Morocco's athlete dedicates victory in marathon to Nelson Mandela
Morocco-South Africa, Sports, 7/22/2003

Moroccan athlete, Jaouad Charib, who won Sunday the Johannesburg half-marathon, said he dedicates his victory in the name of all Moroccans to Nelson Mandela as a birthday gift.

"Nelson Mandela is a hero who is highly appreciated in Morocco and I want to wish him a happy birthday and a long life to continue to serve as model for the whole world," said Gharib as he received the medal.

The marathon marks the official opening of the Nelson Mandela bridge, name after the former south-African president and Nobel prize winner who turned 85 on Friday.

Gharib ran the distance in 62 minutes and 24 seconds, which organizers say, is one of the fastest 21.1 km times ever recorded at altitudes.

Charib noted that Johannesburg half-marathon is an important step to prepare for the upcoming world championship scheduled next August in Paris.

Some 20,000 athletes, including runners internationally renowned, took part in the half-marathon.

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