World Sports: Barcelona holds a 46.7km marathon hike, Laporta participates in the first 7km itinerary

World Sports reported that Barcelona held a marathon hike to celebrate the Montserrat Millennium Celebration.

Barcelona held a 46.7-km hike lasting more than 10 hours from June 13 to 14. The event started at 10 pm last night at John Cruiff Stadium, and club chairman Laporta personally participated in the first 7km itinerary. The entire hike ended on Saturday in Montserrat, where the Benedictine monastery is celebrating its Millennium celebration. The hiking event will start from Rambla in Colibato at 8 am this morning, with Barcelona Vice Chairman Elena Forte and David Caraberne, a member of the 125th Anniversary Committee of the Club. Chairman Laporta arrived in Montserrat at around 9:30 a.m. and was warmly welcomed by two groups of hikers and took photos with them. He was also greeted by a stick dance group from Maskefa.

Laporta expressed his gratitude to all those who participated in the hiking activities: "It is very exciting to be here, which proves that Barcelona is not just a club. Those who participate in the hiking activities are heroes and deserve everyone's applause. Barcelona and Montserrat are closely linked through historical bonds. We provide shelter to Catalans in difficult times and support them in good times." The number of participants in the

event achieved the expected success, and all the places were booked a few days ago. Laporta and the monastery dean Manel Gash presided over the memorial ceremony at the monastery museum square. While waiting for participants to arrive, the men's and women's first teams won the 2024-25 season were exhibited, which were also dedicated to the Virgin of Montserrat. In addition, the Blue and Red Carnival Dance Troupe brought wonderful performances, and a parade with sticks to cheer up. Board members Elena Fort and Josep Ignasi Marcia attended the event and presented medals to the hikers.

A video was played live, reviewing the historical connection between Barcelona and Montserrat. Jodi Merino, president of the Catalonia Hiking Federation (FEEC), also participated in the event and paid tribute to the Manresa Blue and Red Fan Association and its president, Anna Calvila, for organizing their first global fan gathering in 1972. Subsequently, the Sadana Dance Group performed a performance, and board members and official representatives entered Montserrat Cathedral to attend the Mass. At the beginning of the mass, President Laporta made a brief speech, during which he also presented a bouquet to the Virgin of Montserrat and displayed the championship trophy won by the men's and women's soccer teams in the 2024-25 season.