The days are now gone in which walkers were laughed at by runners. Walking, either with or without sticks, has developed into a popular leisure pastime and sport for the masses. The TUI Marathon Palma de Majorca has taken note of this trend a nd now offers for the first time Walking/Nordic Walking over 10 kilometres as a separate discipline. In its sixth year the “most beautiful island marathon in the world“ will be even more colourful and more diverse.
“ Over the past five years the TUI Marathon Palma de Majorca has become an event of immense importance for Majorca,” said Miquel Nadal, Tourism Minister for the Balearics at the International Tourism Fair (ITB) in Berlin. This is why IBATUR, the Balearic tourism institute, will be involved once again this year as the partner. “As the biggest tour operator in Europe, TUI has managed to combine tourism and leisure sport in a wonderful way,” according to Miquel Nadal. And Michael Lambertz, head of Group Marketing at TUI, added: "The TUI Marathon Palma de Majorca has become a firm date in the international running calendar. We are pleased about IBATUR’s renewed commitment – together we will be able to consolidate this sporting event on this the most popular island of TUI’s guests, and make it even more successful."
As part of the revamping, the Kids’ Run too has been modified. The route has been changed and there is a new registration procedure; parents can now register their children in advance via an online application form. Owing to the record number of participants last year the organisers have further increased the number of places available so that now a total of 1,600 children can take part. Once again TUI has been able to secure UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, as a c ooperation partner for the Kids’ Run.
Background
The 6th International TUI Marathon Palma de Majorca will take place on 18 October 2009. The organiser is expecting more than 5,000 runners from all over Europe to take part in the disciplines of the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10-kilometre run and Walking/Nordic Walking. One day earlier on 17 October the starter’s gun will be fired for the Kids’ Run. Located in the Parc de la Mar below the La Seu Cathedral will be the event centre with the popular Marathon Fair.
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