Record number of US runners enter Havana Marathon

HAVANA - A record number of US runners are expected to take part in the Havana marathon (Marabana) in November, a sports official said on Wednesday.

Carlos Gattorno, director of the Marabana, said apart from the 431 US runners, 16 Porto Ricans also will enter the race.

Gattorno stressed the number might increase as registration will not close until August for the race taking place on the third Sunday in November.

Marabana has been held every year in Cuba since 1987 to mark Havana's foundation and also to celebrate Cuba's National Day of Sport, which falls on November 16.

This is the first marathon held since the announcement on December 17, 2014 by Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro to restore diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States.

The Marabana competition is divided into three categories including marathon, half marathon and 10 kilometers. Both elite athletes and marathon fans are welcomed in the competition.