The long awaited Brufut marathon Run finally took place last weekend featuring strong contenders in the different categories of the marathon. The event was watched by hundreds of spectators.

The 13th edition was centered around raising awareness of the plight of young people who attempt illegal migration in search of greener pastures. The theme of the event was “run against illegal migration”.

International participants took part in this year’s marathon sponsored by Taf holding company, Friends of the Gambia, and Mr. and Mrs. John Cater sponsors of the Tallinding project.

In the male 15 Km category, which started at Traffic Lights and finished in Brufut, Lamin Sanneh took first position followed by Mustapha Sidibeh, Sang Bolon Gomez from Senegal. Dawada ML Ceesay and Essa Jobe occupied the fourth and fifth positions respectively.

Fatou Sanyang of Nusrat Senior Secondary was the winner of the 8km race, Mariatou Gomez was second and third went to Majula Gitteh, Anna Nyassi came fourth and fifth position went to Binta Saidy.

The champion in the cycle race was Lamarana Bah, followed by Eliman Jammeh, Patch Jawo, Abdoul Karim Jallow and Alimu Jallow.

In the children’s category, which featured boys and girls, Sainey Kijera emerged winner of the girl’s category; second position went to Maimuna Jallow.

In the boys’ category, Ebrima Konteh, Paul Jassey and Edirissa Samba were first, second and third respectively.

The Wheel chair race was won by Ebrima Manga followed Ebrima Joof.

Deliberation of speeches by various speakers followed at the end of the races.

In this remarks, Abdoulie Bojang deputy Speaker of the National Assembly said illegal migration is the worst venture one can put himself into adding that though it is necessary to search for greener pastures it must be done the right way.

He said, “ the government of HE President Dr Alh Yahya AJJ Jammeh is doing everything humanly possible to eradicate poverty by improving every sector and resource area of our economy in this country and youths must capitalize on these advantages in order to avoid migrating illegally to unknown countries in the world”

He commended the BMRA for coming up with this year’s theme.

Ba Jabbi Chairman, Brufut Marathon Association whose speech was read in his behalf by a committee member said the aim of the marathon has always been to promote long distance running in the country and at the same time act as a public sensitization tool in community development.

“Using this form of sports as means of mobilising resources to help needy people and institutions has paid dividends. The BMRA has helped pay for more than 260 students who find it difficult to pay tuition fees in many schools in The Gambia” he explained.

He said the association has also extended their hands to a few health facilities namely Jammeh foundation for peace and the Brufut Health centre as part of complementing government’s efforts in these areas.

Ousainou Joof country representative of Friends of The Gambia Association (Fotga), a sponsor of the event, called on the department of state for Youth and Sport to give maximum support to the Brufut marathon in order to attract many more nationalities.

Seedy Bojang Secretary general of the BMRA said the association has been supportive of many development programmes especially the fight against HIV/AIDS pandemic, deforestation, environment pollution etc.

Prizes and gifts were awarded to winners of different categories.

Certificate of appreciation was presented by the BMRA to President Jammeh, Musa Susso, and Theo Mom of the Holland Foundation, for their outstanding support in community development.