Do you fancy seeing Elche after dark at running pace? The city’s Night Race returns next May, but runners will notice some significant changes to the format.
The sixth Elche Night Race takes place on Saturday 15 May 2027, with organisers dropping the 5K and concentrating entirely on a 10-kilometre race.
Registration opens this Sunday, 27 September, at 20:00 through the event website.
A new start and finish for the Night Race
One of the biggest changes for 2027 is the location of the start and finish.
Runners will set off from Calle Diagonal del Palau, beside the Palacio de Altamira and the MAHE archaeological and history museum.
Organisers hope the new location will help them create a faster course and give both recreational runners and elite athletes better conditions for recording quick times.
The race will also use two starting waves. The organisers say this should spread runners more evenly, improve the flow of the field and make the event easier to manage safely.
Goodbye 5K, hello faster 10K
Previous editions offered runners a choice of distances, but there will be no 5K in 2027.
Instead, organisers are putting all their attention into the 10K as they try to establish the Elche Night Race as one of Spain’s leading races over the distance.
The change should allow the team to concentrate resources on a single course while improving the overall experience for participants.
Elche councillor for Sports J. Antonio Román said the race had quickly become one of the city’s most recognisable running events. The council wants it to develop beyond its local and regional following and build a stronger national profile.
Bigger prizes to attract elite runners
There is another change at the sharp end of the field.
Race director Juan Carlos Esteso said organisers have increased the prize money for 2027 in an effort to attract leading national and international athletes.
They also want the redesigned course to provide the conditions for competitive times, while continuing to cater for the large field of recreational runners expected to take part.
Club Deportivo Esteso Runners organises the event in collaboration with Elche City Council.
Registration opens on Sunday
Anyone hoping to take part can register from 20:00 on Sunday 27 September.
Elche Night Race registration and information.
The information released so far does not give the entry price or maximum number of runners, so anyone planning to enter should check the event website when registration opens.
With a single distance, a new start and finish and an increased focus on fast times, the 2027 edition represents a sizeable shake-up for Elche’s night-time running event.
Bridging the Gap’s recap
- The sixth Elche Night Race takes place on Saturday 15 May 2027.
- The event will feature a 10K only, with the previous 5K dropped.
- Registration opens at 20:00 on Sunday 27 September.
- The race gets a new start and finish on Calle Diagonal del Palau.
- The location is beside the Palacio de Altamira and MAHE.
- Organisers plan to use two starting waves to spread out the field.
- Prize money has increased to help attract leading national and international athletes.
- Club Deportivo Esteso Runners organises the race with Elche City Council.
