By Richard Slater
RIYADH — Oscar Vincente and Marie-Pierre Arminjon produced barnstorming performances to claim victory in the season-ending 5km run last week. The race was run in handicap style, with the fastest runners starting last, and true to form the final starters emerged as overall winners. They were awarded with VO2 max tests at PhyzioFit clinic after the race, a generous reward from club sponsor PhyzioFit.
Vincente Rodriguez, recently arrived in Riyadh, made his presence known at the first possible running opportunity, winning the race by a huge margin. His finishing time of 17:20 was the fastest 5km witnessed in Riyadh for many years, and ensured a comfortable victory over his nearest challenger Sam Richards. Richards’s disappointment at finishing second was allayed by the pre-race announcement that he is the club champion for the season — a superb achievement that highlights his consistency over all distances.
In third was Donal McElwee, the Irishman finishing under the magic 20-minute barrier by a solitary second! Behind them were the familiar names of previous winners Brackmann and Almuayquil, consistent as ever and content with top 5 finishes.
The female race was won by Mpi Arminjon in a rapid time of 22:09, which put her as 14th overall finisher out of 170 participants, a stunning result. Her attention now switches to the Paris Marathon, where she looks in good shape to run a personal best time. Behind her was Anne Morrissey, whose triathlon cross training is clearly contributing to her strong running performances. In third place and on the podium for the first time was Luna Eid Masri, snatching 3rd place by 10 seconds from regulars Naomi Gordon and Carrie Baker.
The club season ends now and attention switches to the triathlon, in which many RRR members also participate.
The club would like to thank Al-Nakhla for the use of their wonderful compound, and Carrefour Tala Mall which has been a reliable and generous sponsor for the past two seasons.
Results:
Male race: 1. Oscar Vincente Rodriguez (ESP) 17:20, 2. Sam Richards (GB&NI) 19:22, 3. Donal McElwee (IRE) 19:59.
Female race: 1. Marie-Pierre Arminjon (FRA) 22:09, 2. Anne Morrissey (IRE) 23:11, 3. Luna Eid Masri (LEB) 24:27.
