Eric Kering and Rebeca Ruiz-Díez shine at the Gran Canaria Maspalomas Marathon

The international and southernmost marathon in Europe already knows its winners. Kenyan Eric Kimutai Kering replaced his compatriot William Ruto Cheboi, absolute champion in 2021, at the top of the podium, and Rebeca Ruiz-Díez replaced fellow Kenyan Isgah Cheruto. They were crowned in the second edition of the Gran Canaria Maspalomas Marathon that brought together 840 athletes in the queen race of 42.195 meters promoted by the Sports Department of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, directed by Samuel Henríquez, and organized by DG Events. Kering was the fastest with a time of 2:27:04, followed by Cristian Expósito, from Burela, just over eight minutes behind, and Enrique Delgado, from Trivalle, third, 11 minutes behind the winner. For her part, Ruiz-Díez, from ¡Qué bien vas!, took the victory after crossing the finish line located this year on Paseo de Meloneras in 2:58:01. Cristina Santurino and Sonia Prieto, from Atletas 97 Clínica del Pie Luengo, three and a half minutes away, as well as six minutes away respectively, completed the female podium of the event sponsored by Sports and Tourism of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, together with Turismo de Islas Canary Islands.

 

 

The test that everyone was waiting for began at eight in the morning with the Maspalomas Lighthouse as a witness before directing their strides towards the Charca and its panoramic view of the Dunes, Tony Gallardo Park or the interior of Maspalomas Golf, among other points of the route. approved by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation. The Campo Internacional, Holiday World Maspalomas Center or the surroundings of ExpoMeloneras, where the Runners Village took place on Friday and Saturday, were also part of the lively circuit that motivated the protagonists. Running in paradise is always an authentic experience as demonstrated by each and every one of the athletes who, with different objectives and challenges, competed for the privileged places, the cash prizes, but above all the experience lived in Gran Canaria, the European Island. of Sports, running and giving his all in paradise.

 

 

The prized finisher's medal and the post-finish party extended the party with live music until early in the afternoon. Eric Kimutai Kering and Rebeca Ruiz-Díez won the trophy and 2.000 euros. Cristian Expósito and Cristina Santurino with 1.500, while the third parties, Enrique Delgado and Sonia Prieto, obtained 1.000. Peder Myhre, Rebecca Jackson, Markus Hauge and Elina Junnila took fourth and fifth place with 500 and 400. The organization also recognized the ten fastest resident Canaries of the day, five men and women. Enrique Delgado won the title as best Canarian resident athlete. The Trivalle athlete was accompanied by Jorge Álvarez, from the UAVA, Jacob Medina, Álvaro Santana and Guadafret Martín. Sonia Prieto led ahead of Atteneri Marrero, Ana Begoña González, from Vallivana, Loida Sangines, from Traspasalímites, and Tatiana Mujica, from Carphial Teror Trail.

 

 

Likewise, the renowned Rafa Botello won in the wheelchair athletes category with 2:21:13. Joaquín García 2:22:18 and Iván Heras 2:27:46 completed the podium on which Martyna Kataryna 2:49:45 and Eva-Lena Kjellsson also registered their names. Batucadas, DJs, refreshment points every two and a half kilometers and an itinerary designed by and for the runner enlivened the festive atmosphere of the Sunday day.

 

 

On the other hand, Vithas 10K brought together more than 1.600 runners. Francisco Cabrera Galindo won the Paseo de Meloneras after flying and stopping the clock at 30:30. Saúl Castro, both from DISA HPS, was second at 19 seconds, while Corentin Lefer took third place with 31:17. Sigrun Gjolberg did the same with 35:14, followed by the Italian Ilaria Tersigni, 39:54, and Lindy-Lee Folscher, with 40:38. The official medical service of the Gran Canaria Maspalomas Marathon, which gives its name to the 10.000th, was dedicated to this distance. In addition, it took care of all the participants and the public by providing a large safety and emergency team made up of ten ambulances, several motorized units and two advanced medical assistance posts at the finish line. It offers numerous advantages in its services. The cycling clubs Atlefulca, Avispero and Bicitel also did not want to miss out and, together with the hares, were part of the race from within.