Two days before the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon took place the press conference launching next Sunday’s race.
Carlos Móia, chairman of the organizing club, who began by lamenting the recent loss of former Olympic athlete Antonio Leitão, stressed the various records beaten by this 22nd Edition, starting with the number of participants, which exceeded 38,000. In the main event alone, there are 11,000, which forced an increase in the initially planned number of chips, T-shirts, medals and water bottles.
Also in terms of tourism the numbers for 2012 are impressive, as athletes from more than 50 countries will be present. At the elite level, for example, there are 44 foreign athletes.
Equally worthy of mention is the women’s participation. 22 years ago, there were 122 women running the 1st Lisbon Half Marathon. Next Sunday, there will be 15,000.
A record was also broken regarding the number of participants in the CTT Wheelchairs Race: more than 40.
Even the number of photographers is unusual: there will be over 100, many of them at MarathonFoto’s service, capturing images that participants may later on acquire.
Thus, with the number of participants also increasing in the Vitalis Friendship Race, in the Mimosa Grandparents and Grandchildren Walk and in the EDP Minichampions, all is set for the best Lisbon Half Marathon ever!
Reactions
“I hope to beat the record on Sunday. It’s my third time in this competition, a flat, very fast and beautiful race in a city that knows how to welcome well. ”
Zersenay Tadese, half marathon world record holder
“It’s an honor to be present. This race has great reputation, not only in terms of speed but also in terms of beauty. ”
Shalane Flanagan, U.S. athlete
“I want to congratulate and thank the organization for the event and hospitality. A toast (with water, the athletes’ drink) to a healthy, pleasant and fast race.”
Steve Gintowt, Competitor Group
“On behalf of IDP and the Secretary of State for Sports and Youth, I thank Carlos Móia’s for his efforts in organizing a race with such an impact on the population.”
Augusto Baganha, president of the Portuguese Sports Institute
“A fantastic result; even more so in a time of crisis. The CTT workers joined in great numbers as well. The participants in the race we are sponsoring are life examples.”
Salema Garção, CTT
