Alicante is set for a lively weekend, as the inaugural Elche-Alicante International Marathon is expected to boost hotel occupancy to around 85%.
It seems runners are as good for the tourism business as they are at running.
More than 4,400 athletes have registered, representing fifty countries. Many will stay for an average of two nights in the city during the final weekend of November. Around a quarter of the participants come from abroad.
Alicante Marathon: An international event
Runners are arriving from France, the United Kingdom, Mexico, the United States, and even New Zealand. The largest group of Spanish runners comes from Madrid. There is also a strong line up of African marathoners, including arrivals from Eritrea, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
Ana Poquet, the Councillor for Tourism, noted that this major sporting event is having a very positive effect on local accommodation and the hospitality sector. She explained that sports tourism plays a key role in reducing seasonality in the city, and the first marathon linking Alicante and Elche is becoming an important attraction for visitors.
The first Elche Alicante International Marathon will begin in Elche on Sunday at 09:00. Runners are expected to enter Alicante after 10:30 along the N340. The race should finish at around 14:30 in the Volvo Zone of the Port of Alicante.
Marathon small print
The race covers 42 kilometres. The route includes 11 kilometres through the centre of Elche, followed by 20 kilometres between the two cities, and a final 11 kilometres through the centre of Alicante. The finish line will be at Pier 12 in the Port of Alicante.
The Elche-Alicante Marathon is one of the few in the world, alongside Boston in the US, with a start and finish in different locations.
Elche-Alicante Marathon route.
