Francisco Ronnei Estevez crosses the finish line
Varadero, March 25 (JIT) - Cuban Francisco Ronnei Estévez won for the third consecutive time the 21-kilometer race during the V Varadero Marathon, held on Sunday with runners from 11 countries.
Small in stature, light in weight and always cheerful, he was seen happier after stamping 1:06.01 hours, the best time of his life, with which he once again guaranteed the national throne of the half marathon.
"Very satisfied with my time, it was what I wanted. Despite suffering a mishap a month ago due to injury, I recovered very well to achieve this victory," he said amid the swarm of journalists waiting for him at the finish line located near the Hicacos Shopping Center of the famous tourist destination.
Ronnie rode alone most of the circuit and acknowledged that to improve the winning mark he would need more rivalry as an incentive. "I would like to see more top athletes participate in future editions to create a better atmosphere, to make it a more demanding race," he confessed shortly before receiving a massage session in the tents set up for that purpose.
Alejandro Manuel Rodríguez (1:09.58), member of the national triathlon team, and José Alejandro Tameron (1:11.10) completed the awards podium.
Among women, the Cuban reign changed hands. It was the turn of Milena Pérez from Villaclare to cross the finish line in the first position with a time of 1:22.52 hours, which dethroned the defending champion from Guantanamo, Arletis Thaureaux (1:23.03), second on this occasion.
In the queen race, the 42 km and 195 m, this time there were no African runners and the Guantanamero Luis Angel Martinez won with two hours, 30 minutes and two seconds later.
In the women's race, the Spanish Alicia Mercedes Gil took the honors in the women's section. With a time of 3:49.07 hours.
The Varadero Marathon 2024 remains in debt for the absence of runners of higher level, but closed with the recognizable merit of continuity and to consolidate itself among the main calls in the island for lovers of long-distance races.
Beyond the competitive aspect, they come looking for something different, such as the opportunity to share with Olympic and world champions like Javier Sotomayor, Ana Fidelia Quirós, Yumileidi Cumbá, who awarded the winners.
