Pogradec at the rhythm of the marathon/Sports and international solidarity

2025-07-27 16:58:00, Qyteti im CNA

Pogradec hosted the fourth edition of the "Enkelana" International Marathon, a sporting activity that has now become part of the international calendar of certified races.

Over 600 runners from Albanian-speaking lands and more than 40 foreign countries took part in this special event, which included two disciplines, 11.5 kilometers and a 21-kilometer half marathon.

Organizer Leonard Peço emphasizes that the international interest and participation show the success of this race, which has given Pogradec an important place on the world map of marathons. He emphasizes that this year's edition has brought a noticeable increase in the quality and level of participating athletes.

"This race gathered around 600 runners from all Albanian-speaking lands, but also from over 40 countries, there was participation from elite athletes in the 4th edition of the Enkelana Marathon. Today, two disciplines were held, 11.5 km and 21 km. Both races are certified and listed in the world race calendar. This whole story has achieved its goal, the promotion has been maximum, and the participation from many countries also shows this fact. This shows that Pogradec with the marathon has entered its natural path and from year to year we expect that the elite athletes will increase and there will be Albanian winners ," said Peço.

The winners of the 11.5 kilometer race were Fantini Leo and Eliott Pantel from France, who participated in this marathon for the first time and expressed their amazement by the nature of the lake and the Albanian hospitality.

" We come from France, the race was very beautiful. It's our first time at this festival, the race went very well, but it was very hot, but the fantastic view of the lake helped us a lot. We have the Albania logo on our t-shirts because we love Albania. We will definitely come next year," the winners said.

In the women's 21-kilometer category, first place was once again taken by Ukrainian Natalia Semenovych, who, although currently living in Poland due to the war, continues to compete with dedication and passion. She did not hide her emotions, drawing attention to the difficult situation in Ukraine and her desire for the country to gain peace and for its citizens to be able to live freely.

"This year I also managed to win. I am very pleased. In fact, there is a very good track here. A good, fast track, excellent organization. But compared to last year, this year it was very hot. However, I coped with the task, won and I am pleased. I am not in Ukraine. I am abroad, in Poland. But, in fact, even though I am abroad, I experience it very hard. Because every day Ukraine is bombed by Russia. Drones, "Shahed", missiles. People do not have a quiet life. And I want to live in Ukraine. But at the moment I cannot do this, because Russia is constantly bombing our country.

"We don't have a peaceful place where we could live peacefully. Because, in fact, every day Ukraine is under bombardment. And you don't understand where that drone will fall, will you be able to wake up in the morning, will you be able to continue your life. This, in fact, is very difficult. And I really want this war to end. And I want Ukraine to win, and we can finally live peacefully," said the winner.

The Enkelana Marathon in Pogradec closed amidst applause, emotions and a strong sense of solidarity that went beyond sporting boundaries. This fourth edition proved not only the increased level of organization and international participation, but also the power that sport has to unite people from different cultures and realities.

Between the competitors, their personal stories and the challenges they carry with them, the Marathon became a platform where, in addition to physical endurance, strong messages about peace, resilience and hope were shared./ CNA