Registration for the 2020 edition of the International Reyes Marathon is being held at the Civic Center. The main race in Entre Ríos will take place on January 11 in the Provincial Capital of the Marathon, Concordia, a designation the city earned due to the growth of this sporting activity and the large number of good and outstanding runners it produces year after year.
"Everything started very well. It is truly a source of pride to be part of the organization of this sports festival, and to see how it has grown and consolidated with the support and decision of Mayor Enrique Cresto, even from before he was Mayor, which allowed it to be one of the main marathons in the entire country today, due to the impact it has, the number of runners, the prizes available, and the raffle of a 0km car among all the runners," stated Marcelo Flores, director of the athletic event.
In-person registration began this week at a promotional price of $500. "The second stage will be on January 2 and 3, and the third stage will be on January 8, 9, and 10. And then, on the day of the race itself, there will be in-person registration for runners from outside the city, and for kit pickup for those coming from outside," commented Flores. "Despite the economic context, which is not the best, I am sure we will have a record number of registrants, because in addition to the strictly sporting aspect, this Marathon is a festival for the whole family, it is a healthy festival," he anticipated.
Regarding the various novelties this year, he indicated that "the kit we are delivering includes a backpack, a very nice backpack, which is the first time we have been able to do this, and this shows that year after year we continue to grow. Along with the t-shirt, the competition chip, and the products from the different companies that are accompanying us, and that offer these gifts to the runners," he pointed out and thanked "the support of all the sponsors, all the companies, and all the areas of the Municipality that work; without their accompaniment, it would be impossible to carry out this event of such great magnitude."
He stressed that there are already more than 10 elite athletes confirmed for this edition, and recalled that in 2020 there will be a change in the route for the 5km distance, which will start at Avda Eva Perón and San Lorenzo, with the aim of making it more comfortable for everyone participating.
THE FIRST REGISTRANT
"I always try to be the first to register, I already know I am prepared and I want to run the Marathon," said Horacio Angio, who for several years has been the first registrant when in-person registration opens. "Gradually the Marathon has been improving, the Municipality, Mayor Enrique Cresto, everyone makes a great sacrifice so that the Reyes Marathon of Concordia is well-regarded throughout the country. They must be congratulated," he valued.
Regarding how the athletic event is experienced, he highlighted that "the public is running with us and that encourages us to continue and reach the finish line. Here in Concordia, it is impressive how the residents go out to the street to cheer," highlighted the experienced amateur runner. "My expectation for the race is to finish the lap. I am already a big boy, I am 78 years old, it is hard for me to run. But my expectation is to complete the whole lap and be there before an hour and a half" crossing the finish line. "For me, arriving is the triumph," he assured.
The Mayor himself greeted Angio through social media. "Once again, Horacio "Burro" Angio was the first registrant. By tradition or by superstition, the registration of the dear Burro is always a good omen for what is to come," wrote Cresto on Facebook, accompanying the post with photos of the first registrants.