Hungarian Athlete Secures First Place at the SPAR Budapest Marathon

Ágnes Szonja Garai at the finish line of the 39th SPAR Budapest Marathon Germany’s Carlo Nenasto and Hungary’s Ágnes Szonja Garai emerged victorious in the longest classic distance at the 39th SPAR Budapest Marathon Festival last weekend. Drawi

By: hungarytoday.hu

Oct 14 2024
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Hungarian Athlete Secures Firs

Ágnes Szonja Garai at the finish line of the 39th SPAR Budapest Marathon

Germany’s Carlo Nenasto and Hungary’s Ágnes Szonja Garai emerged victorious in the longest classic distance at the 39th SPAR Budapest Marathon Festival last weekend.

Drawing over 30,000 participants, the festival was one of the city’s largest annual sporting events, with more than 6,400 runners competing in the marathon itself. In addition to the runners, 60,000 spectators attended over the weekend, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

This year marked a personal triumph for Ágnes Szonja Garai who won the women’s marathon, clocking in at 2:54:46.

After placing third in last year’s event, Ms. Garai improved her performance significantly to take the top spot. Her win was a testament to her perseverance and progress as an athlete.

The event also broke records in terms of international participation, with 6,000 foreign runners—more than any previous Hungarian sporting event—contributing to over 15,000 sport-tourists. Supporters lined the streets and bridges of Budapest, offering enthusiastic encouragement to participants.

The energy was especially high around the start-finish area, where crowds cheered on the runners and bands provided entertainment.

Prominent figures, including Máriusz Révész, Secretary of State for Active Hungary, and Budapest’s Mayor Gergely Karácsony, attended the launch ceremony. Árpád Kocsis, head of the Budapest Sports Office, highlighted the festival’s role in promoting a healthy lifestyle, stating that the joy and motivation seen at the finish line inspire others to live actively.

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