Some 300 runners, headed by Her Majesty Queen Rania, took part in Friday's (May 30, 2003) Amman Fun Run to support peace and the Society for Care of Neurological Patients (SCNP).

The Queen, who finished third, ran for peace ahead of the upcoming peace summit to be held in Aqaba June 4.

Ali Smadi took first place overall, crossing the finish line with a time of 33.09 minutes. Smadi was followed by Yaser Khdeir in second place and Naji Al Rawahneh in third.

Katharine ScarfeBeckett of the UK clinched the women's category with 50:30 minutes, followed by Florence Arnaud of France, while Queen Rania and Cassandra McKeown of Australia came in third.

All Participants were Jordanians or residents in the Kingdom with the exception of Stephan De Bruyn from Belgium, who had participated in the Dead Sea Ultra Marathon several times.

Organized by SCNP, a charitable NGO that offers help to the underprivileged neurological patients, the 10km race was held under the slogan “Contribute, Support and Run.”

The event was part of several others, such as the Dead Sea Ultra Marathon, to raise funds for needy patients.

“The proceeds of this event will be channeled to back the society's efforts in funding the treatment of neurological patients in Jordan,” organizing committee president, Rafic Hamarneh, said.

HRH Prince Mired Ben Raad deputized for HRH Prince Raad Ben Zeid at the event organized in cooperation with the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) and Amman Road Runners.

The race started from the 8th Circle and ended at the GAM headquarters in Ras Al Ain.

The presence of policemen and the closure of roads in the early morning event guaranteed the runners safety, while a number of ambulances and civil defense vehicles were on stand-by as an extra precaution.

The organizers made sure that participants remained well hydrated by positioning two water stations on the course of the race, in addition to the one at the finish line.

The Amman run is the first step in an attempt to organize the Amman Half Marathon (21km), scheduled to take place on Oct. 3.

“We're hoping to continue raising awareness and contributing favorably to the society by organizing a series of successful runs through out the year”, said Hamarneh.

Recognized for organizing the Dead Sea Ultra Marathon, a 50km run from Amman to the Dead Sea, the SCNP is funded by donations from individuals, public and private companies, annual membership fees, as well as proceeds of athletic events.

To date, the society treated more than 870 patients at a total cost of JD 420,000.

Jordan Times

Sunday, June 1, 2003