Havana, November 16 (RHC) – Without pressure and far from her best times, Cuban Yudileyvis Castillo reclaimed the top spot in the Marabana marathon today, in the 39th edition of the emblematic sporting event.
With a smile on her face and waving to the cameras, the experienced long-distance runner broke the winner’s tape at the finish line with a time of 3:08:00, adding her fifth podium finish in the Havana race to her record.
Speaking to Prensa Latina, Castillo lamented the lack of competition this time, which prevented her from achieving a good time, despite the favorable weather and course conditions.
“Today, there were no complications of any kind; everything was in my favor. The only difference is that the other runners left me alone, and I really enjoyed the event because I had no competition.”
The Cuban international finished more than 20 minutes ahead of Marion Tremblay (3:28:19) and 47 minutes ahead of Lismay Osorio (3:55:43), who came in second and third place, respectively.
After representing the island in regional multi-sport competitions and international circuits, Castillo maintains his ambition to break the three-hour barrier again in the 42.195-kilometer marathon and has his sights set on Emperatriz Wilson’s national record (2:36:35), which has stood for over three decades.
Marabana finalized its 2025 registration, and among its additional attractions, multi-record holder Erick Hernández competed in the five-kilometer race, showcasing his ball control skills with his feet, thighs, and head.
Approaching its 40th anniversary, the Havana Marathon reaffirmed its status as the premier running event in the nation and has already invited national and international runners to compete in the five, ten, half, and four-kilometer races on the third Sunday of November.
