As the World Speed Skating Championships reached its final day, the center of Montecchio Maggiore, hosted the marathon race on the classic 42.195 distance, set on a challenging 4.7 km circuit through the city's streets.

At 9:00 am, the women skaters took the stage for their marathon event. Starting off with incredible energy, quickly forming various groups. Throughout the race, Colombia and Chinese Taipei dominated much of the competition.

In the last kilometers Colombia’s team act an important tactic which allows them to keep the lead for the final sprint. Jhoana Viveros, Fabriana Arias and Gabriela Rueda are the queens of the 42km.

In the men's race, Bart Swings immediately set a high pace and creating the first difficulties among the competitors. The first successful breakaway featured five exceptional athletes, including Swings' Belgian teammate, Jason Suttle, the reigning marathon World Champion at the last WSG in Argentina, Nolan Beddiaf, and the German Champion, Felix Rijhnen.

Chasing closely behind, another group, led by Bart Swings himself, determined to catch them. As the race was coming to an end at -3 laps the two groups are now together, and it became clear that this was going to be an epic sprint with world-class talent battling for gold.

Colombia made a late attempt to take control in the final kilometers, like the strategy seen in the women's race earlier. However, Bart Swings unleashed a powerful sprint towards victory followed by Felix Rhjnen, Germany and Kevin Lenis, Colombia. 

Congratulations to all the athletes who made this World Championships an unforgettable show of speed skating excellence! 

See you next year at WORLD SKATE GAMES 2024 in ITALY.  

RESULTS:

Marathon

WOMEN

🥇JHOANA VIVEROS, COL

🥈FABRIANA ARIAS, COL

🥉GABRIELA RUEDA, COL 

MEN

🥇BART SWINGS, BEL 

🥈FELIX RIJHNEN, GER

🥉KEVIN LENIS,  COL