By Chesney Hearst, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Record participation is expected in this year’s Rio Marathon on Sunday, July 7th. More than twenty thousand pre-registered runners will take part in three races: the full marathon, the half marathon and the Olympikus Family Run.
An estimated fifty thousand spectators are set to cheer on runners from sixty-one countries – a record number – who will take part in what is often considered one of the most beautiful racing routes in the world.
The course hugs Rio’s Atlantic coastline offering scenic ocean views and of the city’s mountains, as well as famous landmarks including the Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf) and Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer).
The full marathon is an endurance 42km run (26.2 miles) with a route that starts in the Zona Oeste (West Zone) neighborhood of Recreio dos Bandeirantes.
Beginning at 7AM, the runners will make their way from the West Zone past the Zona Sul (South Zone) neighborhoods of São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana and Botafogo to the finish line in Aterro do Flamengo.
Runners of the half marathon will also start in the West Zone on Avenida do Pepe in Barra da Tijuca and will race 21km (13 miles) to their finish line also located in Aterro do Flamengo.
Both the starting and finish line for 6 km (3.7 miles) Olympikus Family Run will be in Aterro do Flamengo, near the Praça Cuautéhmoque.
An awards ceremony for the winners of all races will be held following the event. Marathon and half marathon runners placing from 1st to 10th place will receive cash prizes, including R$20,000 for the first place male and female athletes. Additional prizes and trophies will also be awarded to participants by category.
Read more (in Portuguese).
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