Thousands of runners gathered in Havana on Sunday to participate in the Marabana marathon, the island's premier international racing event. Held annually in November to mark the founding of Havana, the marathon saw participants navigate iconic landmarks such as the Paseo del Prado and the Capitol building. While the event is a major athletic fixture, many of the 3,000 participants utilized the platform to express their opposition to U.S. economic sanctions against Cuba.
Many runners wore signs on their backs during the race with messages such as, “Cuba is not a threat; the blockade is.” Foreign participants also joined the demonstration, wearing red-and-white sweatshirts that read, “Cuba is not alone.” The atmosphere included families, children, and people with disabilities, all accompanied by enthusiastic crowds cheering from the sidewalks.
The U.S. embargo has been in effect since 1960, following the revolution led by Fidel Castro that overthrew dictator Fulgencio Batista and resulted in the nationalization of properties owned by U.S. citizens and corporations. The country is currently facing severe economic strain, compounded by a late January announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump, who declared that tariffs would be imposed on any nation providing oil to Cuba. This policy has led to a significant reduction in fuel supplies, causing widespread power outages that have disrupted essential services including water, internet, and telephone connectivity.
Yuraldi Cava, a 58-year-old state employee, voiced the frustration of many participants during the race, stating, “The blockade is suffocating the Cuban people. We are going to win this fight.” The economic environment has also prompted some international companies with long-term ties to the island, such as Meliá Hotels International, to announce their withdrawal from Cuba due to the tightening of these sanctions.
