More than 6,000 runners from around the world are set to participate in the Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo 21K in Alicante on 8 November. Organised by the Diputación de Alicante, this event has become a significant highlight in the sporting calendar, featuring a parallel paddle surf competition.
José Antonio Bermejo, the provincial deputy, stated, “The Costa Blanca has established itself as a key destination for hosting large-scale and relevant events, thanks to its privileged climate, quality infrastructure, and top-notch complementary offerings.”
The event will also feature remarks from Santa Pola's mayor and provincial deputy, Loreto Serrano, along with Manuel Villar, the sports councillor of Alicante, José Pedro García, president of the Club Atlético Montemar, and Daniel Parres, president of the Club Deportivo Parres Center. Serrano noted, “Through the Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo, we manage to promote and carry the name of our municipalities worldwide.”
Now in its seventh edition, the Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo has once again set a record for participation. The race will commence in the city of Alicante, starting at the Palacio Provincial, and will run along the coast, passing iconic locations such as El Palmeral Park, Urbanova Beach, Arenales del Sol, Carabassí Beach, and the Santa Pola Lighthouse. The total distance of the race is 21.0975 kilometres, culminating at Varadero Beach in Santa Pola.
Throughout the route, there will be various entertainment and refreshment points offering water and isotonic drinks. Participants will also have access to bus transportation with different routes between Alicante, Elche, and Santa Pola, as well as a cloakroom service to store personal belongings at the starting point for collection upon arrival.
Of the 6,000 registered participants, 54% are from Spain, while the remaining 46% are international. Additionally, 35% of the runners are women, representing a 10% increase compared to the previous edition.
8th Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo SUP Race
The 8th Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo SUP Race will take place over the weekend of 7 and 8 November, featuring various courses and activities for all ages. On Saturday, 7 November, an open day will allow attendees to learn about and try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and inclusive SUP, while Sunday will host competitive events in categories including Elite (12 km), Open, and SUB 16 (6 km), Rookie and SUB 14 (3 km), SUB 12 (2 km), and SUB 8 and SUB 10 (1 km).
Runners Palace
The traditional Runners Palace, previously known as the Feria del Corredor, will return to the gardens of the Palacio Provincial on 6, 7, and 8 November for the distribution of race numbers and collection of runner bags.
