THANK YOU!
From the bottom of my heart.
We still have goosebumps. Yesterday, on a lovely sunny Sunday, Aveiro – Portuguese Capital of Culture in 2024, turned into an authentic stage of dreams for thousands of athletes and thousands of other people who watched along the way, with the fourth edition of the European Marathon.
More than twenty thousand exceptional restless souls faced the four proposed challenges: 42, 21, 10 or 5 kilometers. Grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren, all together, in a true marathon of human sharing. The streets of Aveiro and Ílhavo were invaded by runners coming from the four corners of the world, from more than seventy countries. A true fair of nationalities and emotions, where camaraderie mixed with competitiveness, in an environment worthy of the Olympic Games.
Behind this epic event, more than seven hundred and fifty employees worked tirelessly to make everything run smoothly.
Hundreds of athletes surpassed themselves beyond normality, breaking their personal records, while a new race record was set by the Moroccan athlete, Mohamed Chaaboud, with a superb time, 2h09m19s, establishing one of the great world marks of the year and one of the best marks already achieved in a marathon in Portugal. Behind the Moroccan, two more great marks achieved by Kenyan athletes Dominic Omare (2h09m59s) and Silas Sugut (2h10m29s). Carlos Costa, the best Portuguese, from Vizela Corre, with a time of 2h23m21s.
In the women's category, Kenyan Betty Chepleting won 2h32.04m with Portuguese Vanessa Carvalho (Sporting de Braga) coming in second place with an excellent personal record, 2h32m23s. Third place was another Portuguese, Susana Cunha, from RD Águeda, 2h43m25s.
The half-marathon also provided a great spectacle, with the triumphs of João Almeida (Recreio de Águeda), with a time of 1h05m28s, and Mónica Silva (Salgueiros), who at the age of 40 beats her personal record in the half-marathon, with the mark of 1h12m47s, fueling the dream of being called up for the half-marathon at the European Championships in Rome 2024. The 10k, filled by thousands of athletes, had the great privilege of counting on the presence of "our" Olympian Susana Godinho, the the only Portuguese athlete who will be present in the queen race of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
And, as in every good epic story, there was no shortage of exciting moments: from a surprise marriage proposal to the inspiring presence of the race's godmother, Aurora Cunha, who tirelessly encouraged the athletes to the finish line. And what about godfather João Neto? This giant athlete ran around pushing six special children in a wheelchair, leaving his indelible mark of generosity and solidarity, with the added point that in the end he offered a wheelchair to each of the children.
The television broadcast on TVI brought spectacular images to the world while the event's official website and social networks recorded astronomical numbers of visits and shares.
But the most wonderful legacy of this day resided in the testimonies of the athletes themselves, who praised the camaraderie and the spirit of mutual help that was experienced on the streets of Aveiro and Ílhavo.
The Marathon Expo, which took place over three days, a first for Portugal, was a real success, in a space purposely created to welcome athletes, attracting thousands of people who enjoyed the entertainment and the various activities and offers available.
The end result? Simply incredible, unforgettable and contagious.
To all the partners, sponsors, volunteers, friends and, above all, the incredible athletes who gave color to this wonderful fourth edition of the European Marathon, our deepest thanks.
A very special word to Aveiro City Council, with emphasis on President José Ribau Esteves, for his unsurpassed support and involvement in the construction of this great project.
And with that, a promise: we are already working hard for the 2025 edition, where we will seek to correct the flaws detected and present many new features to continue surprising the world.
From the bottom of my heart, on behalf of the entire Organization:
THANK YOUOOOOOO
Paulo Costa
Director of the European Marathon
GlobalSport
04/29/2024
