More than 3,500 people took part in this year’s Mamamaratona in Quarteira, turning Jardim Filipe Jonas into a hub of sport, health promotion and charity on October 18.
Now in its 26th edition, the event is organised by the Algarve Oncology Association (AOA) in partnership with Loulé Council, Quarteira Parish Council, the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ) and the Algarve Athletics Association.
Held as part of Pink October, the international breast cancer awareness campaign, Mamamaratona once again combined physical activity with messages about cancer prevention, early diagnosis and healthier lifestyles.
Participants could choose between the 5km and 7km Mamamaratona walk/run, while more competitive runners took part in the official 10km Mini Marathon and 21km Algarve Half Marathon.
Before the start, representatives from the organising and partner organisations highlighted the event’s role in promoting health, sport and solidarity across the Algarve.
Among those attending were AOA president Maria de Lurdes Santos Pereira, Algarve Athletics Association president Francisco Chumbinho, IPDJ regional director Ricardo Jorge Pinto, Quarteira parish president João Pedro Romão and Loulé Mayor Telmo Pinto.
A Health Fair offered free screenings and health checks, as well as relaxation massages, while participants were also treated to warm-up exercises led by Artbody gym.
Dance and wellbeing activities included an Energy Dance class and relaxation exercises organised by MOOV under the guidance of Micheline Raquel.
The morning ended with the prize-giving ceremony for the Algarve Half Marathon.
The AOA thanked participants, volunteers, public bodies, partners and businesses for helping make the event possible, stressing that Mamamaratona continues to promote prevention, wellbeing and support for people living with cancer and their families.
Michael Bruxo
Journalist for the Portugal Resident.