On a perfect morning for cross-country, with the San Gregorio de Sonseca circuit gentle, green and perfectly conditionedthe XLV edition of the Cross of San Juan Evangelista took place, a historic test that for decades was known as the Marzipan Cross … and this has become one of the major national and international events in the province. Today, in this category, only the España Toledana of the Toledo Athletic Club (CAT) of the capital and the Quintanar Cross of the Order, organized by the Manchego Athletic Club, survive.
Pedro J. Vega and Carmen Llerena left their rivals no choice and clearly wonshowing excellent form which allowed them to open up a gap of more than a minute at the finish. Nearly half a thousand runners participated in the fifteen scheduled outings by the Sports Department of the Sonseca City Hall.
The event also included the XVI Antonio Cerrillo Memorial, dedicated to the former mayor and physical education teacher. It benefited from a small contribution from the Provincial Council, while the regional government, according to the organization, once again “washed its hands”. Cross-country is integrated into the regional calendar and is contested over two distances: 6,995 meters for the men’s category and 4,995 meters for the women’s category, adapted to the design of the San Gregorio circuit.
The awards ceremony was chaired by the Mayor, MarÃa Victoria MartÃn-Santiagoin the company of the Sports Advisor, Rodrigo Rorado, during an event which closed a morning of great sporting atmosphere.
In the absolute men’s and under 23 categories Pedro J. Vega (Soliss–San Ildefonso) won with a time of 21:33 after covering 6,995 meters, followed by Juan GarcÃa (CA Tarancón), who stopped the clock at 22:21, and his teammate Hamza Tribak, third with 23:48.
In the absolute women’s competition and under 23disputed over 4,995 meters, the victory went to Carmen Llerena (CA Tarancón) with 18:10, followed by Paloma Gómez (CA Manchego de Quintanar de la Orden), who achieved a time of 19:01.
Among the veterans, the fastest was David González (Ciudad Real) with a record of 18:33. Also note the presence of the historic athlete Juan Francisco Romera, former national marathon record holder and member of the Torrijos Athletics Club, who obtained an honorable third place in the over 65 category.
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