More than 400 runners participated in the EU4Cahul Marathon: Run for YOUth
The third edition was organized with the support of the European Union in the context of Europe Day 2024 and the EU4Moldova: Focal regions Programme
Chisinau, 19 May 2024. More than 400 professional and amateur runners, lovers of active lifestyles, and promoters of active lifestyles lined up at the EU4Cahul Marathon 2024. The competition's third edition took place on 18 May in Cahul municipality as part of the events organized across the country on Europe Day 2024.
“Europe Day is about and for the people! Today is a time to celebrate peace, unity, diversity, and cooperation across our continent. It reminds us of the importance of coming together, embracing our differences, and working towards a brighter future for all”, said Magdalena Müller-Uri, Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, at the opening ceremony.
Traditionally, the Marathon has been organized within the framework of the EU4Moldova: Focal regions Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF, which supports the cultural, sports, educational, and infrastructure development of the Cahul and Ungheni regions, to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of these surroundings.
"The EU4Cahul Marathon: Run for YOUth is more than a race. It's a powerful platform for raising awareness and supporting child rights and youth engagement. In many ways, UNICEF's work for child rights is also a marathon - a journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment. Today, I want to highlight the importance of supporting youth participation in community life. Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. Their voices, ideas, and perspectives are invaluable assets that must be heard and respected. By empowering young people to take an active role in shaping their communities, we are laying the foundation for a more inclusive and just society", added Maha Damaj, UNICEF Country Representative in Moldova.
Following the "Cahul - Youth Capital 2024" programme and inspired by the slogan "Run for Youth", this year's race brought together Moldova runners of all ages and regions.
The novelty of the competition was the 2 km running distance, in addition to the 5 and 10 km distances, to encourage as many active lovers as possible to participate and support the event's aim of promoting active living, inclusion, and civic spirit.
"I appreciate the contribution of the European Union and UNICEF to promote sport and wellness education through the Marathon and cultural actions in the context of the Europe Days celebration in Cahul. The European Union supports the municipality of Cahul through many programmes, for which we are grateful. Cahul is the Cultural Capital and Youth Capital, and these actions and projects are essential for developing the potential in the whole region", said Nicolae Dandiș, Mayor of Cahul.
At the finish line, each participant received a well-deserved medal, and 18 runners - children, women, and men with the best performances - received diplomas of merit, trophies, and vouchers to a sports shop, prizes aimed at encouraging the further practice of sport, and preparation for new competitions.
Also, during the event, visitors had the opportunity to get to know more closely the craftsmen, local businesses, and organizations that, with the support of the European Union, transform Cahul into a European city day by day. Participants had the opportunity to participate in games and educational and information activities organized by the Embassy of Romania in the Republic of Moldova, Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova, Lunca Prutului de Jos, Startup City Cahul, and AO Perspectiva.
The competition's final brought young local talents to the stage, and the celebration culminated towards the end of the day with a concert by the well-known National Ballet Joc, Majorette-Show Iuventa, and the modern dance ensemble Bobocelul. The concert was organized with the financial support of the Government of the Republic of Moldova.
The "EU4Cahul Marathon: Run for YOUth" race was organized by Cahul Municipality with the support of the "EU4Moldova: Focal regions" Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF.
