Eighth place at the Venice Marathon with a time of 2h20’51”, fourth place at the Treviglio Half Marathon with a time of 1h06’43”, but also the winner of the 23-km Sedico Run, the 11-km Soiano Garda Run, and the 13th edition of the Marcialonga Running, as well as having run 19 km in the 21st hour of the San Martino 24×1-hour track race: this, in short, was Said Boudalia’s 2015—an Italian-Moroccan born in 1968 who, despite his long and successful competitive career, has no intention of stopping running, winning, and astonishing everyone. Further proof of this athlete’s exceptional talent is his recent victory, on November 15, at the 35th Frangarto Fall Half Marathon, a 21-kilometer race held in the province of Bolzano.

Who is Said when he’s not running?
When I’m not running, I work and take care of my family—I’m a full-time dad.

When did you start running, where, and why?
I started running when I was about 13 in Casablanca, the city where I was born: I did it out of passion, but also as a challenge with my friends. What began as a game has become a fundamental part of my life.

What kinds of races do you prefer to run? Short, fast races or ultra-distance races? Road or trail?
Ultra-distance races, both on pavement and on dirt roads.

What do you think of stage races in the desert?
I’ll have to give them a try… I’ll let you know next year, since one of my plans for 2016 is to take on a stage race in the desert… and a trail race, too!

What was your best race of 2015?
The Marcialonga Running Race in Cavalese.

And what was your best race ever?
The 2007 Feltre City Wall Race.

And what about your annual “regular event”?
The Boston Marathon.

What are the main differences between African athletes and everyone else?
In my opinion, African athletes are better able to cope with pain and fatigue…

Where and how much do you usually work out?
I work out every day after work: I run near my house, in the Prosecco hills… but sometimes wherever I happen to be…

Do you follow a special diet?
No, just a varied and balanced diet… but nothing special.

What race is the one you “still have to run”?
The New York City Marathon.

Can you tell us how you like Oxyburn’s running gear?
Oxyburn’s gear is great—it’s both stylish and comfortable… and thanks to the graduated compression socks, I’ve said goodbye to blisters for good: during races, I use the 1480 Running Track (Level III Performance Compression)… You really have to try them!