Greetings and thank you all for coming out to support the 11th Pleven Friendship Marathon today. While we were not able to be with you in person, we are very much with you in spirit, sending our very best wishes for today’s race.

For more than a decade, this marathon has brought together friends, family, and community together to salute the human spirit and the power of unity. And we are delighted to see today’s runners also supporting BCause Foundation’s “Get Ready to Succeed” program, which is helping medical students fund their studies. This great cause will ultimately benefit countless Bulgarian citizens in every corner of the country, as more and more aspiring doctors are given the support they need to become physicians.

Once again – and on behalf of all of us at the Embassy – thank you to all the sponsors, partners and volunteers that make the Pleven Friendship Marathon a uniquely wonderful event. Have a great run and a great time!

With best regards,
Martin McDowell
Deputy Chief of Mission – Embassy of the United States in Sofia, Bulgaria