Francisco Estévez won the Half Marathon. Photo: Mónica Ramírez Photo: Mónica RamírezFrancisco Estévez won the third Half Marathon of Varadero, with a time of 1:10.19 hours, in a day in which the 10 km and the popular 3 km races were held.
His result, expected by many, confirms his position to qualify in long distance races to the upcoming Central American and Caribbean Games San Salvador-2023. Estévez had dominated the half marathon of El Cacahual, and the 10,000 meters in the Cuba Cup of Athletics, both tournaments held in 2022.
In declarations to the press, he expressed that he trained very hard for this event. "It was a difficult time for training, because of COVID-19. I did not stop training in my town of Bejucal, together with my little dog. I trained hard for El Cacahual, the Copa Cuba and this race, and all three went very well."
Spaniard Bruno Villazón took second place (1:10.43) and, about him, Estévez said "it was very complicated, he has a very high level. Thank God it was my turn to win now, I would like to compete more times with him to improve, although there are also other Cubans who compete very well".
Although winning was his goal, he confessed he was not pleased for not improving his records. "I am not satisfied with the time because I have better marks, but I am satisfied with having won, which was what I wanted most. It was a good circuit to make good times, although the air was very uncomfortable," he concluded. Cristian de los Santos took third place, with a time of 1:13.39.
Among the women, Yumisleidys Mestre won with a time of 1:18.54, and dedicated the victory to her son. "I felt good, thanks to the support of my coach. It is the first time I have run this course and it was good, although it was very windy," she said. However, she said that she ran comfortably and without pressure.
Yudisleyvis Castillo won silver, with 1:28.32, while Yelenia Jerez was bronze, with 1:43.57.
In the crowded 10 km race, Milena Pérez was the winner in the women's category, with a time of 37:37 minutes, followed by Salamah Mahoors (39:43) and Isabel Rodríguez (41:20). Among the men, Alejandro Rodríguez crossed the finish line first, in 31:24. Kevin Milián (32:34) and Mahel Mahoors (33:03) completed the podium.
In the skating half marathon, Adriana Cantillo from the capital city triumphed again. She was accompanied at the top by Rocío Proenza, from Sancti Spíritus, and Liz Marian Pereira, from Cienfuegos. David Quintero, also from Havana, won the men's race, followed by Dayán Millán (Havana) and Ernesto Gómez (Santiago de Cuba).
Translated by ESTI
