The Moroccan, who lives in Italy, took the victory from the Kenyan Kipkirui in the final kilometer and the Ecuadorian athlete took almost two minutes from the second-placed
On the first Sunday in February, this Sunday marked the return of the Marathon Festival to Murcia, proof that the capital’s main streets have once again become a running track. The race has grown into a special event for runners in recent years and this was once again demonstrated in this 2023 edition.
Moroccan Boufars Hicham was crowned in the 42km stage after crossing the finish line first with a time of 2:15.35, breaking the test record. In the women’s race, María Mercedes Pila, a native of Jarandilla de la Vera (Cáceres) and of Ecuadorian descent, established herself as champion for the second consecutive year after crossing the finish line first (2:48.56).
Hicham took victory in the final kilometer from Kenyan athlete Dominick Kipkirui, who led the event from the start but eventually finished second, just seconds behind the champion. In the women’s race, Mercedes Pila clearly had the upper hand, as her main pursuer, Verónica Sánchez, came in almost two minutes later (2:50.32).
Andrés Micó from Villena was the first to cross the finish line at the 21-kilometer half marathon and the championship medal was hanging. And it was in the women’s event of this category where the representation of the Region of Murcia took home the prize. Murcian athlete Laura Nicolás took victory after an hour and 19 minutes of racing.
The race over 10 kilometers was for the Finns Vilho Loukkalahti, with a time of 30:50, and Emilia Siltanen (35:30). Esther Nicolás from Murcia finished second in the women’s race after 36 minutes and 44 seconds.
Cardenal Belluga Square, where numerous residents gathered, and the Cathedral welcomed the runners with applause in recognition of the physical display put on by professionals and amateurs this Sunday morning in Murcia.
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
