The next edition of the race Marabanascheduled for November 20, will have changes in its layout and in the location of its start and finish, according to official sources.
This time the event will have its start and finish line in front of the Ramón Fonst Multipurpose Hall, near the Plaza de la Revolución José Martí, instead of its usual location on Prado Street in front of the National Capitolin the historic center of Havana.
The changes were announced by Carlos Gattorno Correa, director of the National Commission for Marabana-Maracuba Races and Walks (CNCC), the entity in charge of organizing the test, according to review the sports portal Hit.
“We made a diagnosis of the circuits where Marabana was traditionally run, reaching the conclusion that it was necessary to make important changes,” the manager told the media.
#marabana will have a new start and changes in route
It will depart from Avenida Independencia in front of the Ramón Fonst Multipurpose Room. #Havana #marathon #Cubahttps://t.co/fLOuf2OhER pic.twitter.com/EnCZIKkCpl— JIT Cuban Sport (@jit_digital) October 26, 2022
Gattorno pointed out the need to change the starting place for one that offered greater capacity and organizational facilities in a sports facility, with spaces for logistics and benefits for the runners, given the altimetry of the terrain in the first 10 kilometers.
Add the information that the decision was also influenced by the locations of sites to celebrate cultural activities and establish points of supply and service to the corridor.
“The study was carried out by five specialists in the organization of race events, who have worked in marathons on different continents. Four of them are official measurers of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), and three serve as judges of the international technical organization, marching and sports referees for people with disabilities”, explained Gattorno, quoted by Hit.
The experienced organizer of these races also highlighted that the competent bodies of internal order, traffic, transportation and roads of the security group of the government of Havanato reach a consensus regarding the immediate future of Marabana.
Taking into account all the criteria, Gattorno assured that they will undergo important changes in the routes of the different distances that Marabana summons, such as the marathon (42,195 km), the half marathon (21.0975), and the 10 and 5 kilometer races.
The two longest distances will include passing through emblematic Havana streets, such as Independencia Avenue, Belascoaín, Reina and Dragones streets, as well as Prado and the Malecón.
After two years of absence due to the pandemic, the Marabana returned in 2021 to the face-to-face format, but with a shortened version of only 13 kilometers and the participation of some 2,300 national runners.
On that occasion, the race began on Monserrate Avenue, in front of the equestrian statue of José Martí in the March 13 Park, and ended at the Ciudad Deportiva Coliseum, where various sports exhibitions were later held.
