"Baby Marathon" in Pogradec/ Emotions, cups and unforgettable memories

2025-07-26 12:34:00, Qyteti im CNA

"Baby Marathon" in Pogradec/ Emotions, cups and unforgettable memories

Photos from the marathon

For the third consecutive year, Pogradec welcomed the "Baby Marathon", an event that goes beyond the meaning of a sports competition and turns into a big family celebration, filled with emotions, smiles and unique moments.

More than 60 children participated in this special edition, where the organizers created groups separated by age to guarantee equality and fun for everyone.

A total of 15 main prizes were awarded, 5 first places, 5 second places and 5 third places, but medals and gifts were distributed to all participating children.

Organizer Leonard Peço described this activity as a true thrill, a spectacle you rarely see, where the protagonists are the children themselves. He added that this year a little acrobat also stood out, which thrilled him beyond all expectations.

"We return for the third year to Pogradec with the baby competition. It is not just a competition, but a real spectacle, an unprecedented emotion, a beautiful competition that is done by the children themselves. Today, beyond our expectations, there were over 60 children and we tried to create several drums for different age groups. A total of 5 first prizes, 5 second and 5 third prizes were received.

"Beyond that, the winners were awarded with cups, but there were medals and gifts for all the children. Today, for the sake of truth, although not in athletics, we saw an acrobat, who really excited me with her talent. It is lucky for Pogradec to have such a talented child in its bosom. I hope her career will be brilliant and why not, at international level."

The enthusiasm was also shared by the parents and grandmothers of the participants. The mother of 10-month-old Vivien Hoxha, the second-place winner, shared her emotions.

"The girl is Vivien Hoxha, 10 months old and is the winner of second place in the Baby Marathon organized today in the city of Pogradec. Of course, this experience for Vivien will remain long in her memories, but the happiest is normally the mother who celebrates Vivien's achievement today, because after all, the best thing she knows how to do today is walk barefoot. I hope this is a very good omen for her in the future."

The mother of 23-month-old Kei Hajdëras, who came from Tirana for a vacation in the lakeside city, said proudly that Kei is following in her footsteps.

"The baby's name is Kei Hajdërasi, he is 23 months old, he will be two years old in August. He lives in Tirana, he came on vacation to his mother and grandfather in Pogradec. I feel very proud because Kei is almost following in his mother's footsteps. Mom was a volleyball player with the Pogradec team, and I feel proud."

Meanwhile, Tuana's grandmother, 2 years and 3 months old, thrilled with her words, indicating that they will return home as champions.

"Tuana is two years and three months old, I have my granddaughter from the girl. I came from Tirana today to win the cup, to be a support for Tuana. Tuana will do everything beautiful, to become a person with all the values, then she will do all the beautiful things. Tuana's brother also won the cup today, he is 1 year old. Today we are champions, we will go home with two cups."

This activity, which is now becoming a beloved tradition for the lakeside city, is not just a competition between children, but a celebration of life and family. The “Baby Marathon” brings together entire generations, parents, grandparents and children, to share emotions and build memories that will remain long in the hearts of the participants.

With laughter, hugs, honest competitions and symbolic rewards that raise morale and pride, this activity shows that even the smallest competitions can have the greatest impact. Pogradec, through this initiative, proves that caring for children and involving them in such activities is a valuable investment for the future./ CNA