Well-deserved honor. The runners Gladys Tejeda and Christian Pacheco were awarded, after winning the 42K Marathon in their category, by the Pan American Games Lima 2019. They received the gold medal from the President of Peru, Martín Vizcarra.
The first to be honored was Gladys, who couldn't help but feel excited to win in her country, along with the large crowd that gathered along the entire Marathon route.
The Peruvian athlete broke the Pan American record with 2 hours 30 minutes and 54 seconds. Gladys Tejeda's strong sprint dashed the hopes of the American athlete Bethany Sachtleben, allowing her to be crowned as the Pan American marathon champion. "My strategy was to take a big lead," she said.
Gladys Tejeda received the gold medal from President Martín Vizcarra. (Video: TV Peru)
The next to be honored was Christhian Pacheco, who completed the race in 2 hours and 9 minutes with great concentration and encouragement from the public gathered at the finish line. With this triumph, the Peruvian secured his direct entry to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Both marathon runners were applauded by the large crowd gathered in the Miraflores district, waving flags and cheering them on. It's worth noting that the crowd started singing 'Contigo Peru' during the athletes' award ceremony.
Christhian Pacheco received the gold medal from President Martín Vizcarra. (Video: TV Peru)