The AIMS Children’s Series 2008 on 25 February in conjunction with the Sahara Marathon.

The first race in the AIMS Children's Series 2008 was run on 25 February in conjunction with the Sahara Marathon. Children ran over the compacted sand of the scrub desert floor within the Smara refugee camp in the far west of Algeria, which is also the location of the finish to the Sahara Marathon.

Smara is one of several camps set up to house refugees from the Western Sahara after the territory was occupied by Morocco 30 years ago. The children who participated in the races were born and brought up in these camps, and see the races as a strong connection to the outside world.

The AIMS Children's Series enjoys co-operation with ASICS and benefits from a direct "Runners help runners" scheme funded by participants in the Tokyo Marathon, held one week previously. ASICS running shoes and equipment were awarded, and all children participating received a T-shirt and finisher's medal.

The other races in the AIMS Children's Series 2008 will take place in Kigali (RWA) on 11 May and in Addis Ababa (ETH) on 29 November

Source: www.aims.org