Smara, Feb 25; 2020 (SPS) - The Sahrawi athlete, Lahcen Mohamed Sid Ahmed won first place in the Sahara marathon (42 km) of the 20th edition, which kicked off this morning from the wilaya of 'El Aoun towards the wilaya of Smara.
Mr. Lahcen Mohamed won first place over the same distance during the 18th edition and came in second position during the 19th edition, we recall.
In a statement to the press, the winner of this edition said he was "satisfied with this result, considering it a victory for Sahrawi sport which will henceforth be able to participate in international sports competitions".
While first place in the half marathon (21km) went to the Spanish, Luis Lauz, while that of 10km was won by the Sahrawi athlete, salah Amidan.
The kick-off of the 20 th edition of the Sahara marathon was given this Tuesday by the Minister of Youth and Sport, Mussa Selma, in the presence of El Aaiun’s wali, Brahim Mojtar and the organizers of this edition in which more than 400 athletes from 24 nationalities take part.
The 1st edition of the Sahara Marathon was organized in 2001 on the initiative of the American Jeb Carney and other collaborators in the Sahrawi refugee camps with then years the international sport event has become an annual event to express through sport support and solidarity with the Saharawi people in their noble fighting for their right to self-determination. SPS
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