José David Cardona, the Colombian entry in the CAF Caracas Marathon 2011

(Bogotá, January 20, 2011).- José David Cardona was selected by the Colombian Athletics Federation as the national runner invited by CAF - Latin American development bank - to take part in the CAF Caracas Marathon 2011, thanks to his current title as National Marathon Champion.

The CAF Caracas Marathon 2011, the first international sporting event to be held in Caracas, has the backing of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), and local and state authorities which gives the event the highest possible category.

With a prize pool of over US$20,000, competitors are expected from Venezuela, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Spain, United States, France, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, United Kingdom, Uruguay and Colombia. To date about 3,000 runners have signed up for the two route options (21k-42k).

"I want to represent Colombia really well. It is an immense opportunity for which I want to thank my family, the Federation and CAF. I’m sure it will be a first class event," the athlete said. From Antioquia department, Cardona has dedicated 14 of his 28 years to athletics, a sport which has taken him to international competitions. He now devotes himself full time to sport to support his family, along with his brother Juan Carlos Cardona, an athlete who has represented his country in two Olympics.

To prepare, the Colombian representative has two daily training sessions. He hopes this will win him a leading position and also improve his personal record of 2'22''50, which has placed him among the top ten in the marathons he has run since 2007, and earned him several titles in Colombia and abroad.

To keep everyone interested up to date with all the details and announcements by the organization, CAF Caracas Marathon 2011 has a Twitter account: @maratoncaf2011; a group on Facebook: maratoncaf2011; and email: maratoncaf@caf.com.

The CAF-Caracas 2011 Marathon is an initiative of CAF – Latin American development bank – organized to celebrate its 40th anniversary, with the aim of stimulating sport as a means of integrated development and strengthening integration. Two routes - 21 km and 42 km – will be run on the big day February 20. For the organization, CAF is working in partnership with the Hipereventos company and has logistical support for security from the Ministry of People's Power for the Interior and Justice, Metropolitan Police, National Police, Civil Defense, Traffic Police, fire departments, and the municipal governments and police of Baruta, Chacao, Libertador and Sucre. Nike and Gatorade are sponsoring the event. For more information visit http://maraton.caf.com