Andrew Jones and Nicoleta Hodoregea won the men’s and women’s titles of the fifth Aspire Torch Staircase Run 2016, respectively yesterday.


Winners of women’s 18 to 39 years category celebrating with their medals.

Jones clocked 7:10s, while Hodoregea clocked 10:22s for the 18 to 39 years category titles. More than 250 persons took part in the event which was organised by Aspire Zone Foundation. The challenge, which was held in partnership with THE TORCH Hotel-Doha and Mannai Corporation, saw participants from all ages and backgrounds enjoy the run up to the top of the TORCH hotel, present the best ‘Go Green’ themed costume, and also celebrate Earth Hour at Aspire Zone.
In the male veteran category, Claudio Fenley claimed the first place with a time of 10:2s, while Suenja Hampez clinched the first place in the female category with a time of 13:5s.
In the junior category, Farhan Farizi came first in the male category with a time of 10:14s, while Jude Aloudeh took first place in the female category with a time of 14:2s.
In the “Go Green” Earth Hour-themed costume category, Maszleen Ramli earned the best theme and time award after clocking 11:5s.
Maszleen expressed her delight at winning this category and participating in the race, adding that she is already looking forward to next year’s edition. The challenge consisted of 1,304 steps as runners made their way to the 51st floor at the top of the 300m tower. Male and female categories included 16-17 year olds, 18-39 year olds, 40 years and above for professionals, and a category for the hotel’s catering staff.
The first place winner in the male category, Jones, expressed his delight by saying: “I enjoy a good challenge, and this is what motivated me to participate in the race. The run was not easy, and there was strong competition from the other participants, but challenging myself really motivated me to complete the race and emerge victorious. I am really glad to have participated and look forward to taking part in future editions”.
The first place winner in the female category, Hodoregea, commented: “I am glad to have won the race. I had been eagerly anticipating it, even though I knew the run was tough. Willpower really played a big part in my win”.
Abdullah al-Khater, events manager at Aspire Zone Foundation, said: “This year’s edition of the Aspire Torch Staircase run was dedicated to citizens and residents, thereby increasing the chances for all members of the community to participate. We are delighted to see such a large number of participants, both male and female. We always strive at Aspire Zone Foundation, through all of our activities and events, to encourage all members of the community to adopt healthy lifestyles and partake in activities like the Aspire Torch Staircase Run, which contribute towards having a healthy and active society”.
Activities to mark Earth Hour
Additionally, in observance of Earth Hour, Aspire Zone Foundation organised an art recycling competition for children. The competition channelled the children’s creativity as they made art with recyclable objects such as plastic bags, papers and bottles. Also, The TORCH hotel and Aspire Zone marked Earth Hour by switching off all external lights, during which time over 40 participants toured the Aspire Zone under the light of the stars.