The heat and the high relative humidity of the air were the main opponents of the athletes who participated in the marathon of the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Of the 77 runners who started from Praça dos Heróis, 12 were unable to cover the four laps of the circuit and the total distance of 42.195 km.

The start was given at 7 a.m. (2 a.m. Brasilia time), with 23 degrees and 77% humidity. The race ended with a thermometer reading 29 degrees and 57%, with many athletes needing medical attention.

The three Brazilians braved the weather conditions and completed the marathon. Valdilene dos Santos Silva was in 47th place, with a time of 2:39:58. Andreia Hessel finished in 52nd place, with 2:42:23, while Mirela Saturnino de Andrade closed the race in 64th place, with 2:47:29.

“We knew the race would be tough and it really was. I was among the 50 and as always it is a pleasure to represent Brazil”, commented Valdilene.

Ethiopia achieved a double in the competition. Victory went to Amane Beriso Shankule (2:24:23), followed by Gotytom Gebreslase (2:24:34). Morocco’s Fátima Ezzahra Gardadi won bronze (2:25:17).

At the Centro Nacional de Atletismo, Ana Caroline Miguel and Lívia Avancini did not reach the shot put final. Ana placed 13th in Group A and 25th overall with 17.18m, while Lívia finished 14th in Group B and 27th overall with 16.62m. The best result was obtained by the Dutch Jessica Schilder, with 19.64 m.

Balotelli continues in decathlon disputes

Also this Saturday morning, the Brazilian José Fernando Santana, the “Balotelli”, continued in the decathlon disputes.

After the three events completed (110m hurdles, discus and pole vault), Balotelli has 6,504 points in 14th place. The leader is the Canadian Pierre Lepage, with 7477 points.

The decathlon ends this Saturday afternoon, with the javelin throw and the 1500m events.