Page 7 - QNM24 marathon ENG

Friendship is a Marathon!

No other sport simulates life itself with such brilliant and wonderful fidelity as the
Marathon. Besides, the Marathon did not first manifest itself in a stadium but on
the paths and roads of everyday life.
Its real founder did not spend a few easy drops of sweat in a short outburst. He
pushed the limits of his endurance over and over again, overcoming one personal
fear after another. He laid down his own life, not seeking personal glory but in
the service of the many. For friends, acquaintances and strangers, who needed a
dose of optimism.
The feat of the first Marathon Runner is worthy of the collective victory of which
he was the messenger. The ultimate “Nenikikamen” was the triumph of man
when he chose to exercise his right to claim his greatness in any arena of human
creation to which he turns his attention.
The Marathon provides meaning that is valuable and important to our society and
above all for our children. It inspires us to believe in ourselves, to dream of
challenging and beautiful goals, to nurture our skills and to honestly and
passionately give our utmost for as long as we need to achieve them! Even when
we believe that our strengths have reached their limit.

But it also invites us to go beyond our whims and care for the person next to us.
To invest in important and demanding relationships that withstand time and
trials. Relationships that awaken our humanity. Relationships that eliminate
competitiveness because they nurture Friendship!