tonisv - Pleven Marathon

Over 900 People From 13 Countries Ran for a Causeat the Pleven Friendship Marathon

The 11th Edition of the Marathon Provided a Full Scholarship for a Medical Student.

On May 18, the eleventh edition of the Pleven Friendship Marathon took place. Over 900 people participated in the various disciplines, including runners from Australia, Argentina, Bulgaria, Great Britain, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Poland, Romania, Ukraine and the USA. The youngest participant was only 40 days old and the oldest – 78 years young.

Greetings from Zornitsa Rusinova, President of Economic and Social Council, Bulgaria

Dear marathon runners,
Dear organizers of the Pleven Friendship Marathon,

On behalf of the Economic and Social Council of the Republic of Bulgaria, I extend my warmest greetings to all of you on the occasion of the holding of this year’s edition of the Friendship Marathon in Pleven.

Congratulatory Message from the Embassy of the Republic of Romania in Bulgaria

The 11th edition of the Pleven Friendship Marathon the Embassy of Romania in Sofia, the Ambassador and the entire team the joyful opportunity to send our congratulations and best wishes to the organizers and the esteemed local authorities of Pleven for the continuation of what has already become a beautiful tradition of sports, education, friendship between peoples and the spirit of mutual assistance and charity for the benefit of people in disadvantaged situations.

The happy occasion of the Friendship Marathon in Pleven, a city in Bulgaria with special significance in the common history of Bulgarians and Romanians, the centuries-old friendship between our peoples and the common struggle for freedom and independence, as well as the presence of more and more participants from Romania at this sporting event, which has already gained regional fame, makes us even happier to send you, from the Embassy of Romania in Sofia, this congratulatory message!

Good luck to all participants in the 11th edition of the Friendship Marathon, to the organizers and see you again in the next editions!

Embassy of Romania in the Republic of Bulgaria

Sofia, May 15, 2025

Congratulatory Message

It is an honor and a great pleasure for me to address you today on the occasion of the 11th edition of the Pleven Friendship Marathon – an event that has long since become not just a sports competition, but a symbol of unity, cooperation and hope.

Greetings from Martin McDowell, Deputy Chief of Mission – Embassy of the United Statesin Bulgaria

Greetings and thank you all for coming out to support the 11th Pleven Friendship Marathon today.

Boyka Arsova: That Would be the 76-th Marathon in My Running Career

I will be participating in the Pleven Marathon for the tenth time. I have been running since I was eight years old. As a girl, I was a 100 and 200 meter sprinter. Today I am the oldest marathon runner in Bulgaria. I do not have a coach, but I have 75 completed marathons around the world and in Bulgaria.

The Pleasure of Running is Achieved With Patience

For Petar Tsonkov, the connection with the Friendship Marathon in Pleven began even before his first participation in 2014. At that time, he maintained a running website and while writing articles, he came across interesting information about a group of runners who have been participating in the London Marathon since its beginning in 1981.

You have nothing to lose by running, and it could change your life

Judging by the smile that never leaves her face, Nia Yotova is in a constant state of runners high. It’s hard to believe that Nia, who has been part of the ASICS Frontrunner team for five years, started running quite late and almost as a joke.

You run long distances not so much with your legs, as with your head

Malina Ivanova, also called the queen of long distances, is known to all running enthusiasts and we are happy that she has supported the Pleven Marathon from the very beginning.

The 11-th Pleven Friendship Marathon Will Be Held on May 18

On May 18, 2025 (Sunday), one of the most attractive running competitions in the country will be held – Pleven Friendship Marathon. The event offers a wide selection of disciplines – from 10 to 42.2 km runs, relay, Fun Run Kids children’s race, 3 km free city cross and outdoor games Park+.