There have been three consecutive editions in which the Valencia Marathon brings extra motivation to the thousands of participants who run through the streets of the capital of Turia every year: prize of one million euros that Juan Roig, president of Mercadona, promises to who breaks the world record. A commitment that the Valencian businessman confirmed will maintain in 2026.
“First of all, When we get it we can increase itbut for now they are just words. When the fact is established, we can ask this question. Now it is maintained and is very suitable for both men and women“, said Roig, after the conclusion of the test, when asked if he would increase the amount when the record is broken.
Furthermore, the boss of the Valencia Marathon, Trinidad Alfonso Zurich, and the foundation he chairs, celebrated the record participation of 36,000 runners and assessed the possibility that this number could be higher: “We have a request for 60,000 if we wanted it next year. And he won’t be able to be. The city and the organization give what they give. I push them and tell them they need to do more and they don’t. For me very easy. “The hardest part is for Paco Borao (main organizer of the marathon).”
“We are very satisfied and very happy with what has been achieved. I believe that we did a very sustainable marathonsustainable in all respects, of course economical. This is already a proof which is sufficient in itself and For us, this is a big goal achieved“, he indicated.
In this sense, Roig emphasized that “the organization itself generates enough money thanks to sponsors, registrations and many things that have been done to make it sustainable”, while believing that this should be the case for “everything we organize in Spain”. which are “durable, not eligible”.
“We do not receive any grants from any entity.. Well, the city leaves us free all the infrastructure that already does enough, but is sustainable in itself,” he concluded.
Regarding the disadvantages for citizens which filled the city with 36,000 runners, the businessman sent a message to all the inhabitants of Valencia: “We must apologize to the citizens because it is impossible to make an omelette without breaking eggs. And Some of them are inconvenienced by traffic and I apologize for that.but I think it’s very good for the common good of the whole city.”
Furthermore, he appreciated sporting result this year, with Kenyan Joyciline Jepkosgei setting the best world record of the year and the fourth in history, with a time of 2:14:00, indicating that “If he catches the brush in your hand, there will be a day when you will break the record”.
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