The annual Doha College Race, held each November since 2011, has notched another successful edition this year, despite the humid and relatively hot conditions, attracting nearly 900 runners of all ages and abilities to Aspire Park.
This year’s race saw a return of very familiar faces, who added to their growing collection of DC gold medals. The fastest male for the 10k run was Andrew Jones, who also won in 2014, 2015 and 2016, while the fastest female was Rebecca Concannon, whose previous wins include 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2017. Andrew and Rebecca ran in the Veterans’ category.
The males’ 5k winner, Michael Douglas Ongeri, had won previously in 2016, while 17-year-old Natalia Wazny, was the fastest female over the 5k distance, the only newcomer to the top spot. But even for Natalia, this was not the first DC Race medal, as she finished second in her category last year. Natalia is a Year 12 Doha College student, and she shared the junior females’ podium with her sister Sophia, in Year 9 at Doha College (placed third), and Year 13 Doha College student Shamilah Halford (placed second). Last year, Shamilah achieved the highest mark in the world for her Physical Education GCSE examination, and finished third in the junior category of the Doha College Race.
In total, 13 members of the Doha College community – staff, students or parents – acceded to the podium for winning in various categories, a testimony of how strongly a fit and healthy lifestyle resonates.
Doha College Principal Dr Steffen Sommer, a runner himself, said he was exceptionally pleased with this year’s run
There was great team spirit from the runners, as well as from friends and general supporters. I think we can all be proud that the runners did so well. A great run – good for Doha College, excellent for Doha, excellent for Qatar.’
Race Director Greg Evans thanked those who helped make the race happen.
It was great seeing so many faces returning to make this year’s race – the biggest and best yet! I’d like thank the volunteers, without whose help and support the race couldn’t have happened. Finally, a big thank you to our sponsors, in particular Dulsco Waste Management for all your hard work behind the scenes.‘
Other sponsors include Diet Delights, Evofit, Evolution Sports Qatar, and Aspire Park. For more information about Doha College, visit their website at dohacollege.com.