Ankara: Spanish athlete Adel Mechaal, who won the men's 1920 Running Race, and Derya Kunur, who claimed victory in the women's category, praised Sunday's event in the Turkish capital Ankara.

According to Anadolu Agency, Mechaal, who claimed the 1920 Running Race crown, praised the atmosphere of the event, held to mark the 106th anniversary of Anadolu, saying: "Anadolu Agency has done a very good job." He described the organization as excellent and found the course to be a pleasure to run, starting and ending at Anadolu headquarters.

Mechaal expressed his enjoyment of the event and looked forward to its continuation over the next century. The race marked a significant point in his recovery journey from injury, and he shared his excitement about returning to competitive racing. He acknowledged the challenging nature of the hilly course, comparing it to the terrain often faced by Kenyan athletes.

Despite the difficulty, Mechaal managed to secure victory by adjusting his pace in the final stretch. He expressed enthusiasm for future races, thrilled by the competitive spirit exhibited during the event.

Derya Kunur also lauded the event, appreciating Anadolu's efforts to promote sports through the race. She expressed her eagerness for more such events and her willingness to participate annually. Kunur traveled from Trkiye's eastern Mus province to compete, finding the course challenging but manageable.

Her determination to win was evident, and she achieved her goal with confidence, noting that her competitors did not pose a significant challenge. Kunur's appreciation for the event was clear, as she looked forward to future opportunities to compete.