Dear guests, dear participants, esteemed organizers and friends,

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.

Every year I look forward to this event. And every year I am happy to attend with my family – not only as a participant, but also as a person who deeply believes in the power of community and the ability of sport to change lives.

Here, in Pleven, every step along the route, every smile and every outstretched hand is proof that when we are together, we can make the world a better place.

Unfortunately, this year, work commitments prevent me from being with you. But even though I am not physically among you, I am here in my thoughts, with my spirit and with my full support for everything that this event represents.

The Pleven Friendship Marathon unites – people from different cities, countries, ages, abilities. It does not set boundaries, it removes them. The charitable initiatives that are an integral part of the program – such as Park+, promoting diversity and inclusion in schools and society, and FUN RUN KIDS – a run for children with different abilities – send a clear message: that every child, every person, deserves to be seen, accepted and supported.

I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart everyone who is behind the organization of this event – ​​social enterprises, foundations, sports clubs from Bulgaria and Romania, as well as the Municipality of Pleven. Your dedication, consistency and enthusiasm create real change. You are not just organizing a marathon – you are building a community.

I congratulate every participant, regardless of whether you will run the entire distance or just a few kilometers. Each of you brings a message with your participation – a message of hope, resilience and empathy.

Dear friends,

May this day remind us that challenges – both in sports and in life – are easier to overcome when we are together. May we never lose our aspiration for a better society, in which differences do not divide, but enrich. And may we continue to run – not only for time and results, but for causes, for ideas, for change.

I wish you inspiration, good mood and success today. I look forward to being with you again at the start next year. Until then – run with heart and with a smile!

Thank you!

Grozdan Karadzhov – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport of the Republic of Bulgaria