Plans are at advanced stage to twin the famous Brufut long distance race with a sister distance race association in the UK, says Mamudou Max  Jallow of the Brufut Marathon Run Association (BMRA).

Max  Jallow who is the international liaison officer of (BMRA) is of the view that his association would soon organise a fully-fledge marathon race, as efforts have been made to upscale the annual event  to international standards by 2012. Announcing this plan at the 14th edition of the annual Brufut marathon race held earlier this month, Max told cheering crowd that BMRA has made a giant stride in the Gambia sporting calendar, noting that 14 years ago, nobody had thought of the success stories  made by BMRA.

This year's race  dubbed "Run For A Clean Nation", and meant to complement the call by President Jammeh, was one of the most successful events ever organised since its inception in 1994, Jallow said.

Ansu Sowe, the Gambia's international marathoner, who had been groomed by the association emerged the champion of this year's male category race, while energetic Mariama T Jallow emerged the queen in the ladies category.