Photo: Archivo/RHC

Havana, November 21 (RHC)-- Marabana, Cuba's main marathon race, took place on Sunday in its 35th edition, again in person only with Cuban runners and complying with health protocols to avoid the contagion of COVID-19.

The route is 13 kilometers (km), starting at Monserrate Avenue in front of the equestrian statue of José Martí, in the 13th of March Park (Old Havana), and finishing at the coliseum of the Sports City, in the capital's Cerro municipality.

Taking into consideration that this is the beginning of on-site races in the country, this event was convened in a participatory, non-competitive way, for that reason there will be no prizes and it will be a party for the reunion of Cuban walkers after two years of health restrictions due to the pandemic.

The vice-director of the Marabana/Maracuba project, Juan Carlos Mesa, told Agencia Cubana de Noticias, via telephone, that the delivery of the race bibs to the 3,000 nationals participating in this activity was carried out without any problems.

He also said that the 20th edition of Maracuba will be held today in all provinces, municipalities, population centers and mountain areas of Cuba, at a distance of three kilometers.

He added that as part of the sanitary protocols, runners will at all times remain with their nasobuco before the start in the blocks and can only take it off when they reach the Malecón; and upon entering the finish line they will put it on again.

These activities for peace, in opposition to the economic, commercial and financial blockade of the United States against Cuba and in support of the Revolution, are part of the commemorative celebrations for the 502nd anniversary of the Foundation of the Village of San Cristóbal de La Habana and also salute November 19, Physical Culture and Sports Day.