Germán Silva, the Mexican marathoner who ran more than 5,000 kilometers in 100 days

The Mexican Germán Silva, champion of the New York marathon in 1994 and 1995, arrived at Caleta Tankah to complete a journey of more than 5,000 kilometers in 100 days throughout Mexico.

“Happiness is indescribable. This February 20, 2022 it is an unforgettable day because it is the day that I fulfilled this challenge that I set for myself years ago; Passing through 19 states in the country, I increased my love for this beautiful land and its inhabitants,” Silva said.

Member of the generation of Mexican long-distance runners who triumphed in the main marathons in the world Between 1988 and 2003, Silva remained active after retiring and tried out as an ultramarathon runner years ago.

The project, called “Reto Pinole” consisted of run about 50 kilometers a day for 100 days to show in a documentary the gastronomic, geographical, tourist and sports riches of Mexico.

“Today I want to hug everyone”said the athlete, runner-up in the Half Marathon in Oslo, Norway, in 1994.

Silva left Tijuana, on the border with the United States and traveled 5,060 kilometers through 19 states in Mexico, in which recreational runners and retired professionals joined him at various times.

This Sunday he was received by numerous fans in Caleta Tankah, where a shaman (priest) held a ceremony for him to recover the union that the Mayans had with nature.

The feat confirmed Silva as an example of sporting longevity, running at the age of 54 the equivalent of just over 120 marathons in 100 days.

Silva was sixth in the 10,000 meter dash at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and repeated that performance in the 1996 Atlanta marathon.

He became known internationally by winning New York in 1994, after going off course in the last kilometer and reacting with everything against him.

With information from EFE