Marathon

BELGRADE- Renowned Yugoslav marathon runner Franjo Mihalic passed away at the age of 95 in Belgrade on Saturday.

The legendary winner of silver medals at the Olympics in Melbourne dedicated his whole life to sport, especially athletics.

Mihalic broke down 22 records in his career, and his greatest success was the silver medal at the Olympic Games in Melbourne in April 1956.

“I don’t run in the Istanbul marathon. It really isn't an athlete-friendly event. Just trying to reach the starting point is a hassle, while trying to get to your house after the finish is another hassle,” a friend told me.

The Istanbul Marathon, unique for spanning the Asian and European continents, will be run for the 36th time in Istanbul on Nov. 16.

By George Georgakopoulos

True to his word, the president of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), Paco Borao finished the Athens Marathon-The Authentic on Sunday, at the age of 68 years, running the course for the first time in his life.

By Stathis Kousounis

Sunday’s Athens Authentic Marathon, in which up to 35,000 runners are expected to participate, is seen as a crucial boost for the capital’s hotels, although future marathons hold the potential for even greater benefits for tourism in the city, according to the president of the Attica, Athens and Argosaronic Hoteliers Association.

Interior Minister Argyris Dinopoulos on Thursday approved an advance of 400,000 euros for the Municipality of Marathon, northeast of Athens, to cover its payroll needs after Mayor Ilias Psinakis suggested on Wednesday that the municipality was close to bankruptcy.

TV celebrity and entrepreneur Ilias Psinakis, who took over as mayor of Marathon, northeast of Athens, in September, claims the municipality is close to bankruptcy because of mismanagement by previous officials.

“The party that had been going on for the last 16 years in the Municipality of Marathon is over and I am stuck with the bill,” he said.

Kenyan Athlete Edwin Kipchumba and Ethiopia's Zerife Boku were the fastest contenders at Marathon Sofia's 31st edition held on Sunday, October 12.

Kipchumba went through the 42.195 km in 2:19.06 h. He came first after closing in on other participants and taking the lead just in the last 5 kilometers.

Over 8,000 people from over 50 countries are expected to compete in this year's Bucharest International Marathon, which is half marathon and half relay races.

Parents of children under four years of age can run the 800-metre-long "Diapers Jog", while children aged five to 12 will also have their dedicated races.

The traditional Sofia Marathon will take place on October 12.

The deadline for registration is October 7.

The marathon takes place each year since 1983 and is co-organised by the Bulgarian Athletics Federation and the Sofia Municipality.

The start is at 10 AM in front of the Vasil Levski national stadium.