Horacio de la Vega, director of the Sports Institute of Mexico City, was present at the Francisco Montes de Oca Fencing Hall, where the participants of the Half Marathon came to collect their bib number and t-shirt for the competition that will take place on Sunday, July 30th.
De la Vega Flores ensured international events such as the Half Marathon and the Mexico City Marathon, as well as the Formula 1, NBA, NFL, among others, which have benefited the capital of the country socially.
"In terms of promoting Mexico City, on the national and international map, the objective is clearly met. We have very important economic impacts, job creation, and many of these events help combat crime, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, addiction. There are many other aspects that the government of Mexico City implements through sports to activate the elderly, the youth, the children, and this is something that we will continue to do," said the head of Indeporte.
But not only events of this magnitude have shaped the well-known "Capital of Sports," but there are other elements that have been implemented in Mexico City for its growth. "We must remember that the capital of sports is not just about important events; the capital is this union of recovering public spaces and infrastructure for social sports, in a very solid and conscious way, of course, with major events and high performance. These four pillars are what precisely complement the capital of sports," he added.
About the Mexico City Half Marathon, which is just a few days away, Horacio mentioned that "it is a positive healthy habit that culminates with this first stage of the two most important running events we have in our city, and not only in our city but in our country. The Banorte Mexico City Half Marathon is the largest half marathon in the country, and the third largest in all of Latin America."
As in the past four years, the participants' medal has been one of the letters of Mexico, and this time it will be the 'C', "part of a cultural aspect. Next year it will end with the 'O' for Olympic, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1968 Olympic Games, and all of this would not have been possible without proper execution," he explained.
Finally, the head of Indeporte assured that there will be a celebration on Sunday in the prelude to the Mexico City Marathon, as at the 21 kilometer mark, the competitors will be able to enjoy a series of activities with their families.
"There will be 25,000 runners, 25,000 souls going out to enjoy, to achieve their best times, to spend time with their family and friends, and I think that's part of the celebration. If we multiply each runner by at least one or two, we expect to have between 50,000 and 75,000 people at the Angel of Independence, where we will have the Mexico City picnic. People will be able to lie down on synthetic grass that is being installed, with fences, tents, and many activations by the sponsors, with the intention that after they have enjoyed their race, they can rest a little with their families," he concluded.