The first Annual Diplomats Fun-Run & Walk took place on Saturday, April 29 in the Haagse Bos. The event was organised by Diplomat Magazine to foster networking amongst the diplomatic community in The Hague.
It was also a contribution towards the Municipality of The Hague’s efforts to help diplomats familiarise themselves with the International City of Peace and Justice.
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Close to a hundred diplomats shared the 5 km/3km routes during a gorgeous spring day.
Diplomats from a wide range of countries including Chile, China, Estonia, Georgia, Ghana, Hungary, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Malta, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, South Africa and the United States measured their physical endurance, whilst others just enjoyed the fantastic weather and conversed with their international colleagues.
The Ambassadors of Bangladesh, Burundi, Cameroon, China, Croatia, India, Iran, Lebanon, Switzerland and Tanzania participated actively.
Péter István Danku, Consul, Third Secretary at the Embassy of Hungary was the first runner, clocking up an impressive 18 minutes on the 5km. He was closely followed by Csaba Poda, Embassy of Slovakia, and Tao Wang, from China, a few seconds behind.
H.E. Urs Breiter, Ambassador of Switzerland, Ms Abir Ali, Charge d’Affaires of Lebanon, H.E. Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of Iran, and Jason Petty and Richard Gopaul from the US Embassy all posted strong times, as did Angelika Kriger from the Embassy of Russia who ran the full course with her dog. The energy and enthusiasm on display was a credit to all involved.
H.E. Andrea Gustovic-Ercegovac, Ambassador of Croatia, H.E. Odette Melono, Ambassador of Cameroon, H.E. Vestine Nahimana, Ambassador of Burundi and H.E. Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of Iran.The 3km trail walk was packed; H. E. Ms. Irene Kasyanju, H.E. Andrea Gustovic-Ercegovac, Ambassador of Croatia, H.E. Vestine Nahimana, Ambassador of Burundi and H.E. Odette Melono, Ambassador of Cameroon, made a walking chatting group.
Nonto Ngcobo, spouse of the Ambassador of South Africa came with other South African diplomats, while Chinese Ambassador Wu Ken and his spouse came with ‘the family’: a large group of diplomats who injected vigour and dynamism into the event.
Diplomat Magazine gold medals were handed to the participants after reaching their final destination at Chalet ten Bosh, where a warm Dutch meal and snacks were served.
