Bahraini runner Abraham Cheroben has won the first place of the International Association of Athletic Federations IAAF Copenhagen Half Marathon in Denmark, finishing the race in 58:40 minutes ahead of the other contestants representing various countries of the world.

The official website of the IAAF highlighted Cheroben's achievement and performance in the race, as the Bahraini runner scored his best personal time, best international record this year and third best time in the history of half marathon races.

On the occasion, HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and President of Bahrain Athletic Federation commended on the runner and the historic international accomplishment, which placed him as the third fastest runner in the history of the sport.

HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Khalifa praised Cheroben and his dedication that resulted in achieving the international record, adding that it will sure add to the various international achievements of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the different sports arenas and strengthen its position among the international athletic sports.

HH expressed his pride in the achievement of Cheroben reflecting the improvement and development of the Bahraini sports and athletes, wishing the runner the best of luck in the future participations.

On his part, Mohammed Abdullateef, Deputy President of Bahrain Athletic Federation and Director of the National Teams affirmed that the directives, support and patronage of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Khalifa to Bahraini sports and athletes have been a motive for them to spare no effort in competing for advanced places in reputed international sports events.

Abdullateef said the National Teams Committee will provide all sorts of support to Cheroben by following a comprehensive plan to prepare him for the upcoming athletic competitions, including the 2018 Asian Games hosted by Indonesia and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Japan.

Abdullateef highlighted that the committee will follow a technical programme for Cheroben that will include engaging him in different training camps, considering his positive achievements in international sports arenas, making him one of the best half marathon runners in the world.

It is worth mentioning that Abraham Cheroben won the eighth place in the 10, 000 m race in the 2016 Rio Olympics held in Brazil and came in the twelfth spot in the same distance in the 2017 IAAF World Championship that was recently held in London. He will participate in the Half Marathon World Championship to be held in Spain next year and the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

Source: BNA