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.

My late husband, who worked for Doctors Without Borders, and I lived in Sudan for 10 years. There I ran in the Sahara Desert, along the Red Sea coast (Port Sudan), in the savannah of South Sudan, in the city of Juba, to the border with Kenya and Uganda.

When the war broke out in Sudan, my daughter Albena and I returned to Sofia in 1984.

I have been running the Sofia Marathon since 1987 – first 12 km, later 21 km. In Africa, I saw with my own eyes the “animal marathon” – the migration of animals in the savannah. I decided to try it too – to understand what it feels like to overcome such long distances. It was not easy, but I liked it. I made sure that I could – and so on until today, on my 76th marathon.

I often visited my daughter in London. I applied nine times to participate in the London Marathon – I was accepted five times. For me, this is the best organized marathon in Europe. My best time is 3 hours and 34 minutes. At the World Championships in San Sebastian, Spain, I completed 42 km in a temperature of 42°C. With Malina Ivanova, we ran the European Championships in Izmir, Turkey, at 44°C – we both became vice-champions of Europe. I finished the Vitosha Tour (100 km) with a time of 17 hours and 14 minutes. For me, the Pleven Marathon is the best in Bulgaria. Besides the wonderful organization, it’s a real celebration for the city. People encourage us, the fountains sing, there is everything necessary along the route for us, the runners. This is the only marathon in our country with a world standard – a 6-hour control time. Although I am running slower now – in 5 hours and 45 minutes – I am still here. And I will be as long as I can. My grandchildren are also runners. Joshua will participate in the 21 km.

From experience I will tell everyone: people, run! If you can’t run fast – walk. Climb stairs, move your feet, drag yourself if you have to – but don’t give up. This is the simplest, most accessible and healthiest way to take care of yourself. Everyone runs – from an ant to an elephant! You can – you just have to want it. We live in uncertain times: floods, earthquakes, storms, wars… And running can save your life.

The Pleven Marathon fills you with joy. We come together – alive and well, heading towards the finish line. The organizers, volunteers, police officers and the audience along the route are wonderful. They achieve almost world-class standards. And with such attention, care and beauty – how can you not honor the marathon of friendship with your presence?

We leave with a smile… and until next year!

Boyka Arsova at the Pleven Friendship Marathon, photographer: Dani Kolev