FANTASTIC FIFTH JOSE SULAIMAN RACE OF CHAMPIONS

More than four thousand runners have combined to make the Fifth Jose Sulaiman Race of Champions in Mexico City a supreme triumphant event and a major fund raiser for WBC Cares.

Just after a pink rosy dawn broke, former three weight division world champion Marco Antonio Barrera, who’s famed for his breathtaking and memorable trilogy with Erik Morales,  clanged the bell to start the 6kms race, on Avenida Reforma, and then he pealed off his tracksuit to run in its 12kms version.

Hundreds upon hundreds of competitors including a blind team, guided by volunteer friends, sprinted, ran or jogged, past the podium as World Boxing Council President Mauricio returned their waves and cheers.  He said: “It is very exciting and gratifying that on a cold morning, so many people are coming off a holiday season for the first big race of the year. And very special to also see so many champions and friends running, for healthy issues and simply remembering my Father.

“I’m thrilled Marco Antonio is here, along with so many champions including Chiquita Gonzalez, Pipino Cuevas, Jessie Vargas flew from Las Vegas to be here, Avni Yildirim and Ahmet Oner, from Turkey and WBC Cares International Chair Jill Diamond, from New York.”  Money raised will go towards WBC Cares which visits, provides toys, WBC kit  and inspires children in hospitals, orphanages and schools all around the World.

Race Organizer Jose Manzur explains: “Every race is really something else! We have different guests, ever more sponsors, plus more and more runners every year. We’ve changed the route to provide something a bit different. We have a partnership with Emocion Deportiva who help with the licences, sponsors and other aspects, while we create all the publicity. This is hard work, but I really love this event which is so worth it!”

The winner of the men’s  six km race was Fernando Centeno Sierra in twenty minutes and twenty six seconds.  The Women’s winner was WBC super flyweight champion Lupita Martinez in twenty seven minutes and thirty six seconds.

The winner of the men’s twelve km race was Jonathan Morales Serrano in forty two minutes and twenty three seconds.  The winner of the women’s twelve km race was Fabiola Martinez Plata in fifty three minutes and four seconds.

Boxer Carlos Molina who looked remarkably relaxed after his 6 km said: “It was great fun. This is my fourth time doing this race. Just being here is great. WBC super flyweight female champion Lupita Martinez who won the women’s 6km race said: “It is my first time at this race and excellent preparation for my title defence against Irma Garcia on February 3rd.”

Marco Antonio Barrera said: “A very enjoyable twelve km, alongside some wonderful people and great champions. I’m going to take part in this again! More people here every year which is a credit to Mauricio and the organizers.  What a great event this is!”