Albacete is set to host the National Sub-16 Athletics Championship for both male and female clubs on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Francisco Villaescusa, the Sports Councillor, emphasized the importance of this event during a press conference held at the City Hall alongside José Manuel Cambronero, president of the Albacete-Diputación Athletics Club.
Villaescusa stated that hosting such a championship positions Albacete on the Spanish sports map and showcases the city's capability to organize high-level sporting events. He attributed the selection of Albacete as the venue to the trust placed by the Real Federación Española de Atletismo (Spanish Athletics Federation) and the effective collaboration between the Municipal Sports Institute (IMD) and the Albacete-Diputación Athletics Club.
The championship is expected to attract over 1,000 participants, including athletes, judges, coaches, federation delegates, and family members. It will feature some of Spain's most prominent athletics clubs, including Playas de Castellón, Cuevas de Nerja, UCAM Cartagena, and others.
The competition will include a variety of events such as:
- Speed and middle-distance races: 100, 300, 600, 1,000, and 3,000 meters
- Hurdles: 100 and 300 meters
- Steeplechase: 1,500 meters
- Race walking: 3,000 meters
- Field events: high jump, pole vault, long jump, and triple jump
- Throws: shot put, discus, javelin, and hammer
- Relays: 4x100 and 4x300 meters
Villaescusa noted that the improvements made by the city council to the athletics facilities at the university have enabled Albacete to host such prestigious events. Enhancements include the installation of a pole vault mat, improvements to the throwing cage, and upgrades to the gym and control tower.
Cambronero highlighted the strategic location of Albacete in central Spain, which facilitates the hosting of major sports events. He also mentioned that the club's youth program has grown to 785 children, contributing to the city's increasing presence in competitions.
The championship will feature eight female and eight male teams competing in 18 individual events, with the final classification determined by a points system. Cambronero expressed optimism about the club's performance, particularly highlighting a young athlete named Celia, who aims to set a record during the event.
Both Villaescusa and Cambronero encouraged local residents to attend the championship, which promises to be a showcase of young athletic talent and an opportunity to further enhance Albacete's reputation as a leading sports destination.
