The Panama City Marathon consolidated itself this Sunday as one of the most relevant events in the region.
The list of winners included Panamanians. Among those, the Veraguense runner Daniel González who won in his absolute debut within the major category of 42 kilometers. While Jorge Castelblanco took the 21 kilometer title.
After crossing the finish line, González, a native of the Nazareno district in the Atalaya district, expressed his satisfaction for meeting the objective set from the starting line.
“I am happy because it is my first marathon and I left with that mentality and, first of all, God, that the victory stayed in the yard,” the young man said before the media.
González dedicated the victory to his work team and close circle. “Thank God, my teacher, my training partners and my partner who has always been supporting me. That was what I wanted: to win. I am happy about that because I was able to debut and win at the same time here in my homeland.”he expressed.
Regarding the psychological effort required in the critical phase of the route, the Veragüe runner highlighted that “It is a great joy to participate, because in the last kilometers I was convincing myself that I could.”
Castelblanco, for his part, commented that it was pleasant to win in his own country.
“Each event gives me the opportunity to represent Panama and to measure myself against international athletes as well. It takes me to a good level. This helps me a lot when I am in the preparation stage to evaluate the details and do everything in the best way,” held.
The Panama City Marathon had the participation of more than 2,000 competitors from approximately 40 countries, competing in the continental distances of 42 km (full marathon), 21 km (half marathon), as well as in 10 km and 5 km modalities.
Daniel González had words of appreciation for the logistics of the athletic event and the level of competition.
“For the first time, the organization that was made was excellent and I hope that next year will be better, more athletes will come and more levels will be opened,” mentioned.
González did not rule out his participation for next year, since he described the level of running in Panama as always competitive; The races are difficult because foreigners have a hard time because of the weather.
“Here you don’t run for a while, but for who can last the longest,” held.
Jorge Castelblanco expressed that the Panama City Marathon is here to stay, although he acknowledged that the event must be given “time.”
“The organization stood out throughout the entire route because each route was well marked with cones and that was excellent. There were no problems or dehydration. I really congratulate them for integrating one more marathon into the Panama calendar, which was also needed. I hope they continue doing it,” concluded the Panamanian runner.
