The XII Marató del Mediterrani raises 500 euros for autoimmune diseases research
The weather was not at its the best yesterday, October 12th, when the XII Marató del Mediterrani-Ibercaja Gran Prix took off. This year the event took a charitable spin thanks to the collaboration with an innovative research project carried out by Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), which aims to fight autoimmune diseases through the study of new, more effective treatments that produce fewer side effects. Dr. Mercè Pérez, lead researcher on the project, was in charge of collecting the symbolic check representing all contributions that runners made the project.
Finally, the rain did not come, at least in the morning, and the race was celebrated with a rather cool temperature and a little sun. The sporting event brought together over 2,000 participants distributed among three categories: marathon in pairs, half marathon and a shorter 10km race.
The race, which celebrates its twelfth edition this year, is organized by Vip Zone Events, sponsored by the ànecblau mall and has the support of the municipalities of Castelldefels and Gavà. Actually, the races took place between the towns of Gavá and Castelldefels. On the route of 10k, the journey began in the Canal Olimpic avenue, leading to the boardwalk and back to the starting point. The half marathon shared half of this route, but adding the stretch of Avinguda del Mar.
The winners
As for the 10k race, the male winners were Carles Castillejo (32:20), Benito Ojeda (32:56) and Miki Solé (32:59); female winners were Silvia Segura (38:43), Cristina Silva (40:23) and Cristina Solé (41:08). The top male finishers of the half marathon were Nacho Caceres (1:08:34), Jose Manuel Vieito (1:10:01) and Carles Montllor (1:10:10); female winners were Giulia Rigodanza (1:24:40), Esther Vidal (1:28:42) and Mar Juárez (1:28:59).
Dr. Mercè Pérez holding the check with all the donations to her IDIBELL project