Slovak Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda (© Press Department of Slovak Govt)
8 April 2003Bratislava, Slovak Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda has so far in his legs 17 marathons. On this Sunday, 13 April, the 18th should follow as he participates in the London Marathon.
The first time he ran a marathon was in 1982 in Kosice. His best time since 1986 is 2:54:57. His last marathon was in 2001 in New York, where he finished with 3:42:36 (position 4053).
"Last time I wanted to show my support to the American people after September 11th. Now my feelings are similar. I want to show my support to British people as this country took a big part of responsibility in the fight against terror and also I want to let people know about Slovakia.
"Recent polls showed, that we are not much known amongst the countries of the European Union. I know I'm not in the shape to attack 3 hours, but I want to achieve a better time than in New York two years ago," said the Slovak Prime Minister.
Dzurinda does not have a lot of time for running, already on Monday morning, for example, he was on an important official visit to Russia, but hopes in the evening to be able to cover some kilometres.
"When we finish our government meetings I often go and run or I´m trying early mornings or late evenings. I have so far this year covered already 450 km," said M. Dzurinda, who is the Slovak prime minister, who has alread been re-elected since 1998. He is believed to be the first prime minister in function to run the London Marathon.
