The 46th edition of the popular race in Jerez has exceeded 1,500 registered participants, with 400 of them being minors. Tomás Sampalo, the delegate for Sports and Health, along with Alejandro Pérez from Runnink, presented the event scheduled for Sunday, 15 November, starting at 10:00 for the main race and at 11:15 for the children's races.
Online registrations are open until 24:00 on Wednesday, 11 November, at www.runnink.com. The registration fee for participants in the sub-20 to master categories includes a technical t-shirt, while those in the sub-18 and younger categories, as well as participants in handbike, wheelchair, and functional diversity categories, can register for free.
The main race covers a distance of 8,500 metres for the adult categories, with varying distances for younger participants. The race will commence on Avenida Chema Rodriguez, with the finish line set at the Municipal Stadium of Chapín.
Tomás Sampalo highlighted the significance of the race, noting its long history as one of the oldest in the province and Andalusia, with the 50th anniversary on the horizon. He pointed out the increase in participation this year, with last year's event attracting 700 participants compared to over 1,500 this year.
Sampalo credited the rise in registrations to the organisational efforts of Runnink and various municipal departments, particularly the Local Police of Jerez, as well as the contributions from sports technicians, Civil Protection, and volunteers. "We want to thank the Local Police of Jerez; they are essential in organising events across all municipal departments. We successfully concluded the Half Marathon thanks to teamwork and collaboration," he stated.
This year's race features a redesigned route based on feedback from runners to avoid cobbled areas. "We have moved the race away from Calle Empedrada and into Porvenir, featuring wide streets that pass through the city centre and iconic points in Jerez, such as Minotauro, Larga, Avenida Alcalde Álvaro Domecq, and Parque González Hontoria," Sampalo explained.
Alejandro Pérez noted that Runnink has made efforts to enhance the course's appeal while maintaining the essence of the popular race through the city centre. "It is an 8.5-kilometre route, very accessible for novice runners. It is a fast race, ideal for those looking to achieve personal bests while enjoying the experience," he added.
The first refreshment station will be located at Plaza del Arenal, with a second at Chapín. "All runners will have access to a cloakroom and shower facilities. This race is unique as it welcomes all types of runners: minors, adults, and those with functional diversity. We aim to make it an inclusive event that attracts many runners to our city," Pérez stated. Registrations have also been received from athletes in Seville, Cádiz, and the Northwest Coast.
