More than 3,500 athletes, the largest number ever, ran through the main streets of the city and surrounding parishes in another edition of the Famalicão Half Marathon. The race record was broken once again, in an impressive performance by athlete Hani Idriss Hersi (Djibouti) and Kenyan Noshin Mandoi Kimuge, who finished the race in 01:01:03 and 01:13:05, respectively.
The starting shot for the 11th edition of the initiative was fired by the Councilor for Sports of the Municipality of Vila Nova de Famalicão, Pedro Oliveira, accompanied by Olympic athlete Fernanda Ribeiro.
Athletes from 23 countries took part in this edition, providing a competitive and inspiring spectacle that captivated the hundreds of people who accompanied and supported the participants on the streets of Famalicão. The cultural highlights at various points along the route also contributed to creating a vibrant and motivating atmosphere.
The highlight of the Q8 10th Famalicão Half Marathon (21km) was the impressive performance of the African athletes, who set new records in the race.
The winner of the men's competition, Hani Idriss Hersi (Djibouti), completed the half marathon in record time, setting a new benchmark: 01:01:03. He was followed by Kenyans George Kiplagat Kiptum in second place with a time of 01:03:01 and Shadrack Korir in third place with 01:05:01.
In the women's 21 km competition, Noshin Mandoi Kimuge (Kenya) was the big winner, with 01:13:05 - a new race record. Second place went to Famalicense athlete Vanessa Carvalho (SC Braga), with a time of 01:15:04, and Marta Martins (GDC Guilhovai) completed the podium with 01:19:47.
The 10 km race also attracted a large number of participants, with the podium dominated by Portuguese athletes.
The first to cross the finish line were Fernando Serrão and Mónica Silva, athletes from Clube Desportivo de S. Salvador do Campo, who finished the race in 00:30:49 and 00:34:35, respectively.
The men's podium was completed by João Azevedo (EARO) from Famalicão, who finished the race in 00:31:05, followed by Amado Martins (GDR Santa Tecla), with a time of 00:31:29.
In the women's race, second place went to Mariana Regalo (Maia AC), with a time of 00:36:11, and third place to Esmeralda Meira (Vitória SC), with 00:41:53.
It should be noted that the Municipality of Vila Nova de Famalicão and Run Porto, with Q8 as the main sponsor, jointly organize the Q8 11th Famalicão Half Marathon. This year, the race returned to the World Athletics competition calendar, following the technical and competition rules of world athletics, allowing athletes to have their times certified.
