The meeting point was the emblematic Doroteo Guamuch Flores StadiumSix Guatemalan athletes shared the illusion of having won a place in the mass marathon of the Paris 2024 Olympic Gamesan experience that will change their lives.
The excitement and joy can be seen on the faces of the Guatemalan athletes Tania Lee, Isabel Garcia, Paola Garcia, Andres Lemus and Pablo Wongwho met for the first time and shared that feeling of the world of runners.
He might not attend the meeting. Zeasseska Noriega, who resides in Barcelona, Spainbut he will also live the Parisian adventure and closely follow every moment of his companions through Instagram stories and through the WhatsApp group they opened on the occasion of the trip.
Amidst laughter and jokes, the runners share how they completed the requirements to be considered by the organization, while walking along the blue tartan track of the national stadium, which has seen great figures of Guatemalan athletics shine.
The mass marathon in Paris 2024 It is part of one of the events that will be implemented for the first time in history, in which 20,024 runners are expected to compete and it will have the peculiarity of being at night.
The elite men’s marathon event, in which he will compete Alberto Gonzalez, will be held on August 10starting at 8 a.m. (12 a.m. in Guatemala), and at 9 p.m. (1 p.m.) the starting flag for the 42 kilometers will be raised.
The mass participation marathon offers the opportunity for as many people as possible to get closer to the heart of the Games adventure, following in the footsteps of the Olympic athletes, explains the official Paris 2024 website.
The mass marathon will follow the same route as the Olympic oneThe aim of the marathon format is to allow amateur athletes to push their limits and be part of an exceptional moment in which they will follow in the footsteps of Olympic athletes.
Emotion
Andres Lemus He is a systems engineer. His first participation was in 2015, in the Maya Marathon, and then he participated in races in Tokyo, London, Chicago and Berlin.
“The reason I wanted to be in Paris was to prove to myself that I can be disciplined enough to achieve the points for this event, but what makes me most happy is leaving a legacy for my family,” said Lemus.
Thania Leefor her part, began running for health reasons at the age of 18, and the first marathon she competed in was the New York marathon in 2015. That was the beginning of a passion that has not stopped. She even participated in a virtual race during the pandemic.
“I have already run the six World Marathon Majors, which are Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin, Tokyo and London. Running in Paris is a dream and a blessing from God, so I will go and enjoy it,” said Lee.
Legacy
Isabel Garcia He started in the sport as a challenge with a friend. His strong point is the ironman, with which he has competed in three world championships. In January of this year he received an email confirming his invitation to compete in the Paris half marathon.
“I got into athletics following watching my dad run. Participating in the marathon in the city of the Olympic Games is a dream come true. I am honored to represent Guatemala,” said Paola García, who shares her passion for sports with her profession as a doctor.
The experienced runner also stands out in the group Pablo Wongwho has 18 years in the sport and has competed in 194 marathons“Being able to race in Paris is a gift from God and a reward for effort and dedication,” he says.
The athletes will cover their plane tickets, lodging and food with their own money and have had contact with the authorities of the Guatemalan Olympic Committee so that they can provide them with uniforms.
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