Félix Carvajal ''El Andarín''
Today, our historical segment will deal with marathons in San Antonio de los Baños. Felix Carvajal, known as "El Andarín", achieved his first record in our Humor Villa. In 1985, a group of ariguanabenses assiduously went to the municipal stadium ‘’Julio Perez’’ decided to create a runners club which was named "July 26th" to commemorate the historical ephemeris.
The first official race of ‘’Los Andarines’’ was made from the stadium to the camping of the municipality, with the presence of fifteen runners including precursors of the idea: Ramón Benito Pérez, Manuel Espinosa Alemán, Reynaldo Castro Jorge Luis Palomino and Ramírez, among others.
‘’Ariguanabo’’ Runners Club
We talk about the origins of this sport in the town when Felix Carvajal "El Andarín" got his first record in our town. After its creation, the "July 26th" Club attended several races until it was invited to the International Marathon of Varadero in 1988. There, they achieved the first international prizes.
‘’Terry Fox’’ Sports Club
The club began participating in ‘’Terry Fox’’ Race with a new name (‘’Ariguanabo’’) and decided to create a sports club which brings prestige to the outstanding canadian marathoner, who died of cancer. This allowed the members of the club meet the family of Terry Fox and let them know the whole trajectory of the ariguanabense club. With the creation of ‘’Terry Fox’’ Club, members of the club of San Antonio de los Baños began a series of activities in support of people suffering from cancer and visited every three months oncology rooms at the National Center in Havana.
This club is recognized by the organizers of Marabana-Maracuba project and are guests of honor at all marathons that take place in the country under the auspices of the Cuban Athletics Federation. Undoubtedly a group that deserves the respect of ariguanabenses for their perseverance and dedication.