FIGURES of 324 runners for the 21 kilometers and 1,326 in the 10-kilometer circuit were announced today during the official presentation of the III Varadero Half Marathon, an event that already had actions with walkers and skaters.
Alberto Juantorena, president of the Cuban Athletics Federation, confirmed the numbers at a press conference and thanked the support of all those who have made this celebration possible in the midst of the still prevailing special conditions caused by the covid-19 pandemic.
“We are sure that this event will far exceed expectations and will make up for the low presence of foreign runners, who have been unable to attend,” said the two-time Olympic champion from Montreal 1976, in logical recognition that there will only be seven visitors present at the event.
“We hope that this time our athletes can achieve their best marks on the new route, certified and approved by World Athletics and the International Association of Sports Marathons,” Juantorena wished.
It was recalled that the best time in the race belongs to the Kenyan Timothy Kiplagat with a record of one hour, two minutes and 51 seconds, after winning in 2019.
On this occasion the best pre-competition record is held by the Spanish Bruno Villazón with one hour and seven minutes. For the nationals, Francisco Estévez from Mayabeque (1:07:57) stands out in terms of branding, and for the women, Yumisleidy Heredia (1:15:52), also from Mayabeque.
The meeting with the press, hosted by Hotel Bella Vista, of the Iberostar chain, more than a formal event, became the best of moments to share with glories of athletics in Cuba, who will be part of this celebration.
Olympic gold medalists such as Dayron Robles, Anier García, María Caridad Colón and Olisdeilys Menéndez, and others with a long history such as Ana Fidelia Quirós, Leandro Peñalver, Jorge Luis Aguilera, Joel Lamela and Luis Alberto Pérez-Rionda will share with the protagonists of a race that seeks consolidate on the international calendar.
Juantorena launched the call for the 2024 edition, and although the date has yet to be defined, it will presumably be at the beginning of April and will include the marathon for the first time.
ATHLETIC WALKING AND RUNNING ON SKATES AS NEW
As a novelty in the current edition, a race walking event was held this Saturday with around thirty participants in a 10-kilometre circuit, and several skating events.
On roller skates, they competed in the 100 meter rail and half marathon, taking advantage of the circuit that will be used this Sunday for the pedestrian race.
Adriana Cantillo from Havana (11.24 seconds) reigned among women aged 16 to 26 and Héctor Caballero from Camagüey (10.16) did so among men.
The 11- and 12-year-olds had Caterine Martínez and Leonardo Piloto from Havana as winners, and the 13-15-year-olds were won by Amanda Vilches from Cienfuegos and Daniel David Cruz from Santiago.
