“Congratulations to all of you – and especially to the children runners – for participating in the Pleven Friendship Marathon. Unfortunately, I am not able to join you in person, but I want to send you my warmest regards, and to thank you for joining today’s run. Sports events like these promote physical fitness, but they also build community and create new friendships. Thank you to Begach for your hard work in organizing today’s marathon, and for the great support from the Pleven Municipality and all of the other sponsors, organizers and volunteers. I wish you all the best.”
– Eric Rubin, U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria