São Paulo (SP) - The Rio de Janeiro Half Marathon, the main event of the distance in Brazil, consolidated its image towards athletes from all states in Brazil. The race, which will be held on August 22nd starts at Sao Conrado Beach, finishes at Flamengo, draws a greater number of foreigners every year. There are not only elite invited athletes, but amateurs, who wish to participate in the great athletics Brazilian party the race has turned into. The 14th edition of the race registered athletes from 20 different countries, with estimates of 18,000 participants.

Organizer has been investing hard to its internationalization process, which resulted already in more than 100 entries from United States of America, Denmark, Spain, France, Great Britain, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, Colombia, Chile and Argentina, besides some African countries.

The 21,097 meters along the most beautiful scenery of Rio de Janeiro course has every year a greater number of people attracted by excellent organization - the race has been elected by IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federation) in 2008 for being the World Half Marathon. The records of Rio de Janeiro Half Marathon has been made in the 2000 edition, dominated by Kenya. In the male, John Gwako did 1h01min48s and female, Margaret Okai scored 1h11min22s.

‘Rio Half Marathon has gained a greater space in the international world of races every year. We aim to get even more popular in 2011, as we will be present in the New York, Berlin, Athens and Buenos Aires expos’, said race director Thadeus Kassabian.

The Rio de Janeiro Half Marathon is a Rede Globo event, organized by Yescom, sponsored by CAIXA, Adidas and Fisk, supported by TAM Viagens, Montevérgine, Gatorade, 3 Corações, HCor and counts on a special support of the Rio de Janeiro city major. It is held under supervision of IAAF, AIMS, Brazilian Athletics Federation (CBAt) and Rio de Janeiro Athletics Federation (Farj).

Further information on http://www.yescom.com.br/meiadorio/2010/ingles/index.asp

João Pedro Nunes - Mtb 11.675
E-mail: Nunes@zdl.com.br
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