Lamin Sanneh, a Gambian athlete last Saturday won the 15 Edition of the Brufut Marathon Run Association's trophy which took him 42 minutes to complete the 15km race, commencing at the Traffic Light Junction up to Brufut Lower Basic School.

This year’s theme is "Run Against Malaria."

Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the Brufut Marathon Association, Mr. Ba. S. Jabbi, said the aim of the run was to raise awareness on the scourge of Malaria. He urged the public to free their environment from rubbish and stagnant waters, noting that it’s the most cost effective and efficient way of supporting government in their strives to get rid of malaria in the country. He thanked Friends of the Gambia Association, Solifo Investment, John Carter and Talinding Nursery School project, Banka Manneh, Max Jallow, Muhammed Jangana manager J-Fin Money Ltd, and the National Malaria Control Programme for sponsoring this year's event.

For his part, Sulayman Manneh representative of the National Malaria Control Programme called on the community to always clean their environment and to sleep under Insecticide Treated Net. Mr. Manneh advised the gathering on the use of new malaria drug Coartem, urging them not to abuse the dose whenever they are infected with the disease

Mr. Ousainou Joof representative of the Friends of the Gambia Association stated that over the years his association has been supporting the BMRA and assured them that his association will continue its assistance to the marathon association. As he put it, BMRA is growing from strength to strength.

He said BMRA now needs support more than before as, according to him, it is the biggest marathon association in the country.

At the end of 15km race, the winner Lamin Sanneh received a trophy, medal and a cash prize of D2, 000, the second position was secured by Ebrima Ceesay, who went home with a cash prize of D1, 500 and a medal, while the third place was captured by Mustapha Sidebeh, who got a cash prize of D1, 000 and a medal. The 8km female race which started at the Brusubi roundabout to Brufut was won by Mariama T Jallow, who received a trophy and a cash prize of D1, 500, while Majula Gitteh who emerged second got a cash prize of D1, 000 and a certificate, and Mariatou Gomez who secured the third place went home with a cash prize of D500 and a certificate.

For the Cyclist 42km race, Lamarana Bah emerged as the champion and was awarded a trophy, medal and a cash prize of D2, 000, while Bubacarr S Jatta, who captured the second position, received a cash prize of D1, 500, and the third place secured by Abdoukarim Jallow went home with a cash prize of D1, 000 and a medal.

For the 1km children race, Malang Conteh came out first, followed by Lamin Conteh in the second place, and Lamarana Jallow who captured the third position. All of them received a cash prize, medal and a certificate.

Presided by Seedy Bojang, the Executive Director of the association, Bojang dwelt on the nitty-gritty of the run and the rationale behind the event. He said the association is borne out of the need to provide scholastic assistance to students who are in dire condition to pay their tuition fees, provided they meet BMRA’s criteria for sponsorship. According to him, the association has with time evolved to spread its tentacles to other domains of life to meet with the challenges of time.