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Once retired after a career as a senior official, Abdelmadjid REZKANE decided to return to his first love. Former athlete and passionate about the marathon, he became organizer of sports events. After the success of the Marathon des Dunes, he set for himself a new challenge by launching the new Algiers marathon. |
Hello, on November 1st, 2009, you’ll be organizing the Marathon of Algiers . Can you tell us where it is located?
The first Marathon will be held in the city. The start is located at the Olympic Stadium, on top of the hill. The route will then cross the center west of the city. It will enable participants to discover this beautiful bay of Algiers, at a fairly fast pace. The route is really easy even for beginners.
This is the first edition of the Marathon. Why has it been created?
This marathon is organized by the Sport Events International structure with the support of the President of the Republic.
Like other major capitals, Algiers will also have a true Marathon. In addition to the Marathon des Duness (we will celebrate it’s 10th anniversary at the end of the year in Tamanrasset), organizing a major marathon in Algiers was one of the projects that I was dreaming of, wishing to combine sport, sightseeing, cultural discoveries and also environmental issues, since the marathon’s slogan will be ‘’Algiers without pollution’’.
What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it?
Starting from the top of the hill to reach down the seafront, this course provides an ideal character, varied and fast which runners should appreciate. The whole route is ran on roads. The details of the route are available on our website.
How many runners do you expect this Friday morning? What type of runners do you plan to attract?
We expect around 10,000 athletes for the three races : local and foreign runners in large numbers. We should attract competifive runners as well as recreational ones, less motivated by performance, simply happy to participate and reach the finish line.
Do you organize other races during the Week-End? If so, on what distances?
In addition to the marathon (42.195 km), starting at the Olympic Stadium and finishing
at the Grand Post Office, two races will be proposed : a 20 km and a 10km. This will allow runners with less training to take part in this great event.
At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect?
Selecting the date was hardly trivial. It was intended to ensure that runners would participate, enjoy a very pleasant weather with temperatures ranging between 18 and 20 °C (64°F to 68°F).
Have you planned festivities around the marathon?
Traditional shows will be organized at strategic locations along the route and also at the star and finish line.
The marathon finished, what advice would you give a runner who has never been to Algiers before? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing?
Algiers the white, rich architecture, natural beauty of its bay is an invitation to wander aimlessly through its streets, stopping at a terrace to enjoy a mint tea , entering a restaurant to taste the specialties of Algiers and fresh fish from the Mediterranean sea.
In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of 42k195 to make them register for the Marathon of Algiers?
Come join us to participate in this inaugural Marathon which combines sport and discovery. A fast route for the competitive runners with a panoramic view over the gorgeous bay of Algiers. The sightseeing and the warm welcome of the local population will certainly impress our visitors.
Thank you
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