RIYADH: Mo Foustok and Claudine Roghi returned to Ranco Farm and emerged victorious once again in the men’s and women’s section respectively of the Gulf International Bank Riyadh Marathon, Saudi Arabia’s premier long distance running event, organized by the Riyadh Road Runners, recently.
The full-length marathon (42.2 km) is the largest of its kind in the Kingdom, and runners traveled from as far away as Al Hasa and Jeddah to take part in it.
The race comprises an individual race, running the full 42.2 km over 5 hilly laps, and a team race, in which teams of up to 4 run in relay fashion to complete the distance.
In the individual male race, the hot favorite for the second year in succession was Mo Foustok. Mo bounded into an early lead, and left all others trailing in his wake as he ran kilometer after kilometer at 3:50 pace. With several premier runners opting to run in the team race instead of the full marathon, no one was able to go with Mo and he cruised to a comfortable victory in 2:47:32, despite slowing down somewhat on the final lap. Behind him, newcomer Mark Trewren ran a fine race, his DQ training paying off as he finished in a little over three hours. In third place was Bengt Lofgren, who as usual paced himself superbly and worked his way through the field to finish a mere six minutes behind Trewren and clinch the final podium place.
In the individual female race, the contest was expected to be close between the two outstanding long distance racers, Claudine Roghi and Nikki Layne. Layne was participating in her first ever full marathon, whereas Roghi was competing in her second one in as many months, however Layne’s performance belied her lack of marathon experience as she completed the race in a formidable time of 3:33:05. Roghi however proved too strong on the day, setting a new personal best time of 3:32:29 and ensuring that her reign as the female marathon champion continues.
In third place, but quite a way back, was Franziska Saller, showing good character to gain a couple of places in the final two laps and make her way on to the podium as a result.
The team race was won by hot favorites Abdulmajeed Al-Muayquil and Sylvain Girardeau, who ran a half marathon each in impressive time and beat all other teams, even those comprised of 3 and 4 runners! Closely behind there were the teams of Gareth Gallagher and Paul Dewfall, “Fast and Faster” Rod Woodward and Roger Radua Castano and also the husband-wife team “The Blazeks”.
In all, runners and spectators enjoyed an excellent day out in what was a very well organized event. This year, the Road Runners were also able to make a significant donation from the proceeds of the race to Al Mawaddah charity, who work with divorced families to provide a safe environment for children to meet.
The club would like to thank Gulf International Bank for being title sponsor of the 2016 race and for their support in providing T-shirts, podium and start-finish arch, which gave the race a very professional look. Another thanks goes to Carrefour for their ongoing support and provision of 1920 bottles of water.
Results:
Men: 1. Mo Foustok (KSA) 2:47:32, 2. Mark Trewren (UK) 3:03:05, Bengt Lofgren (SWE) 3:09:18
Women: 1. Claudine Roghi (NZ/FRA) 3:32:29, 2. Nikki Layne (UK) 3:33:05, 3. Franziska Saller (DEU) 4:15:51
Foustok, Roghi celebrate back-to-back wins in Riyadh Marathon
Foustok, Roghi celebrate back-to-back wins in Riyadh Marathon
PCB chairman meets USA Cricket CEO, discusses tri-series with Canada
- Discussions also held on bilateral series between Pakistan and US men and women’s cricket teams
- Naqvi offers to train US coaches, invites Atkeison to ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan next month
KARACHI: The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Mohsin Naqvi, met USA Cricket Chief Executive Officer Johnathan Atkeison in Washington and discussed a tri-series with Canada and the training of American coaches in Pakistan, the PCB said on Tuesday.
Naqvi, who is also the country’s interior minister, has been on a visit to the US since last week.
“Naqvi and CEO USA Cricket discussed possibilities of a tri-series between Pakistan, Canada and USA. Discussions regarding arrangement of bilateral series between Pakistan and USA men’s and women’s cricket teams also took place,” the PCB said.
Naqvi assured Atleison of “all possible support” for the development of American players and the promotion of cricket in the US. He also offered to train US coaches in Pakistan and invited Atkeison to visit Pakistan during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which starts next month.
Cricket in the US is a sport played at the amateur, club, intercollegiate and international competition levels with little popularity, with 200,000 players across the country.
Major League Cricket is the highest level of domestic T20 cricket currently played in America, with T20 being the format of the game that much of the recent growth in American cricket is occurring in.
Dakar Rally comes down to a duel in the sand between Lategan and Al-Rajhi
Friday’s last stage is a ceremonial drive to the finish in Shubaytah
SHUBAYTAH: Henk Lategan and Yazeed Al-Rajhi will duel in the Saudi sand for their first Dakar Rally title after swapping the lead for a second straight day Wednesday.
The South African Lategan leads his Saudi rival by 2 1/2 minutes going into the 11th and penultimate stage in the Empty Quarter dunes. Friday’s last stage is a ceremonial drive to the finish in Shubaytah.
Al-Rajhi led by seven minutes before the 10th stage, a tricky 120-kilometer loop south of Shubaytah on Wednesday. But he got stuck and relinquished the overall lead back to Lategan.
“We got stuck because we were taking it easy,” Al-Rajhi said. “Everything is going good, that’s the most important (thing). I have a good position, I hope.”
Lategan also took it easy but without finding any trouble, and was 10th on the stage, making up minutes on all of his nearest pursuers.
“It wasn’t the plan to go quickly today,” Lategan said.
On Thursday, he will start 10th and Al-Rajhi 27th and they can push harder by taking advantage of the tracks of those in front.
’Most disappointing day of my life’
Third-placed Mattias Ekström fell two minutes further back to 27 minutes, and five-time champion Nasser Al-Attiyah lost five minutes to drop back to 30.
Al-Attiyah, the only former champion with an outside title shot, got lost about nine kilometers in.
“I’m very disappointed, but what can you do?” Al-Attiyah said. “We had a good pace but we lost a lot of time. This is the most disappointing day of my life.”
Spain’s Nani Roma, one of only three men to win the Dakar in a car (2014) and motorbike (2004), won his first stage in nine years by 18 seconds from Lucas Moraes of Brazil. Brian Baragwanath of South Africa was third.
Sanders on the brink
Australian rider Daniel Sanders was on the brink of his first Dakar title in a motorbike race he’s dominated from stage one.
Sanders was fourth on the 116-kilometer stage but ahead of his nearest rivals, extending his overall lead by about two minutes against Spain’s Tosha Schareina and France’s Adrien van Beveren.
The advantage over Schareina was 16 1/2 minutes, the biggest in the race so far.
“It’s pretty much survival tomorrow and just getting through,” Sanders said. “I think we’ll be all right. I felt really good in the navigation and I was opening a little bit and then, yeah, it felt nice. So yeah, ready for tomorrow.”
Portugal’s Rui Gonçalves won his maiden stage in his fifth Dakar by nearly four minutes from Slovakia’s Stefan Svitko. American Skyler Howes was third.
Wheelchair sports for UAE announced by Heroes of Hope and Dubai Sports Council
- Initiative aims to expand access to adaptive sports for people of determination and foster discussions around disability
DUBAI: Heroes of Hope, in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, has launched an initiative to host wheelchair sports events in the UAE.
The initiative, announced at a press conference at JA Lake View Hotel in Jebel Ali, aims to expand access to adaptive sports for People of Determination and foster discussions around disability.
The event featured speakers Hollie Murphy, founder and CEO of Heroes of Hope, and Abdulla Alblooshi, the organization’s co-founder.
Murphy said: “Our activities, ranging from rugby to swimming, empower athletes of determination to feel included and thrive physically and socially.
“The addition of wheelchairs will allow more PODs to access sports, while also giving able-bodied individuals a better understanding of the resilience and skill required by wheelchair users, both in and outside of sports.
“It’s a powerful step toward a more inclusive community.”
Sara Houston, an Australian national wheelchair basketball athlete, member of the International Wheelchair Basketball Association, and former Idol contestant, shared her remarkable journey of resilience and empowerment through sports.
Houston, diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer, emphasized the importance of open conversations about disabilities to encourage innovation, acceptance, and inclusivity in sports.
“Sport gave me a purpose when I thought all was lost,” said Houston. “Wheelchair basketball introduced me to a community where I felt empowered, valued, and inspired.
“My mission now is to encourage everyone, athletes, coaches, and spectators, to embrace inclusivity and create a world where sports truly belong to everyone.”
Rodney Holt, founder and CEO of BSF Asia, played a key role in securing the wheelchairs and bringing Houston to the UAE for the event. Holt has been promoting adaptive sports across Southeast Asia for years.
He has had leadership roles in the Special Olympics Indonesia and the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation.
Through a partnership with PepsiCo, Heroes of Hope received 12 wheelchairs for training at the only academy in the UAE offering over 30 adaptive sports weekly for its POD athletes.
The academy has been recognized for hosting groundbreaking events such as Hyrox for PODs, Games of Hope by Aldar, and professional training programs for coaches.
Additionally, Heroes of Hope was the only organization to provide activities for PODs at the Dubai Rugby 7s in both 2023 and 2024.
Wael Ismail, PepsiCo vice president for corporate affairs for Africa, Middle East, South Asia, said: “We are proud to support the Heroes of Hope team as they break new ground with wheelchair sports in the UAE.
“Their determination and passion are truly inspiring, and it’s nothing short of amazing to witness how they face each challenge with such heart and courage, setting an example for the entire community.
“We’re honored to be part of their journey and to help them continue making a meaningful impact.”
Rattle N Roll books Saudi Cup spot with impressive Custodian success
- Along with Ancestral Land, the result secured a double win for jockey Joel Rosario
RIYADH: Rattle N Roll (USA) came from the clouds to run out a comfortable winner of the Group 3 The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup for trainer Kenny McPeek, booking his place in the $20 million Group 1 Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Feb. 22.
Leased from Lucky Seven Stables for his Middle Eastern campaign by Saudi Arabian businessman Sharaf Al-Hariri, Rattle N Roll was well off the pace after emerging from stall 10. US Hall of Fame rider Joel Rosario patiently waited as fellow American runner EJ Won The Cup, under Mike Smith, set a strong gallop at the front.
Off the home turn, Rattle N Roll and Rosario began to make ground and, when switched towards the inside rail, the son of Connect stayed on strongly to power clear in the closing stages, winning by four-and-three-quarter lengths at the line.
After the race, Rosario said: “The horse was able to do everything. I was just sitting there, the pace was good in front and it worked out perfectly.
“It looked like it was a good pace, I just wanted to let him be where he wanted to be and hopefully he can run at the end, and he did! He just went away [after crossing the line]. It was a very good win.”
It marked a double on the day for the US-based rider, who was also successful with Ancestral Land (GB) for Saudi-based trainer Jimmy Jerkens in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint Qualifier presented by REEF.
Afterwards Rosario said: “It’s very nice to be here. We had two winners — it was a good day. There are so many things that have to go your way, but it’s a blessing when you can win.”
On Rattle N Roll’s chance in next month’s Saudi Cup over course and distance, he said: “He handled the track well and we beat good horses today. A lot of good horses are going to be coming here, it’ll be a tough race, but we’ll see what happens — hopefully, he can perform the way he did today.”
Elsewhere on the card there was a treble for Saudi-based Portuguese rider Ricardo Ferreira, including Mhally (GB) in The 2000 Guineas presented by Saudi National Bank, a qualifier for the G3 Saudi Derby.
The other qualifier for the Saudi Cup meeting was the Al-Diriyah Cup (Group 1 Obaiya Arabian Classic Qualifier) presented by Diriyah Gate Development Authority, which was won by Nirehazz (FR) for trainer Omar Altuwilei and owner Mohammed Eidan A Alduhamshi.
There were also two high-profile Group 1 contests on Saturday, with The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup (for Saudi bred horses) won by Yaroa (KSA) under leading rider Camilo Ospina, while the SAR 5 million ($1.3 million) King Abdulaziz Cup was landed by Taj Blaadi (KSA) under Saudi Cup-winning rider, Wigberto Ramos, making it five winners on the day for Prince Khaled Bin Faisal Bin Abdulaziz’s Red Stable.
Friday’s meeting at King Abdulaziz Racecourse also included three Saudi Cup qualifiers.
The Ricardo Ferreira-ridden Malyan (GB) was a ready winner of the 1351 Turf Sprint Qualifier presented by NOVA, while Ospina was victorious in the Listed Prince Khalid Abdullah Cup, a qualifier for the G2 Neom Turf Cup, aboard Bolide Potro (IRE), formerly trained by Gianluca Bietolini in France and now a winner of two of his four starts in Saudi Arabia.
The final qualifier on Friday was the Arabian Horses Open (Al-Mneefah Qualifier) presented by Alfakhera, which was won by the Naif Alanzi-ridden Sharfa Alhezam (KSA).
The $38.1 million Saudi Cup meeting will take place at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh from Feb. 21-22.
Banton and Fletcher shatter records as MI Emirates humble Desert Vipers by 154 runs
- Duo’s 198-run stand the highest for any wicket in T20s on UAE soil, but Vipers stay top of table
- Banton’s 105 makes him the first batter to register 2 centuries in the DP World ILT20
ABU DHABI: Tom Banton etched his name in DP World ILT20 history by becoming the first batter to score two centuries in the competition as MI Emirates cruised to a commanding 154-run victory over table-toppers Desert Vipers at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
The triumph also marked the second-highest victory margin in the DP World ILT20. Banton combined with Andre Fletcher to construct the highest stand for any wicket in T20s on UAE soil at 198 runs.
Fletcher remained unbeaten on 96 runs and Banton scored 105 runs to steer the MI Emirates to 228/2 — the second-highest total in DP World ILT20 history.
In response, the Vipers only managed 74 runs, matching the record for the lowest score across three seasons of the DP World ILT20.
Muhammad Rohid made early inroads as he sent back Fakhar Zaman for only seven runs in the second over. Rohid went on to claim Sam Curran and Azam Khan later in the innings to finish with figures of 3/24.
Meanwhile, Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed the wicket of the dangerous Alex Hales, while Alzarri Joseph bagged Dan Lawrence and Adam Hose to leave the Vipers reeling at 32/5 by the end of the powerplay.
With only two batters crossing double figures the Vipers were eventually bowled out for 74 runs in 12.3 overs. Dan Mousley picked up two wickets, while Farooqi and Alzarri picked up a wicket each to sweep up the tail.
Invited to bat first, the MI Emirates lost Muhammad Waseem, after he struck two consecutive sixes off Dhruv Parashar, to Mohammad Amir in the third over. Amir was economical in the powerplay only conceding 13 runs as the MI Emirates finished the first six overs at 40/1.
What followed was destruction from Banton and Fletcher. They initially played with restraint, taking 37 balls for their first 41 runs. But the tide turned in the 10th over when Banton took on Nathan Sowter, smashing him for a six and a four in a 16-run over.
Fletcher brought up his half-century off 32 balls, with Banton following suit in 38 deliveries. From there, it was pure carnage. The pair plundered 92 runs in the final five overs of the MI Emirates’ innings.
Banton was the star of the show, reaching his second century of the season in just 52 balls. His knock, laced with nine fours and seven sixes, included three consecutive sixes off Lawrence. He was run out for 105 in the final over.
Fletcher was not far behind as he remained unbeaten on 96 runs in 50 balls, studded with 10 fours and three sixes as the MI Emirates were catapulted to 228/2 in 20 overs.
Player of the match Banton said: “I didn’t get off to a flier; I just knew the longer I stayed, the better chance I had. Sometimes you don’t time it as well as you’d like, and sometimes you do.
“As a top-order batter, you come up against very good bowlers, so having a good technique is important. It’s about looking at the match situation and scenario, not just teeing off.
“We came into this game on the back of two losses and were a bit under pressure. It’s a special night for MI Emirates, but we don’t want to take it for granted.”
Captaining the Desert Vipers in place of Lockie Ferguson, who was rested for the encounter, Curran said: “We just get the game out of the way and move on. That can happen in cricket.
“We were a little off with our fielding and energy. It’s such a quick tournament, and we play again the day after tomorrow, so we’ll have another chance.
“We can bounce back, and there’s no need to panic. It’s about learning and reflecting. Both of them played well, and I’m glad to see my fellow Englishman, and Fletcher, playing so well.”
Brief Scores
- MI Emirates beat Desert Vipers by 154 runs
- MI Emirates 228/2 in 20 overs (Tom Banton 105, Andre Fletcher 96 not out, Muhammad Waseem 19, Mohammad Amir 1 for 36)
- Desert Vipers 74/10 in 12.3 overs (Azam Khan 12, Sam Curran 11, Muhammad Rohid 3 for 24, Alzarri Joseph 3 for 17, Dan Mousley 2 for 8, Fazalhaq Farooqi 2 for 10)
