Crim Controversy Settled

August 29, 2002

Flint, MI- After a thorough investigation and much consultation, Crim Race Director Sherlynn Everly has decided to uphold Asmae Leghzaoui second place finish in the 8/24/02 Crim Festival of Races 10 Miler. However, Asmae will forfeit $1000 of her $2500 prize purse as a result of being assisted during the race by her fellow Moroccan runner, Mohammed Ar-Ar.

Upon speaking to the runners' agent, Hussein Makke of Elite Sports Management, it was learned that Leghzaoui woke on Crim Race morning with a fever and flu-like symptoms. Ar-Ar decided not to run his race, but to help Asmae complete hers. USA Track & Field is the sanctioning body of the Crim, and its Rule 66 regarding Assistance to Athletes specifically forbids any assistance whatsoever, and that such assistance may lead to disqualification of the assisted athlete. "Assistance" is the conveying of advice, information or direct help to an athlete by any means, including a technical device. It also includes pacing in running or walking events by persons not designated to do so.

Upon careful review of the WFUM tapes of the race, it has been determined that Ar-Ar paced Leghzaoui (which is legal, as Ar-Ar was entered in the race), and did watch out for her throughout the last 2.5 miles. Basil Honikman, RunningUSA Executive Director and long-time USATF official was consulted, and he suggested that: "As the difference between the second and third place finishers was over 5 minutes, it is unlikely the assistance received by Asmae Leghzaoui made a material difference to the outcome, and therefore, disqualification is unnecessary." He did suggest a reduction in prize money would be appropriate.

Both Leghzaoui and her agent found this penalty to be acceptable. Makke stated that while Ar-Ar's intentions may have been honorable, his actions did violate the USATF rules, and this sanction seemed reasonable. Asmae did ask, however, that the withheld prize money be donated to Michigan Special Olympics. As bad as she was feeling that morning, Leghzaoui stated, "When I saw the handicapped people [in the race], I say I run for them. I will do everything I can to support races such as the Crim."

When asked to comment, Race Director Sherlynn Everly had this to say: "I've certainly learned a lot about the USATF rules and will be looking at doing some things differently next year. We've always been lucky to have the race documented by Jim Gaver and his WFUM camera crew. Throughout the long history of the Crim, the strong spirit of good sportsmanship and fair play has always taken care of any incident. However, before next year's race, we will have in place a Referee, a Jury of Appeals, and will hold a technical meeting with the elite athletes before the race to review the rules. We are glad to have this settled and will be happy to have Asmae return to the Crim next year."

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