Havana, November 9 (RHC) – Thousands of foreign runners will compete Sunday, November 10th, in the 33rd edition of Marabana, the biggest marathon event in Cuba.

A total of 1,270 runners from 64 different countries are among the 5,258 participants that have signed up for the event that will represent the opening of the festivities for the 500th anniversary of Havana, to be celebrated next November 16.

Carlos Gattorno, Project Manager of Marabana-Maracuba, informed that United States, Mexico, Colombia, France and Spain are the countries with the highest number of participants, although inscriptions are set to close this Saturday evening.

Before the media gathered at Parque Central Hotel, Gattorno said that the number of foreign athletes is indeed great news and that it demonstrates the international reach of an up and coming event, that receives better international acceptance in every edition.

Gattorno also mentioned that a total of 400 American athletes will in Cuba, despite the restrictions of the U.S. government, because they believe in the importance of sports.