The event featured prominent sports figures, including Fernando Pimenta, one of the most accomplished athletes in the discipline. Pimenta is among the few Portuguese athletes to have won an Olympic medal and is currently part of Sport Lisboa e Benfica's Olympic project, adding even more prestige to the marathon. In addition to him, the event welcomed other renowned athletes and newcomers who recently passed the rigorous tests required to qualify for the "Yukon1000," known as the most demanding and challenging kayaking competition in the world, where they became the first-ever Portuguese participants.
NAMOR, the main sponsor of this duo (Luís Vieira and António Palavra), lending its name to the team “NAMOR YUKON1000 PORTUGAL TEAM,” strengthened its commitment to the development of canoeing in Portugal by also supporting the Central Canoeing Association for the 2024/25 season. Alongside other entities in the city, NAMOR provided generous support to ensure the necessary backing for registered athletes, contributing to the event's success and the growth of the sport in the region.
With dedicated organization, local support, and the presence of top canoeing figures, the Grande Maratona da Ria de Aveiro establishes itself as an essential and promising sporting event, with expectations of an even brighter future
