How friendly is Gran Canaria? Well even the President of the Canary Islands Gobierno (government) felt relaxed enough to join in the annual marathon event in Las Palmas on Sunday 24 January. At the front of the field the serious runners showed most people a clean pair of heels, but many just wanted to enjoy the day and the exercise. President Paulino Rivero finished in a very creditable 2 hours 14 minutes and 23 seconds, earning 787 th place on the course. The winner was African runner James Kutokirkogey, but everyone who took part can consider themselves winners. It wasn't all hard pavement pounding, on the day before the big race there was a half marathon for the juniors and even a large pasta party, good fuel for all the competitors. By Cardenas News
