The Rising Passion for Running in Colombia
The popularity of running in Colombia has surged in recent years. According to Statista, the industry is projected to generate over €54 million by 2025, highlighting a sustained increase in participation from both amateur and professional runners. On a global scale, more than 600 million people practice this sport, cementing it as one of the most followed physical activities worldwide.
Within this growing phenomenon, Colombian athlete Eduardo Acevedo, a seasoned triathlete, set out to accomplish a historic feat: completing the Abbott World Marathon Majors in a single year. A challenge that fewer than 18,000 people worldwide have achieved. In 2024, Acevedo made history by becoming the first Colombian to receive the prestigious Six Star Medal.
Overcoming Injury and Pushing Limits
Acevedo’s journey was anything but smooth. After successfully completing the Tokyo, Boston, and London marathons, he suffered a sacral stress fracture, jeopardizing his participation in the remaining races. With unwavering discipline and medical support, he managed to recover and take on the final three marathons: Berlin, Chicago, and New York, successfully finishing one of the most grueling challenges in the world of running.
“Throughout the year, I worked closely with a physiotherapist, which allowed me to maintain my physical condition, strengthen my heart and lungs, and ultimately overcome my injury,” Acevedo shared. “I decided to follow my own pace, and before I knew it, I had achieved my goal.”
A Journey Fueled by Dedication and Support
Acevedo’s success was not only the result of rigorous training but also sponsorships and strategic partnerships that recognized his unwavering commitment. Among them was Pedialyte, a hydration solution that became a key ally in his preparation and recovery process.
Since 2015, Abbott has sponsored the World Marathon Majors as part of its mission to promote health and well-being. “Inspiring figures like Eduardo in Colombia exemplify that incredible achievements are possible when people are at their healthiest. He embodies the very essence of human potential,” remarked Pedro Alonso, General Manager of Abbott’s Nutritional Division in Colombia.
The Future of Marathon Running and New Challenges Ahead
With Sydney set to join the Abbott World Marathon Majors as the seventh official marathon in 2025, the circuit continues to expand, drawing in athletes eager to push their limits. While Eduardo Acevedo has already made history, the world of running remains an ever-evolving landscape, filled with new challenges for those bold enough to take them on.
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