With more than 300 contestants taking part, Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) recently concluded the sixth edition of Aspire Torch Staircase Run (ATSR 2018). Participants of all ages and backgrounds joined the event, together with representatives from various entities and organisations in Qatar.
British contestant Andrew Jones won first place in the male category (ages 18 – 99) reaching the top in seven minutes and two seconds. Katerina Matousova from Czech Republic won first place in the female category with a time of nine minutes 11 seconds.
A corporate relay race was added for the first time this year and proved hugely popular. Teams from Aspire Zone Foundation, the General Directorate of Civil Defence from the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and Qatar Gas took part in the relay. The Civil Defence team secured the top place, reaching the 51st floor in eight minutes and 26 seconds.
JUNIOR CATEGORY WINNERS
Ages 8-11
Male: Liam Wilson (2 minutes 49 seconds)
Female: Aisha Al Maaded (3 minutes 40 seconds)
Ages 12-14
Male: Ambroise Lion (5 minutes 30 seconds)
Female: Rasha Kalandan (6 minutes and 14 seconds)
Ages 15-17
Male: Oliver Guest (7 minutes and 37 seconds)
Female: Tessa Haynes (10 mintues and 50 seconds)
Winner Andrew Jones expressed delight with the result of the race. He said that he’s trained very hard for the race and he wants to encourage as many people to take part. Katerina Matousova said that it was her second time to participate in the Aspire Zone Torch Staircase Run and said she was pleased with her performance.
Aside from the race, AZF also set up a dedicated Fun Zone for families with food and beverage outlets, taekwondo, Yoga and kickboxing shows, plus a Kids Area with fitness demonstrations and toy horse rides.
The 2018 edition of the ATSR presented sports enthusiasts with a unique endurance challenge as over 300 runners climbed more than 1,300 steps to make it to the 51st floor of the famous 300-metre tower. The top three contestants in each category were awarded great prizes and the event was supported by the event’s partners and sponsors Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co, Nissan and De Boer.
Check out this link for more information about this year’s edition of ATSR.