European Athletics: Spain wins half marathon golds, Italy takes marathon titles

Spain and Italy emerged as the dominant forces at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, clinching multiple gold medals across the half marathon, marathon, and walking events.

“

In the half marathons, Spain dominated, winning titles in both the men's and women's competitions, while in the marathons, both golds went to Italy.

In the half marathons, Spanish athletes triumphed in both the men's and women's competitions. Paul McGrath of Spain secured the men's title with a time of 1:23:23, ahead of Italian competitors Francesco Fortunato and Andrea Cosi. Maria Perez, a four-time world champion in race walking, added another European gold to her collection in the women's half marathon, finishing in 1:30:06. She has a decorated history, including Olympic silver and multiple world championship titles.

“

Paul McGrath (24), a Spaniard of Irish descent, was the first to win gold with a time of 1:23:23 hours, surpassing Italians Francesco Fortunato (1:23:36) and Andrea Cosi (1:23:49).

The marathon races saw Italian dominance, with Massimo Stano winning the men's event in 2:56:49. This victory adds a European title to his Olympic gold in the 20km walk and a world championship in the 35km walk. Miguel Angel Lopez of Spain took silver, and Aurelien Quinion of France secured bronze.

“

Four-time world champion in race walking Maria Perez (30) reached her second European gold with a time of 1:30:06 hours.

In a remarkable performance, 21-year-old Sofia Fiorini of Italy shattered the women's marathon record, winning in 3:15:11, a full nine minutes faster than the previous best. Poland's Katarzyna Zdzieblo earned silver, and Spain's Raquel Gonzalez took bronze. The championships also included four race walking disciplines, with Spain and Italy each claiming two gold medals.

“

Massimo Stano (34) was convincingly the best among the marathoners with a time of 2:56:49 hours.