The XII edition of the Sport Zone Porto Half Marathon came to an end with many stories to tell, on a foggy day, in which even the Arrábida Bridge could not impose itself on the banks of the Douro River.
Porto and Gaia were once again the scene of the 21 km Sport Zone and 6 km Santander, which begun (started) with the starting shot given by former European champion Paulo Guerra.
Symbolic departure by inclusion
But before the official start shot, another starting signal was given a few minutes before the start of a very special race. This year the Sport Zone Porto Half Marathon hosted the Egoísmo Positivo team, participating in Portugal for the first time
The Egoísmo Positivo movement gave wheelchair users the opportunity to take part (participate) in the race, accompanied by athletes from this movement, allowing their integration in the event.
This year the fog and a fresh and pleasant breeze was felt during the whole route that joined the banks of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, beginning at Freixo and ending in the Jardim do Calém.
Kenyan domain on the podium
With a presence of strong international athletes, along with an excellent component of national elite, the masculine podium was dominated by the Kenyan athletes. First ranked, Mike Kiptum Boit proved to be very strong, cutting the finish line with 1:00:53, reminiscent of the record of the Porto Half Marathon in 2011 Zerzenay Tadese (00:59:30).
Second-placed Abraham Kasongor Akopesha completed the race with the time of 1:01:19, with Ishmael Chelanga Kalale finishing in third with the time of 1:02:00.
Luís Saraiva, from SC Braga, was the first Portuguese to reach the Jardim do Calém, having reached 13th place, with the time 01:07:23, followed by José Moreira (Sporting CP) in 14th place at 01:07: 25.
On the women's side, the African dominion remained, with Kenya's Susan Kipsang Jeptoo, coming in first in the time of 01:11:06, followed by compatriot Sharon Jemutai Cherop, with 01:11:09 and the athlete of Uganda, Juliet Chekwel, who came in third with the time of 01:11:55.
Susana Godinho, from Sporting Clube de Portugal, was the first Portuguese to reach the goal, in 7th position, at 01:18:47.
