Athletes from Kenya triumphed at the 7th Giurgiu-Ruse Free Spirit Run held on Saturday. The cross-border road race started in Giurgiu, Romania, crossed the Danube Bridge, and concluded in Ruse, Bulgaria.
In the men’s category, Albert Tonui secured first place, completing the 15-km race in 47:37 minutes. He was followed by fellow Kenyan Hilary Kimaiyo and Bulgaria’s Ismail Senandzhi.
In the women’s race, Glorius Jepkirui took first place with a time of 54:07 minutes, followed by another Kenyan, Valentine Jebet, and Bulgaria’s Marinela Nineva.
Nineva told BTA that the run was challenging due to the warm weather and her recent participation in several races. “I really enjoyed the cross-border run and plan to participate every year,” she expressed.
The Free Spirit Run attracted over 400 athletes from various countries, with the oldest participant being 78-year-old Ivan Grozev.
This year’s edition of the race was part of the celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the Bulgarian Athletics Federation (BAF), which had its president, Ivan Kolev, among the official guests at the event.
