The organisers of the annual Brufut marathon event, Brufut Marathon Run Association (BMRA), have heaped praises on their partners for their titanic role in the successful organisation of this year's event in the Kombo North village.

Speaking to Observer Sports, the association's international relations officer, Mamudou Max Jallow, said the event would not have been successful without the participation of their partners. "This year's event was one of the best in terms of organisation. And we owe everything to our esteem sponsors, which include Taf Holding, Friends of The Gambia Association, TJJ Group, the government of The Gambia, the red cross, scout band, volunteers from Brufut among others."

"I will thank them [partners] and we look forward to working with them in years to come," said Max Jallow who also hailed the participants for their participation. This year's marathon, which was held on December 6, marked the 14th edition of the traditional race.

After a whole-day event, marathoners Ansu Sowe and Mariatou Jallow emerged as gallant winners in the male and female 16-km categories, respectively. Lamarana Jallow also walked away with a handsome prize as the champion in the cycling race. Scores of participants also went home with different prizes as lucky winners in a raffle draw held during the event.

Unlike the previous winners, the winners of this year's race [male and female categories] will have the chance to participate in the annual Great Bupa Run, an international race which is stage annually in the United Kingdom.

Max Jallow revealed that his association will make itself available to support Ansu Sowe and Mariama Jallow to take part, for the first time, in the 10-mile race scheduled for next year in England.