The 24th edition of the "Veselin Daskalov" memorial athletics event was held on May 10 at the "Hristo Botev" stadium in Lukovit. The event featured some of the best Bulgarian athletes in middle and long-distance running. Over a hundred children aged 5 to 12 years participated in races of 100 meters, 200 meters, and 400 meters.
The traditional 800-meter races for girls and women, as well as the 1500-meter races for boys and men, were the highlights of the event. The most contested race was the 800 meters for girls under 16. Gabriela Ivanova of Balcan-Botevgrad took the lead in the first lap, finishing in 2 minutes and 20.9 seconds. Valena Georgieva of "Milka Mikhailova" - Pernik came in second with a time of 2 minutes and 22.3 seconds. Mirela Tsingova of Evur-Varna secured third place with a time of 2 minutes and 26.4 seconds, overtaking Mia Bzovska.
In the women's 800-meter race, the competition was tactically intense. Kristina Kirova of Levski 22016 outpaced Karina Ivanchovska of Ludogorets-Razgrad with a time of 2 minutes and 27.3 seconds against 2 minutes and 28.9 seconds.
Yoana Yordanova of "Milka Mikhailova" - Pernik won the race for girls under 20 with a time of 2 minutes and 31.4 seconds, while Stefania Lyubenova of Evur-Varna won the race for girls under 18 with a time of 2 minutes and 26.3 seconds. Another victory for Evur-Varna was claimed by Nia Kostova in the race for girls under 14 with a time of 2 minutes and 37.0 seconds.
In the men's 1500-meter race, Bulgaria's winter champion Ivan Andreev of Dunav-Ruse dominated with a time of 4 minutes and 2.9 seconds. Local victories were recorded by Angel Dardanshev of "Athletic 90" - Lukovit in the race for boys under 18 with a time of 4 minutes and 12.7 seconds and Boyan Vuchkov in the race for boys under 16 with a time of 4 minutes and 33.6 seconds. Other winners included Victor Petkov of Sprint-Crven Brjag in the race for boys under 20 with a time of 4 minutes and 23.8 seconds and Nikolay Pashov of Team Klyakvov - Plovdiv with a time of 5 minutes and 8.8 seconds.
The event was attended by Vladimir Daskalov, the president of "Athletic 90" club and son of Veselin Daskalov, along with the Deputy Mayor of Lukovit Municipality, Georgi Georgiev.
The same day, the ninth edition of the road race "Lukovit Run" was also held as part of the Run Bulgaria series. Lukovit will host the cross-country event "Lukovit Girls" on October 17 this year.
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Photo: Ivaylo Donchev/BFLA
The Daskalov Memorial is always a fierce competition, but this year's races were truly unforgettable. Can anyone predict who will come out on top in next year's event? Stay tuned!