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Double Olympic Gold Medalist Attends MCPHS 5-K To Support Medical Relief Efforts

On April 18 by the Charles River in Brighton, the MCPHS Pre-Med Society and Volunteer Morocco group hosted the 2nd annual “Round the Riverbend” 5K race/walk, with two world-class runners in attendance. Hicham El Guerrouj, double Olympic Gold medalist at the 2004 Summer Olympics (1500 meters and 5000 meters) in Athens and current holder of three world-records, supported the Pre-Med Society’s effort to raise money to send medical equipment to Morocco. Khalid Khannouchi, a Moroccan-American who is a four-time winner of the Chicago Marathon and one of only five men to break the marathon world record more than once, was also in attendance.

Proceeds from the 5K will be used toward sending a 40-foot shipping container of medical equipment to hospitals and clinics in Agadir, Morocco. The shipment is valued at $295,000. Once the shipment arrives, students from the United States will help deliver and distribute the equipment and supplies to Hassan II Hospital and surrounding clinics. In 2009, the Pre-Med Society and Volunteer Morocco helped to send a 40-foot container of medical supplies (also worth $295,000) to Morocco and unpacked the shipment during their visit.

Dozens of MCPHS students have participated in Volunteer Morocco trips and, while there, have spent time shadowing doctors, observing surgeries and learning about the Moroccan health care system. During trips held in 2008, 2009 and 2010, the students set up a health clinic for the local villagers in conjunction with doctors and nurses from the surrounding area. The Volunteer Morocco group will be returning to the country in June and is also planning a sister 5K race to be held in the village of Ighil.

Winners

Men’s Division: Yassine Zaimi, 15:58
Women’s Division (tie): Monica Alters and Milly Chatman, 22:25.

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