The first lights of dawn surprised runners competing for the first three places of the International Martian Marathon (MARIMAR) in a tribute to Cuban National Hero Jose Marti in the 152nd anniversary of his birth, which despite not being an official competition in Cuba, its 5th edition attracted many long distance runners.

In 42 kilometres and 195 meters, the oldest long distance race in the world, the winner was Daniel Alvarez, from Ciego de Avila, and Dailin del Monte, from Santiago de Cuba, was the female winner.

The half marathon race (21.097 kilometres) was won by Henry Haenz Ortiz (male), from the Cuban national team, and Dailin del Monte (female).

The 10-kilometer race was won by Armando Campos (Guantanamo), Damanay Bordeloy as second place, and the bronze medal for Argentinean Maria Luisa Benetti.

Other awards were destined to popular races in different categories, from under 13 years old, up to over 60.

A special award to blind, deaf and disabled people in both sexes was given, and there was even a race for children nursery centers, in which almost 60 small babies took part.

Athletes for the 2005 MARIMAR edition came from Puerto Rico, Canada, Italy, Spain, Venezuela, Haiti, Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, Holland, Chile, Guyana, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico and Cuba.

Previous to the competition athletes put a flower offering in homage to the 151st anniversary of Jose Marti"s birth, at Santa Ifigenia Cemetery in Santiago de Cuba.

The countries with a greater participation were Venezuela, with 67 athletes, and Canada, with 47.

By: Prensa-Latina