The big surprise for Esther: she says 'I do' at the finish line of the Route of Strengths | The truth

This 45-year-old native of Cartagena, raised in the Los Dolores neighborhood and settled in San Pedro, had it quite clear. “We've been together for a year and a half, I insisted that he wait for me at the finish line, because of everything he had supported me in the preparation, and he didn't expect it.” Galindo had the invaluable help of several friends and family, who secretly carried out the request and prepared a banner that read 'Will you marry me?', with images of the couple around it. The plan was more than designed and even agreed with the speaker of the test, Gaspar Zamora, to set the scene at the EIMGAF.

Suffering for the ring

On Saturday morning at eight in the morning, Galindo began the more than 50 kilometers of the Route. The request now only depended on his mental and physical strength, on being able to complete the entire route. «I come from cycling, which I practiced for years. He had the depth, but not the muscles. “I became a little overweight and had little time to train and take care of myself,” says one of the founders of the Los Dolores Cycling Club, former manager of a bike shop (Ciclos Galindo) and who a few years ago left everything behind to be a delivery driver and join to the Santa Ana Mandarache triathlon. On the way to the EIMGAF he saw people fall, some due to the strong heat and others due to the great wear and tear on their legs.

Galindo's other great challenge was not to lose the ring along the way. «He kept it in his fanny pack and he was very careful every time he had to use the gels and energy bars. Everything went well and I followed the advice of some friends: walk on the uphills, jog on the downhills and on the flat according to the sensations; “I went with my head and everything turned out well.” Seven hours, six minutes and twenty-five seconds later it was time for this 45-year-old delivery driver. The Santiago Apóstol esplanade of the EIMGAF was packed with people. But Galindo's pulse did not tremble to kneel. «The idea came to me and I had to take advantage of the moment with so many people. “I thought I was going to be more embarrassed.”

Esther Rodríguez still does not assume it. «I didn't expect it, with so many people there. This week we want to go to the church to start looking for a date,” she explains to LA VERDAD, this 42-year-old salesperson, who in the afternoons studies to be a nursing assistant.

Another couple in Thailand

This is the second consecutive year that there is an order at the EIMGAF finish line. In 2023, Juan Antonio Espinosa knelt in front of Nuria Ros in another quite emotional image. The couple keeps some souvenir sneakers from that day and last Saturday did not participate in this new edition, as they recently enjoyed a long honeymoon trip through Thailand.