Luanda - The International Peace Half Marathon was postponed until September due to the recent suspension of Angola by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), for failure to comply with the national sports law in accordance with that institution's regulations.
The fact is expressed in a note from the Organizing Committee of the event to which ANGOP had access, this Thursday, in Luanda.
The annual competition, whose 3rd edition was due to take place on April 4th, was transferred as a precautionary measure as the world body for combating doping in sport will only analyze Angola's reintegration again in May.
The prospect of Angola's return as a member of WADA comes after the Anti-Doping in Sports Law was already approved on February 28th by the National Assembly, lacking only its promulgation and publication in the Official Gazette.
Until this happens, Angola will be prevented from using national symbols, such as raising the flag and the anthem of the Republic, in a first phase, which could lead to exclusion from competitions abroad and removal of Angolan staff from international institutions.
The competition, in commemoration of the 4th of April - which marks the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, putting an end to the armed conflict in 2002 - is organized by “CRDS Eventos Angola”, in collaboration with "Tchaco Sports", the latter for the timing.
The 2nd edition of the International Peace Half Marathon, in the men's category, was won by Ethiopian Kenneth Rotich, with a time of 1:05:54 in a race covering 21.975 kilometers.
The podium was made up of compatriots, Joseph Kiprono Kiptum (1:04:06s) and Edwin Kipleting (1:04:15s) Runner Violah Motosio, from Bahrain, in the women's category, was the winner with a time of 1:10:11, followed by Kenyan Sophy Jepchirchir, with a time of 1:10:31, while Abigail Mutai, also from Kenya, closed the podium with a time of 1:12:52.
IN/MC/CF/jmc
