Caxito – Over 2,000 athletes are expected to take part in the 12th edition of the half race marathon dubbed "Fuga Para a Resistência" (Escape to Endurance) to be held on February 4 in northern Bengo province, the coordinator of the organizing committee Bartolomeu Pedro said Friday.
In 2023 the half marathon had 1,500 participants, this year the competition will be contested in a 21 kilometers long distance for federated competitors, 10 km for grassroots runners and three km for children.
Bartolomeu Pedro said preparations are going smoothly and registrations being made in varied places of the province and in the country's capital, Luanda and that the provinces of Luanda, Uíge, Zaire, Cuanza-Norte, Huila, Benguela and Huambo have been invited for this year’s event.
Former runner João Ntyamba, who witnessed the launch of this edition, emphasized the importance of the race for the development of athletics in the country, having expressed his willingness to help with his expertise.
The last half marathon was won by Avelino Sanganhale from the Cufucula club in Huambo province, and Ernestina Paulino from Interclube.
The endurance marathon is organized by the Bengo Provincial Government in partnership with the Angolan Athletics Federation.
The race aims to boost the sport at local level and contribute to the visibility of the province.
The initiative, which takes place every year on February 4, is a tribute to former combatants and veterans of the homeland. CJ/IF/DAN /AMP
