Norwegian med student wins Marabana marathon

HAVANA, Cuba, Nov 16 (acn) Norway's Tonje Large Kvale became the first foreign woman that manages to conquer the title of Marabana by winning the marathon event of this race in Havana.

Kvale, who is only 22, entered the history of that contest with her unexpected victory, achieved with a time of 3 hours, 28 minutes and 23 seconds.

This time no Cuban could access the awards podium of that exhausting specialty, which was completed by American Heidi Johansen (3: 37.45), and Puerto Rican Neysha Velez (3: 40.54).

Third year student of medicine, the young Norwegian told reporters she did not expect to win, so the result was quite a surprise for her.

Cuban people here are very nice and friendly, she said.

She added that initially she decided, with some friends, to make a tour of several countries, including Mexico, Costa Rica and Trinidad and Tobago , but coming to Cuba for the first time and winning this marathon has undoubtedly been a great joy.

Now I will focus on finishing my studies and I hope to return soon, not only for running, but also to enjoy this wonderful country, she noted.

This 29th edition of Marabana´s marathon event, for the first time in history involved more than 500 runners.

In addition, about five thousand national and foreign runners attended the entire contest, which is record for the main race organized on the Caribbean island.