^{In addition to the Brazilians, the half marathon included the participation of athletes from other countries. Photo: Igor Baggio} 

Sunday is a day of the week that many people enjoy to rest, but race lovers and professional athletes woke up early to attend the 18th Rotary Club Half Marathon, held this Sunday (20) in Toledo. The competition is considered one of the best competitions in Brazil.

This year, over 1,200 participants took part in the following modalities: Half Marathon 21 km, Half Marathon Relay 10.5 km, Rustic 6 km, Maratoninha (Marathon  for kids) 400 meters to 3 km and Health March 4 km. Prati-Donaduzzi pharmaceutical industry supported the event through the Sports Incentive Law (Law 11,438 / 2006).

Celso Ferreira participated for the first time in a race. The encouragement came from friend, Elenice Bertuol. “It was an amazing experience and I want to participate more often”, said Ferreira. Both of them are employees of the pharmaceutical company, which is based in Paraná.

^{Prati-Donaduzzi pharmaceutical industry supported the event through the Sports Incentive Law. Photo: Igor Baggio} 

Sports practices

Izabel Estelai de Morais´children participated in Maratoninha, which is a modality designed to kids. The mom was proud, because little Jean finished the race in the first position and took home the gold medal. “They were very happy to participate”, said Izabel.

The purple crowd did not stop there. Ivanor Lorscheitter has been in the industry for 14 years and was accompanying and cheering for his seven-year-old daughter, Larissa Estelai, who participated in Maratoninha. “The race was a great performance. Of course, I did not put my purple pride aside. ”

Currently, Prati supports several sports categories ranging from soccer to motor racing. “We support and encourage sports by understanding that it goes hand in hand with our mission, which is to provide health and well-being”, explained the company´s marketing manager, Lucas Angnes.

^{Izabel Estelai de Morais´children participated in Maratoninha, which is a modality designed to kids. Photo: Igor Baggio}

Finalists

In addition to the Brazilians, the half marathon included the participation of athletes from other countries. Kenyans, Evans and Nicolas were the first finalists of the 21 km and were acclaimed by the public. Argentinian, Marcela Gomez was the first woman to cross the finish line followed by Kenyan, Everice Chepkemei.

“The organization and the quality of this competition is so high that it even exceeds the competitions of the major capitals”, explained the sports coach of Toledo Rotary Club, Sandra Beatriz Schossler.