Cuenca's Paula Torres Wins World Race Walking Marathon Championship — On the City's Founding Day

The Win

La cuencana Paula Torres just won the marathon at the Mundial de Marcha por Equipos — the World Race Walking Team Championships — and set a new championship record doing it. El Mercurio's headline called it "histórico" for a reason (source).

Torres covered the 42 kilometers in 3:24:37, finishing ahead of Italy's Sofia Fiorini (3:25:42) and Ecuador's own Nathaly Leon (3:31:47). That's Ecuador taking gold and bronze in the women's team marathon.

Why It Hits Extra Hard

The race was held on April 12, 2026 — Cuenca's founding day. Per El Mercurio: "La fecha coincide con la fundación de Cuenca, el lugar en donde ella nació, creció y se formó como la deportista histórica que es."

Cuenca's 469th birthday gift to itself this year came from one of its own.

Behind the Win

Torres almost didn't enter the marathon event. She was, in her own words, "recelosa en un principio" — hesitant at first. She credits her coach Andrés Chocho with talking her through it, and after a disciplined training process she said she ended up enjoying the choice that put her on the world podium.

The paper's verdict: "Paula Torres dominó de principio a fin la competencia."

What This Means for You

• This is a hometown moment. Cuenca's tradition in race walking (marcha atlética) goes back decades, and April 12, 2026 just became one of the city's prouder sporting days.
• Expect tributes all week. Foundation Week events are already in full swing — don't be surprised if Torres gets name-checked at civic ceremonies or if you see tributes pop up around town.
• Learn her name now. A new world championship record is not a small thing. She's Cuencana, and you're going to hear more about her.

Source: El Mercurio