The La Paz 3600 10K race offers over US$3,400 in prizes and participation in international competitions

(La Paz, October 27, 2010).– The second annual La Paz 3600 10K sporting event, organized by CAF –Latin American development bank – and the La Paz Autonomous Municipal Government (GAMLP), will present US$3,400 in cash prizes to the top three winners in each category. The absolute winners (women and men) will also participate in the CAF 2010 Caracas Marathon to be held February 20 next year in Venezuela.

The winners in the five categories will receive US$200 first place, US$100 second and US$50 for third place. The first 5,000 athletes to reach the finishing post in Plaza del Estudiante will receive an official T-shirt, and the first 3,600 will get a medal for participation and a special sports snack.

"CAF supports sport because for us the best investment is in people, in the human capital of countries," CAF director representative Emilio Uquillas said. He added that – together with the La Paz government – they shared the concern to give La Paz a race like those held in many other capital cities, such as Buenos Aires, Caracas, Quito, Bogota and Lima. "We want to promote more sporting activity in La Paz."

The executive secretary of the La Paz City Government, Luis Lugones, said his institution does decisive work in promoting sport in the city, in this case as co-organizer of the competition. The city government has arranged for the participation of the Municipal Guard, RED 118 and the "Zebra" road education characters who will all support this sports fiesta along the entire route.

During the press conference, which gave information on the logistical organization of the race, Franco Urquidi, regional vice president of Banco BISA, speaking on behalf of the sponsoring companies, said that his financial institution supports this initiative because "it not only encourages the practice of sport, but also creates a space for competition and recreation for all the family and demonstrates to the world that we can practice any sport at 3,600 meters above sea level." Later, the first shirts were presented to outstanding athletes who will participate in the race, including Eduardo Aruquipa, Bernarda Tintaya, Estela Rivas, and Frankiln Aruquipa, among others.

Route and security

Colonel Carlos Saravia, head of Planning and Operations of the National Police Command, said the competition would be protected by police who would monitor the safety of the competitors, the normal operation of the race and traffic flow in nearby streets.

The race will take place along the following route: Plaza Bicentenario tunnel, 6 de Agosto, Agustín Aspiazu, Ecuador, Plaza España, Francisco Bedregal, Cancha Figaro, Francisco Bedregal (esq. Emaverde), Puentes Trillizos, Zabaleta, Capitán Castrillo, Constanera, Mcal Braun Stadium, F. Reque, Germán Busch, Estados Unidos, Capitan H. Estrada (H. Siles north curve), Simón Bolívar and Camacho. The finishing post will be in Plaza Camacho.

Information of interest

The La Paz 3600 race will be held on Sunday, November 7. Runners should meet 7:30 am for the start at 8:00 am from Plaza del Estudiante.

The categories for men and women athletes and amateurs are: secondary students, age under 35, 36 to 45, 46 and over, and people with special capacities (wheelchair).

Registration is free on presentation of photocopy of birth certificate or identity card. Enrollment stations are: Municipal Sports Department (Edificio Técnico Municipal, Colombia esq. Mcal Santa Cruz, Piso 11); municipal swimming pools Obrajes (Calle 11) and Orkohauira (Pasoskanki bridge); Luis Lastra Sports Palace (final Presbítero Medina); and Munaypata Sports Palace (Av. Naciones Unidas).

Participants must show the assigned number on their shirts to begin the warm up which will be led by professionals starting at 7:30 am.

The prize giving ceremony will be held in Plaza Camacho.