DILI, 16 november 2024 (TATOLI)— Runners from Kenya for the men’s category and Indonesia for the women’s category won first place in the 21-kilometer running event in the Dili Marathon 2024.
The Presidency of the Republic of Timor-Leste, in collaboration with the government through the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture (Mo YSAC) and the Timor-Leste Athletics Federation, organized the Dili Marathon 2024 at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace with the theme “Promote Running for Peace and Health in the Dili Marathon 2024”.
This prestigious event is an initiative of President and Nobel Peace Laureate J. Ramos Horta since 2011 and remains a priority in the President’s mandate for 2022-2027. The Dili Marathon aims to strengthen peace and stability while promoting tourism and raising the profile of Timor-Leste at the regional and international levels.
The President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta, presided over the awards ceremony, recognizing the outstanding achievements of national and international participants.
“The Dili Marathon represents more than just a sporting event; it is a powerful symbol of our nation’s commitment to peace, health, and unity. This marathon has become a cornerstone of our ‘Dili City for Peace’ program and continues to demonstrate Timor-Leste’s dedication to promoting national health and international brotherhood,” President José Ramos Horta said saturday.
This year’s competition had four categories: Half Marathon (21 km), General Category (10 km), Para-Athletics (10 km), and Fun Run (3 km).
In a highly competitive 21 km half marathon, Kamau Samson Karega of Kenya took first place in the men’s division, followed by Felisberto de Deus of Timor-Leste from the Municipality of Ermera in second place and Tarsisius Seso of Indonesia from NTT in third place.
In the women’s division, Indonesian athletes dominated the podium with Nefriana Ariance Diak (East Kalimantan), Afriana Paijo (NTT), and Susi Susanti (East Kalimantan) taking first, second, and third place, respectively.
The 10 km general category showcased Timor-Leste’s athletic excellence, with all podium positions secured by national athletes. Joanito Fernandes, Zaqueu de Deus, and Francisco dos S. Bissa secured the top three positions in the men’s division, while Rubia Fatima Martins, Abita de Jesus, and Ligia Fraga Correia led the women’s division.
In a demonstration of the development of inclusive sport, the Para-Athletics category saw outstanding performances from Timorese athletes. Teofilo Freitas, Agostinho da Conceicao, and Marcelino Barreto da Cruz secured the top three positions in the men’s division, while Anamira Maia, Dircia Fatima A. Xavier, and Petronela excelled in the women’s division.
Showcasing the development of inclusive sport, the Para-Athletics category saw outstanding performances from Timorese athletes. Teofilo Freitas, Agostinho da Conceicao, and Marcelino Barreto da Cruz took the top three positions in the men’s category, while Anamira Maia, Dircia Fatima A. Xavier, and Petronela excelled in the women’s category.
The Dili Marathon demonstrates Timor-Leste’s commitment to promoting health, fitness, and community engagement through athletics while providing a platform for our Paralympic athletes to showcase their incredible skills.
The Dili Marathon 2024, sponsored by Telenor, starts and finishes at the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Timor-Leste with participation from Kenya, the provinces of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and East Kalimantan, Indonesia, students, and the general public in Timor-Leste.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
