdel-Aziz added. There were great age differences between the participants, starting from four to 65.
The route took in the picture perfect El-Gouna -- pristine waters, the wind surfing venue, the peerless golf course which overlooks the lagoon and the homogenised resorts which accommodate all tastes.
Contestants tried hard but to no avail to keep up with the elite front runner Deridder who is a semi-professional runner for the La Foulee Touruaine Club in south France. "This is my first time to participate in a race in Egypt," Deridder told the Weekly. "I saw the flyer and told myself I could not miss the chance of running in this beautiful climate. I'm coming next year and I hope to win again."
photo: Amira El-Naqeeb
Al-Ahram Weekly Online : Located at: http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2006/789/tr41.htm