APS 03/02/11

The of the "Algerian Gazelle" strides, a 4 km race scheduled for Saturday at the Ben Aknoun zoo in Algiers, has caused "general craze" among women who are expected to massively participate in the event, organizers said.

"Nearly 500 women are expected on Saturday to take part in the first edition of Algerian Gazelle stride," Abdelmadjid Rezkane, general manager of Sport Events International, organizer of the event, told a press conference in Algiers. "Foreign participation is also expected. This race will be attended by about fifteen women diplomats from embassies accredited in Algiers," he added. The organizer also said that 1,500 m Olympic champion in Sydney 2000, the Algerian Nouria Benida Merrah will be there. Rezkane added that the organization of this race aims at "supporting a great cause, that of women's health."