RIYADH — The Riyadh Road Runners (RRR) kicked off their new season in style Friday, with 201 finishers ensuring that the race will go down in history as the largest event to be arranged by the club. However, despite the increase in numbers and many new faces, it was the female club champion, Claudine Roghi, and the evergreen M. Foustok who ran away with the honors once again. Over a 5-km course it is of paramount importance to get a good start. In the men's race, Matthew Mickelson went off very quickly, holding the lead over the first kilometer. However, Bengt Lofgren, the reigning male club champion, and Foustok, reigning marathon champion, kept him in their sights and worked their way through the field and onto the heel of Mickelson by the 1.5km mark. From there on, Foustok ran away with the race in his inimitable style, with Lofgren cementing second place a mere 40 seconds behind. AbdulMajeed Al-Muayquil came home in third place – an encouraging display which bodes well for the rest of the season, and a full 3 minutes quicker than his time last year. Further down the field saw good performances from veteran Russ McArthur and newcomer Alexander Beazley. Roghi went into the ladies' race the strong favorite for victory, particularly given her performance in the off season at the Two Oceans race in Cape Town. She ran a consistent pace throughout, picking off Nikki Layne who led through the early stages. Finishing in 22:24, Roghi demonstrated the improvement she has made in the last year, as her time was almost 3 minutes quicker than she clocked here last year. Nikki Layne held on for the second spot, with Clare Scott making her way through the field in the latter stages of the race to pip Candace Adachi for third. Riyadh Road Runners would like to thank Carrefour Tala Mall for sponsoring the club and providing refreshments, and also Ishbiliyah Compound for providing the venue. The next men's race over 5 miles is set to be wide open since Foustok will be away at a race in Chile. Results: Men: 1. M. Foustok (KSA) 18:16, 2. B Lofgren (Swe) 18:56, 3. A Al-Muayquil (KSA) 19:16. Ladies: 1. C Roghi (NZ/Fra) 22:24, 2. N Layne (GB) 22:48, 3. C Scott (GB) 23:11.
