Gambian sweeps gold in Senegal marathon

Gambian long distance runners over the weekend stormed an international marathon in Senegal emerging with flying colours.

The duo, Mariam T. Jallow and Lamin Sanneh, represented The Gambia in the annual international Gore marathon, which was this year held in Siant Louis, Ndarr, in Northern Senegal.

The Gambia’s greatest achievement was recorded by Mariam T. Jallow, who beat a large field to take gold in the female 10 km.

She conquered the terrain in 36.56 going into history as the fasted athlete to do that feat in the event’s history.

The Gambian won herself a whopping one million CFA Franc, over 50,000 dalasi, a bag of rice, a trophy, a crate of can drinks, a packet of sugar, 10 litres of oil, a packet of biscuits and a pair of running shoe.

Elsewhere in the race, Lamin Sanneh ravaged through a large pool of runners to capture 4th position in the men’s 10km.

Speaking to this reporter on telephone shortly after the race, the President of the Gambia Athletics Association (GAA), Dodou Joof, who attended the event as a special guest, said the performance of the two athletes is a celebration of Gambian athletics, indicating that with the necessary support, the GAA can produce top class athletes.

“I am profoundly delighted by the results,’’ Mr Joof said.

The marathon was organised by Jappo Consultancy, an international sports consultancy firm, and Litue Saint Louis.