The two Ethiopian runners are favorites to win. Author: Monica Ramirez
Varadero — It may have been a short-term dream of the organizers since the first edition, or it may have been an idea that came up during the event, but the truth is that this Sunday, several athletes will run 42 kilometers (km) and 195 meters in Varadero International Marathon, three previous versions of which had a maximum distance of 21 km.
At a press conference held yesterday at the Sunbeach Hotel, it became known that in addition to this novelty, regular modalities will be held, that is, a half marathon, 10 km and a popular 3 km race. It turned out that the same certified route of the previous version is retained.
According to the data provided, 60 and 306 runners, respectively, registered for the most grueling distance and 21 km, which starts at five in the morning, and about 1,200 participants for the 10 km. About 513 women are expected to take part in the competition.
To face the toughest challenge, the top favorites are Ethiopians Tadese Setargye Demeke and Taye Birhan Nigatu, who will run their fourth marathon. Both expressed admiration for the hospitality of the Cuban people.
On the Antilles side, Lisandra Gomez, Yumisleides Mestre, Darian Suarez, Francisco Ronny Esteves, Yuleidis La O and others will spice up the various distances. Estevez and Mestre are currently starting the 21K in Varadero after winning both sexes last year.
“It was very necessary that the marathon be launched in 2023, we went step by step, but it was time to start this adventure. Many improvements have been made to this version and we will continue to do so because the goal is to make it more and more international. Since the first issue, Alberto Juantorena and I have said that this event will last for many years, and we still adhere to this statement. I think that by 2025 or 2026 we could talk about an important event in the area,” said one of the organizers, Spaniard Fernando Pineda. rebellious youth.
During the meeting, the cancellation of a postage stamp depicting two-time Montreal 1976 Olympic champion Alberto Juantorena was cancelled. The issue, designed by José Antonio Medina, consists of six postage stamps and a philatelic sheet.
Among the glory of Cuban athletics present at the press conference were Juantorena – President of the Organizing Committee – Maria Caridad Colon, Dayron Robles, Javier Sotomayor, Norberto Telles, Ana Fidelia Quirot and Jargelis Savigne and others.
Source: Juventud Rebelde