Over 1,500 to take part in Amman Int’l Kids Marathon

AMMAN — More than 1,500 runners, mostly representing schools in the Kingdom, will take part on Friday in the 4.2km Amman International Kids Marathon.

The marathon, organised by Run Jordan, is divided according to age groups and aims at promoting sports as a lifestyle. The age categories included students between 6 and 8 years, 9 and 11, 12 and 14.

Race director Lina Al Kurd told The Jordan Times that the enthusiasm and dedication is unmatched.

“We are happy and absolutely amazed by the dedication of students and young runners who are devoting themselves to better living by adopting sports as part of their daily lives. We look at it as a major event for families and their children in addition to schools who are building a generation of runners,” she said.

“The race will start in front of the 5th football pitch inside King Hussein Park and will go up a long incline and continue towards King Hussein Mosque. Runners will pass by the Children’s Museum and the Royal Automobile Museum and then they will descend down a hill towards the car exit and go towards the entrance gate,” she added.

The celebration area and awards ceremony will take place inside the area where the Marathon Village is located.

“We are trying to make this a family event with activities fit for the whole family members. HRH Prince Firas, Run Jordan chairman, has always stressed on the benefits of running in the marathon, labelling it a family fun day,” she said.

“The huge number of participants shows that there are a lot of awareness from the runners and their families about sports and the culture of healthy living. We hope everyone will enjoy their time,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Samsung Amman Marathon kicks off on October 9 with the participation of thousands of runners in the 42km, the 21km half marathon and 10km fun run. 

The event is launched under the theme “Run to the Heart of the City of Amman” and will have a new route for the 10km fun run which will start at Princess Alia Street: Al Hussein sports City-Gate 1, down to Arar Street ending at the finish line at the Hashemite Square — Gate 1.