Organizers of a women’s race in Spain have been accused of sexism after the winner in Sunday’s event was awarded a food processor, prompting an apology.
Organizers of the Madrid Women’s Race 2023 issued an apology Monday after being called out online by Spain’s Secretary of State for Equality, Ángela Rodríguez Pam, for awarding the race’s winner with a food processor.
Serbian twin sisters Ivana Zagorac (c) and Sladjana Zagorac (d) and Silvia Rey Veiga, third, (l), winners of the ninth edition of the Madrid Women’s Race 2023, on May 7, 2023, in Madrid, Spain. (Carlos Lujan/Europa Press via Getty Images)
“If you win: housewife and if not at least you’ll lose weight,” Rodríguez Pam tweeted, in reference to other competitors being given 0% fat products.
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“We apologize but we consider this a product with no sexist character and ideal for any athlete who wants to improve their nutritional habits,” organizers said in a statement, noting that the gift had been given to the winner by the race’s sponsor.
Serbian twin sisters Ivana Zagorac (c) and Sladjana Zagorac (l) and Silvia Rey Veiga, third, (r), winners of the ninth edition of the Madrid Women’s Race 2023, on May 7, 2023, in Madrid, Spain. (Carlos Lujan/Europa Press via Getty Images)
“We regret if any woman felt offended.”
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Ivana Zagorac crossed the finish line first with a time of 24 minutes, 7 seconds. On social media, she appeared to defend the race and the cause it was meant to bring attention to.
“Thanks to the organizers, sponsors, and all the women who have participated in the race! We forget the importance of #CarreraMujer and that is that yesterday we joined together to give visibility to the prevention and research of cancer and fight against gender violence!” she said in a tweet.
This is one of the most popular races in the European calendar, combining sport and social commitment, with all runners wearing a pink T-shirt with the number 016, the telephone number for abused women. (Carlos Lujan/Europa Press via Getty Images)
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According to organizers, more than 32,000 women participated in the race. Of that number, more than 50% of runners were also mothers.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
