Ahead of Sunday's inaugural marathon in Dakar, Senegal, there has been a "noticeable increase in armed security at upscale hotels and shopping areas," according to Ken Maguire of the N.Y. TIMES. Senegalese distance runner Samba Faye's concerns "are his pace and hydration." He said that "he is not sweating security." Faye said, "There won't be any problems. The authorities will take the necessary measures." Senegal's first official marathon, named the Marathon Eiffage de l'Autoroute de Dakar, will be run on Sunday, "a month after attackers killed 30 people at a hotel and cafe in Ouagadougou," and three months after at least 19 people were killed in a Nov. 20 hotel siege in Mali. Islamist militants "claimed responsibility in both attacks." Even though Senegal, with an overwhelmingly Muslim population, "enjoys political stability, heavily armed police have been flagging down motorists and searching vehicles in the capital city." Yet even with all the challenges in West Africa, "which in addition to safety include, most notably, poverty and unemployment, the region appears ready to join the global running craze." Everest Media Managing Dir Sébastien Bottari said, "Africa is following the global trend. It's spreading more and more everyday. It doesn't cost much. It doesn't require tons of infrastructure." The Marathon Eiffage de l'Autoroute de Dakar is believed to be Senegal's first marathon, with the 26.2-mile course "certified by international organizations." It is "unlikely to attract elite runners," since the male and female winners each will receive about $7,600 (N.Y. TIMES, 2/10).
