THANK YOU

THANK YOU!

From the bottom of my heart.

We still have goosebumps. Yesterday, under the warm sun of a beautiful Sunday, Aveiro — Portuguese Capital of Culture in 2024 — became a true stage of dreams for thousands of athletes, cheered on by thousands more along the course, in the fourth edition of the European Marathon.

More than twenty thousand extraordinary and determined souls took on the four challenges on offer: 42, 21, 10 or 5 kilometres. Grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren all came together in a true celebration of human connection. The streets of Aveiro and Ílhavo were filled with runners from across the globe, representing over seventy countries. A true festival of nations and emotions, where camaraderie blended with competition in an atmosphere worthy of the Olympic Games.

Behind this epic event, over 750 team members worked tirelessly to ensure everything ran to perfection.

Countless athletes pushed beyond their limits, breaking personal bests. A new course record was set by Moroccan runner Mohamed Chaaboud with a superb time of 2:09:19 — one of the finest marathon performances in Portugal and among the top times recorded worldwide this year. He was followed by two Kenyan athletes: Dominic Omare (2:09:59) and Silas Sugut (2:10:29). The top Portuguese finisher, Carlos Costa from Vizela Corre, crossed the line in 2:23:21.

In the women's race, Kenya's Betty Chepleting took victory with 2:32:04. Portuguese athlete Vanessa Carvalho (Sporting de Braga) came second with an excellent personal best of 2:32:23, followed by Susana Cunha from RD Águeda in third place with 2:43:25.

The half marathon also delivered a thrilling spectacle, with victories for João Almeida (Recreio de Águeda) in 1:05:28, and Mónica Silva (Salgueiros), who, at age 40, set a new personal best of 1:12:47 — fuelling her dream of being selected for the European Championships in Rome 2024.

The 10K, filled with thousands of runners, had the great honour of featuring our very own Olympian, Susana Godinho — the only Portuguese athlete confirmed for the marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

As with every great epic, there was no shortage of unforgettable moments. From a surprise marriage proposal to the uplifting presence of race godmother Aurora Cunha, who cheered athletes all the way to the finish. And what can we say about godfather João Neto? This remarkable athlete ran the entire course while pushing six children in wheelchairs, leaving behind a powerful mark of generosity and solidarity — and at the finish, he gifted each child with a wheelchair of their own.

TVI's broadcast brought spectacular images to the world, while the official website and social media channels recorded astronomical numbers of visits and shares.

But the true legacy of the day was found in the athletes' own words — in their praise for the camaraderie and spirit of mutual support felt throughout the streets of Aveiro and Ílhavo.

The Marathon Expo, held over three days — a first for Portugal — was a resounding success. In a space specially designed to welcome athletes, thousands enjoyed entertainment, activities, and a wide range of offerings.

And the result? Simply incredible, unforgettable, and contagious.

To all our partners, sponsors, volunteers, friends and, above all, the phenomenal athletes who brought this fourth edition of the European Marathon to life — our deepest and most heartfelt thanks.

A special mention must go to Aveiro City Council, and in particular President José Ribau Esteves, for the unwavering support and involvement in building this remarkable project.

And now, a promise: we are already hard at work on the 2025 edition. We will address every detail, improve where needed, and deliver even more to continue surprising the world.

From the bottom of my heart, on behalf of the entire organising team:

THANK YOUOOOOOO

Paulo Costa
Director of the European Marathon
GlobalSport
29/04/2024