The start to the marathon will be given by the European commissioner Algirdas Šemeta who is delighted having the opportunity to support runners: "I am very happy to announce the start of the Brussels Marathon this year. It is one of the most important sports events in Brussels. I wish all the best to our team as well as to all the runners and I believe that the marathon reminds us the European values – each member striving for excellence in order to contribute to the best outcome".
Ambassador Arūnas Vinčiūnas, Deputy Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the European Union, adds that "Although a half of Presidency time has already passed, the most important challenges are still ahead. We have to show that our team is in a good shape and ready to cope with a stressful job. I strongly believe that the marathon will focus us more and we will successfully reach the finish of marathon and the Presidency as well.
Lithuanian Presidency team is running to raise money for a charity foundation "Algojimas". This charity strives to change the public perception of disability and achieve a successful societal integration of disabled children together with their families.
This Brussels marathon will be ran for the 10th time. In these 10 years the number of participants has grown from about 3500 in 2004 up to 12500 last year. The organizers expect around 14000 runners at the starting line this year.
You can find more information about the "Run with Lithuanian Presidency" team on Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/#!/runwithlithuanianpresidency
