After a two year enforced absence due to the pandemic, The Race of Champions, reinforced by the World Boxing Council, cherishing the everlasting glorious memory of Don Jose Sulaiman, was run over six and twelve kilometres on this bright, mild and sunny Sunday morning, at the end of May, with more than two thousand athletes, including and involving swift runners, fun runners and joggers, all enjoying a marvellous morning of health and happiness.
A huge list of boxing champions and former champions, some of whom donned their running shoes to take part. The line-up included: Carlos Zarate, Pipino Cuevas, Humberto “Chiquita” Gonzales, Jose Bueno, Francisco “Bandido” Vargas, Carlos Molina (successfully completed and competed in his seventh Race of Champions), Irma Garcia, Guadalupe Martinez, Lourdes Juarez, David Picasso who came second in the six Kms dash, Jose Antonio Aguirre, Pablo Cesar Cano, running alongside a cast of hundreds, including Josejas!
Race Organizer Jose Manzur said: “Around two thousand people have taken part in this race, which is great. This has been the most difficult race to organize, because of the pandemic. A big effort, but we`ve managed to achieve it. There`s still some concerns, so congratulations to the runners, who dug deep in their purses. Hopefully, the next race will be in January, but that`ll be in only a few months, but yes we`re now planning to arrange the next one early next year. For this one we had to go on and press ahead. We`ve got to live! So, we have to do the ninth, tenth and eleventh race…and many more. And I think Don Jose Sulaiman, would have had the same philosophy. In boxing you cannot stop and halt. We have to move on and on.”
The bell to start the race was rang by Special Guests Sabo Romo of Caifanes and Actor Agustin Arana. Grinning ear to ear, Sabo Romo said: “I love it. Not for me, but great to see people running and enjoying life again. The pandemic has been so tough, but lucky for us that we`ve started again, and you can see so many people. It`s absolutely fantastic. This is an honour for me, and a new opportunity at fifty-nine. It`s amazing to be in the company of so many boxing champions. With what has happened in Ukraine, Texas and the pandemic, I`ve never seen the world this way. This race is wonderful and there`s a spirit of love and hugs.”
Agustin Arana said: “I`m a keen follower of boxing with all my heart and a boxing fan completely. I used to box when I was a teenager as an amateur boxer. Then I started my profession as an actor, and after many years started training again. Fighters need support and let`s help talented boxers and trainers, who can achieve something in life. It takes young people away from the streets and other things which can happen.
“Well done this race has taken place. There have been very complicated situations throughout the world, due to the pandemic. Many people have lost someone they love, and these are new moments. Sport and other aspects of life are starting again. It is the beginning of a new age.
“I was prepared to run, as I`ve brought everything I need. Not twelve kms, but maybe six. Of course then I`d feel some aches and pains tomorrow, but finally it wasn`t necessary to run on this occasion, so I`m OK in this place.”
In response to a question and in a momentary aside from the race, Agustin also generously shared the work ethic and vocation of an actor by saying: “First of all, you have to learn the idea. When you have the idea, you can develop your character with some specific characteristics. Some directors ask you to have the exact words that the script requires, which means you must be more concentrated. But when you have the idea, then you can be fluid and vary things. Psychologically you have to know from where you are coming and what`s the story behind your character. These are a few varied things that you can never forget as an actor.”
World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman, who was accompanied by his Son Mauricio Jr said: “This event is sensational and very emotional. The pandemic brought a stop to this race for two years. But we`re back, with a lot of people and great enthusiasm, and we are so very happy to be here again. All the profits from the money raised will go to helping Ukraine concerning humanitarian efforts. In the coming year, the race will go back to the last Sunday in January. That is our tradition. We will be ready! We have a fantastic team led by Jose Manzur helped by our WBC Staff. We are all very honoured and happy. A special thank you to all the runners who have made this a great event.”
Some fleet footed performances from accomplisher runners. The winners of the twelve Kms race were: Israel Mendez Carapia in a time of 42 minutes and eight seconds, Erick Jara Gonzales 45.10, and Diego Baca Hernandez 46.05. The women winners: Gloria Martinez Lima 52.29, Cecilia Guevara Saldana 54.23 and Amine Bravo Lases 57.04.
In the six kms race the winners are:
Indalecio Ramirez Torres 20.04, David Picasso Romero 21.04 and Enrique Cruz Ramirez 21.23. The Women champions: Beatriz Melo Pineda 23.55, Angelica Hernandez Camacho 25.32 and Xochitl Villagomez Martinez 28.00.
And of course, the great throng of fun runners, which make up the backbone of this race. Several superman shirts, An intrepid runner with one leg and crutches…such a courageous performance, a dad running along pushing his offspring in a stroller, one man and his dog- a Dutch Shepherd. Couples crossing the line holding hands, beaming and embracing. All combining and uniting to make this such a memorable and tremendous triumph. Every single one received a race pack and of course a medal…because: We`re back and…”WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!”
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