All the conditions were met to make the second edition of the Mehdia Beach Sand Race a truly festive event. Cloudy weather at the start gave way to radiant sunshine and a light refreshing breeze as the start time approached.
Organised by the Kénitra Athletic Club of surf and bodyboards in collaboration with the Association of Social Works of Civil Servants of the Kénitra province and other partners, this sporting event attracted a large crowd last Sunday. The icing on the cake, the race, whose theme was "Run for pleasure and for a clean environment", was distinguished by the presence of the former Olympic champion Nawal El Moutawakel who accompanied Zineb El Adaoui, Wali of the Gharb-Chrarda-Bni Hssen region and Governor of the Kénitra province. The presence of this national sports legend revived very good memories. The 1984 Los Angeles Olympic champion in the 400-metre hurdles, the first Arab, Muslim, and African woman to win a gold medal in this discipline, praised this initiative which aims to promote sporting and citizenship values.
Nearly 500 participants, men, women, and children, set off in this competition to taste the joys of running. The majority of the runners started just for the pleasure of being together and enjoying this beautiful day. A heterogeneous crowd, made up of athletes or simply running enthusiasts, set off on the 6 km of fine sand of the course connecting Sidi Boughaba beach, known as "Taxi Beach", and Mehdia. Several participants, adults and children, ran to test their endurance. As is the case for Fatima, in her sixties, who did not fail to highlight her joy at participating in this race.
"Arriving at a certain age, the physique no longer follows and little aches are felt more regularly, my practice of sport becomes, consequently, limited. I became aware of the organisation of this sporting event and I did not hesitate for a moment to participate. I am filled with happiness to have covered the 6 kilometres and my joy is indescribable." At the end of this Sunday race, cups and certificates of participation were distributed to the winners of each category under the applause of an enthusiastic public.
