International Marathon ramping up in Dili

More and more support banners are going up, foreign runners are trickling in, locals are getting to the business end of their training, school kids are getting excited for their Saturday morning off and Dili-based politicians, ambassadors and sponsors are all getting ready to attend the biggest local running event of the year.

The Dili ‘City of Peace’ Marathon is less than a week away. With over 4000 school children (and counting) registered as participants in the 7km Run for Peace, and a strong contingent of expats, local runners and foreign participants lacing up for the half and full marathons, this is set to be the most-participated sporting event in Timor-Leste history. And news of this is making a splash overseas.

 

The New York Road Runners, organisers of the ING New York City Marathon, have sent a representative of their charity arm, A Running Start, to follow the race and also the progress of their video programme. The Running Start video was developed in the USA and is now being applied in Timor-Leste to encourage greater youth participation in long-distance running. The Organisation for Peace and Sport is also coming into town, bringing three time New York City Marathon winner and long-distance record holder Telga Laroupe. Ms. Larouope of Kenya will be completing the 7km Run for Peace alongside H.E President José Ramos-Horta.

 

Adding to the festive atmosphere will be the USS Cleveland with her 700 sailors and doctors either participating, volunteering their medical and musical skills or just watching the event.

 

Local support is also building for the second iteration of the annual event. Invites have been sent and politicians are preparing for the early morning start on Saturday. Fortunately they will be treated to Hotel Timor and Patéo hospitality at the VIP tent – no doubt the early morning coffee will be appreciated by all.

 

All readers fortunate enough to be in Dili on Saturday morning, 18 June, will be more than welcome to join the festivities down at the Palacio Governo – the start/finish line – or anywhere along the course that winds its way around Dili.