Lamin Sanneh Wins 5th Brufut Marathon Title

By Abdoulie Nget

Gambia’s long distance runner Lamin Sanneh claimed his 5^th Brufut Marathon title in the 16^th edition of the Gambia’s most popular and consistent runs themed ‘run against hunger’ on Saturday.

The long distance runner who completed the 15km run from the Traffic light at the Kairaba Avenue with a record of 41^st minutes, five minutes ahead of second placed Andrew Jasseh. Momodou Bah, who also made a close finished, came out third.

Absentee, Ansu Sowe who is one of Gambia’s outstanding long distance runners is holding a record of 4 titles in the international event.

The run which has received its usual local support with hundreds of cheering crowds along the Brufut highway  has also seen Mariama T Jallow, one of Gambia’s finest women runners beating fellow contestants to reclaim the 8km run for the third consecutive time. Hoja Secka and Nyima Kujabi finished second after solid efforts to close on Mariama from the Brufut Turn table to the finishing lane.

Lamarana Bah also retained 42 km cycling race after finishing it in 1:36minutes. Sulayman Colley and Buba Jobe came out 2^nd and 3^rd.

Momodou EF Colley won the walk race. Kemo Ceesay and Jerry Manneh came out 2^nd and 3^rd respectively.

Ebrima L Manneh, Ousman Manneh and Sarjo Sanneh were the top three winners in the children’s 100m race for boys.

Fatou Jarju, Isatou Saidy and Fatou Binto Sonko topped the girl’s category.

The Brufut Marathon has now confidently won over 400 participants after starting with just 10 participants 16^th years ago in a bid to promote sports as well as raise funds and sponsor needy students.

 With major support from the Friends of the Gambia Association and the World Food Programme through Philippe Duterloo and Erik Berning, who donated food baskets as well as bag of rice for the BMRA’s popular raffle draw after a healthy fund raising by the duo,  the event was stage successfully.

Participants walked away with bags of beans, rice, onions, iodise salt and cooking oil after wining in a colourful raffle draw coordinated by WFP’s Erik Berning.

As part of the event, Ba Jabbi President of BMRA delivered the opening statement, Momodou Max spoke on BMRA’s plans, Kebba Sonko of the National Environmental Agency delved on the environmental impact in the fight against hunger.

Philippe Duterloo who also took part in the men’s 15km run with colleague Erik delivered a speech  based on the fight against hunger.

The Key note address was delivered by the Deputy Director for Sports Pa Suwareh Faye who also made a donation of D5000.00 on behalf of the ministry of Youth and Sports as part of their contribution to the event.