Somalia has hosted its first mini marathon in three decades. Organized by the country's ministry of sports, the event aimed to seek international support for Somali youth. CGTN's Abdulaziz Billow reports from Mogadishu.

It's Somalia's first mini marathon in decades - the Mogadishu mini marathon brought together close to five hundred athletes drawn from all districts of the capital.

Police beefed up security across the city in fear of possible attacks from Al-Shabaab. Ali Idow, a city based sprinter defeated all the contestants who found it extremely difficult to run in the heat - Idow won the four-kilometer race clocking 10 minutes 23 seconds - followed by Mohamed Muhidin and Abdisalam Mohamed came in second and third place respectively

ABDIRAHMAN OMAR OSMAN MOGADISHU MAYOR "Many doubted the possibility of Mogadishu hosting such an event - I hope everyone has seen with their own eyes of this possibility. Maintaining peace is a collective responsibility for all of us, Mogadishu is the capital of Somalia and every success story that happens here is a reflection of the whole country."

Abdi Bille Abdi - a former 1500m-world champion was the guest of honour - urging sports officials to improve the overall quality of sports in the country.

ABDI BILLE ABDI FORMER 1500M WORLD CHAMPION "The youth are the hope of this country - the ministry of youth and sports must ensure the young people of Somalia have a chance to make a name for themselves and the country. They must be supported at all costs - and not by word of mouth - but by real actions."

ABDULAZIZ BILLOW MOGADISHU, SOMALIA For years now - authorities have been encouraging sporting activities in a sign that the city is slowly coming back to life - young people in militant controlled areas are not allowed to participate in any sporting activities.

Sports is however regarded as a tool for social progress, that can be used to inspire youth to engage in peace building and development especially in post conflict countries like Somalia.

KHADIJA DIRIYE MINISTER, YOUTH AND SPORTS "Sports is an important element if we hope to achieve peace, integration and reconciliation. This project will be implemented in Mogadishu and all regional states. Abdi Bile Abdi - the former world champion is here with us today and I hope that he will a role model for the Somali youth."

On the international stage - the country hasn't been well represented for years - it failed to win any medals, both in the London and Rio Olympics - athletes lack proper training facilities due to years of conflict and an ongoing militant insurgency - but sports officials say that with help from global sports organizations, the country has the potential to produce quality athletes as it has done before. Abdulaziz Billow AB, CGTN, MOGADISHU.