Cuba’s biggest international marathon became a show of solidarity, as citizens took to the streets in the face of mounting economic pressure from the United States.Hundreds of participants in the Marabana marathon wore signs protesting Washington’s decades-old embargo and the latest restrictions on fuel supplies. “Cuba is not a threat; the blockade is,” read messages displayed on the backs of several runners among the roughly 3,000 participants.The race, held every November to mark the founding of Havana, passed through some of the Cuban capital’s best-known landmarks, including the Paseo del Prado and the Capitol building. Families, children and people with disabilities joined the event, while spectators cheered runners from the pavements.“The blockade is suffocating the Cuban people,” said Yuraldi Cava, a state employee who took part in the race to news agency Associated Press. “We are going to win this fight.”
Fuel crisis casts shadow over sporting event
The marathon unfolded against the backdrop of an increasingly severe economic crisis. The US embargo on Cuba dates back to 1960, after Fidel Castro’s revolution toppled Fulgencio Batista and the new government nationalised properties belonging to American citizens and companies.Tensions have intensified since US president Donald Trump announced in late January that countries supplying oil to Cuba could face tariffs. The threat has effectively cut off fuel supplies to the island, contributing to widespread power outages that have disrupted water distribution, internet access and telephone services.Mayté Vigoa, Havana’s provincial government coordinator for sports, said organisers had to make a major effort to stage the international event amid the country’s difficult economic conditions. She also confirmed that many international companies that had previously sponsored the marathon have started pulling back their support.
Foreign runners join show of solidarity
The event also drew international participants, some of whom wore red-and-white sweatshirts bearing the message “Cuba is not alone” in opposition to US sanctions.Marabana is recognised by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races, allowing runners to use their timings as official qualifying marks. Alongside the full marathon, the event featured a half-marathon and shorter 10-km and 5-km races.Despite the financial strain on organisers and the wider crisis facing the country, the annual race went ahead, bringing together professional runners, families and amateur participants across Havana’s streets.
