With thousands of runners, Caracas becomes the marathon capital of Latin America

February 26, 2012.- Sunday morning in Caracas was full of color and movement as, along with the sun, almost 6,000 athletes, who had accepted the challenge of running in the second CAF-Caracas Marathon 2012, left the starting line. The elite athletes who took first, second and third places in the male and female categories in the 42k marathon were presented at a press conference with the presence of Enrique Garcia, president & CEO of CAF - Latin American development bank - which organized the event.

"It gives a great sense of satisfaction to see the culmination of this wonderful event. I especially congratulate the athletes who are with us here and reflect the international nature of this race, with Colombia, Kenya and Brazil represented among the winners," García said. The Marathon "is part of the objectives of CAF of supporting sport as a tool for social inclusion and, through the event, promoting the integration of thousands of athletes throughout the region."

The Colombian athlete who took first place, José David Cardona, said he was very pleased with the organization of the event and emphasized its importance for his career.

The CAF Caracas Marathon brought to the Venezuelan capital for the second year running a sports contest of 42.195 kilometers, internationally certified by the IAAF and AIMS and also a qualifier for the Olympic Games in London 2012, the South American Marathon Championship and the Venezuelan National Marathon Championship.

With music and cheering, the athletes were urged on by the massive participation of the people of Caracas who proved themselves worthy of this important event for the city, which continues to make history for Venezuela by becoming part of the circuit of certified international marathons in Latin America.

The CAF president acknowledged the particular contribution of the public and private institutions which worked with the institution to ensure the success of marathon, especially the support of the ministries of People's Power for Interior Relations and Justice, Defense and Sports, along with the local governments of Baruta, Chacao, Libertador and Sucre.

García said the Marathon had support of almost 2,000 police officers who guarded the route "which for us is very important because safety is the priority in organizing the event."

Maickel Melamed deserves a special mention. This Venezuelan again made history - even with his special condition of motor disability – by running 17 kilometers of the CAF Caracas Marathon 2012. The ambassador of the Marathon joined the 6,000 runners and the people of Caracas were able to offer him support during his run, "I am very excited to have done this run in Caracas, this beautiful city with incredible people," Melamed said. "See you again next year."

Winners

The list of 42k winners included names from several shareholder countries of the Latin American financial institution, among others. Athletes from Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya and Venezuela received their trophy as winners of the first five places in the race.

The race, which was streamed live, had over 15,500 competitors from Germany, Netherlands Antilles, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, United States, Ecuador, United Arab Emirates, Spain, Philippines, France, Holland, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, Morocco, Moldova, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, United Kingdom, Dominican Republic, Russia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela.

The winners and times for the 42k were:

Male category:

1. José David Cardona (Colombia) 2:19´18"
2. Shadrack Maiyo (Kenya) 2:22´22"
3. Jose Everaldo Da Silva (Brazil) 2:24´22"
4. Eduardo Aruquipa (Bolivia) 2:26´06"
5. Marco Erazo (Ecuador) 2:26´56"

Female category:

1. Conceicao Maria Carvalho (Brazil): 02:53´15"
2. Ruby Riativa (Colombia): 02:53´22"
3. Ana Joaquina Rondón (Colombia) 02:55´04"
4. Sandra Sarmiento (Venezuela) 02:56´57"
5. Jennifer Rodríguez (Venezuela) 02:57´31"

For more information and pictures of CAF Caracas 2012 Marathon click here.