De Stefano ran for the first time in Cuba and won the gold medal in the 42 kilometers. Author: Monica Ramirez
As expected, Ethiopia felt very strongly this Sunday, minutes after 7 am, when two of their children crossed the finish line, placing first two at the Varadero International Marathon in Matanzas Province. The speculation became reality, and the worries of a few people about who would win the test if Tadese Setargi Demeke or Taye Birhan Nigatu were dispelled.
The winner in the 42K was Tadese with an official time of 2:19.59, while Taye came out a few seconds later with a time of 2:20.08. The Africans, who competed in Cuba for the first time, were accompanied by Jorge Luis Barzaga from the Antilles (2:44.00).
The interpreter of both said that the route seemed to them very good, even, but they felt a lot of humidity, which they are not used to in their country.
For her part, Italy’s Daniela De Stefano dominated the women’s sport in her first race on the island with an unofficial record of 3:45.32 hours. De Stefano, a journalist by trade, said he has run about 60 marathons, some ultramarathons, and won his country’s championship in 2018. He explained that it was difficult for him to complete the entire track, especially due to the heat, humidity and irritating frontal air.
As for the half marathon, the titles remained at home after the successes of Francisco Ronnie Estevez of Mayabe (1:08.33 hours) and Arletis Toro of Guantanamo (1:20.32 hours). The podiums in the men’s standings were taken by Yuleisi La O from Holguin (1:10.24 hours) and Andy Carrion from the capital (1:12.58 hours), and in the women’s standings – Anisli Ochoa from Guantanamo (1:24.39 hours) and Yumisleidis Mestre from Havana (1:25.07 hours).
“I prepared very well for the race with my coach Angel Rodriguez and I enjoyed fighting at the level of several Cubans. The climate pleased me more than last year, because, despite the proximity of the sea, the air was acceptable. I am pleased with the score, this is the best I have achieved at this track, and this is part of my preparation for the Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador,” Francisco Ronni assured.
Meanwhile, Arletis said that at that time he liked to run – they left at five in the morning – in a very pleasant temperature. He admitted that he did not expect such a result, as he went through many problems in preparation, while praising the track, almost without hills and without bumps.
Finally, the Cubans Alejandro Rodriguez (30:57 minutes) and Salama Mahios (39:36 minutes) became the monarchs at the 10-kilometer distance.
Source: Juventud Rebelde