Ammon News - by Roufan Nahhas -JT

AMMAN — The Ayla Red Sea International Half Marathon kicks off in Aqaba on Friday with the participation of more than 1,200 runners representing 40 countries.

The event is held under the patronage of HRH Prince Firas Bin Raad and organised by the Society for the Care of Neurological Patients (SCNP).

Prince Firas highlighted the efforts of all sponsors, individuals and media in making the event an annual success at a press conference on Sunday.

“There is no doubt that the focus on such events has paid off as we consider it as an investment for the future of our athletes who through participation in the marathon are able to train and take part in global events such as the Olympics,” he said.

“In addition, a lot of institutions are highly considering the marathons as a way to find balance in life as a whole,” he added.

The prince also stressed on the “Free Medical Day”, which aims to attract neurological patients from Aqaba and surrounding areas in order to diagnose and treat their cases.

Specialised doctors in neurology will be present at the Princess Haya Hospital on the same day of the event to diagnose and treat neurological patients from the area.

“All preparation to have a family event have been set and we hope that families who are going to spend the weekend in Aqaba will join the fun and be part of the event,” said marathon director Ehab Bate.

“The Ayla Marathon, which is organised in cooperation with the Jordan Athletics Federation, will have three categories, the 21km Half Marathon, the 10km Fun Run and the 4.2km Kids Run,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sahel Dudin, CEO of Ayla Oasis Development said: “This important event is part of our corporate social responsibility and we hope to produly continue to sponsor the event in the future.”

Last year, Jordan’s Suleiman Al Ghadran took the first spot in the 42km (2h35m22s), followed by Hayel Rawahneh (2h35m49s) and Fathi Dayat (2h36m49s). In the 42km women’s category, Jordan’s Nahedah Bawat won first place (4h15m18s), followed by Noor Baqoor (4h25m09s) and Ghroud Dghaimat (4h25m40s).