The Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo race calls all runners and paddle surfers to sign up.
Don’t wait, registrations closes on Thursday, 7 November.
The Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo is back! This spectacular event, the only one of its kind in the world, returns on Sunday, November 9. The race brings together runners and paddle surfers for an unforgettable day along the coastline.
With the Mediterranean Sea as your backdrop, participants will race through Alicante, Elche, and Santa Pola, before crossing the finish line at Varadero Beach. Whether you’re running, paddling, or cheering from the sidelines, this is one of the Costa Blanca’s most exciting sporting spectacles.
Record-breaking year
This year has smashed participation records. Over 5,000 athletes are set to take part, a huge jump from around 3,000 in previous years.
“This event stands out not only for its beauty but also for the incredible coordination it requires between three towns,” said Bernabé Cano, the Provincial Deputy for Sports. “It’s become a global benchmark that attracts athletes from around the world and boosts local tourism and the economy.”
The VI Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo
Now in its sixth year, the half-marathon kicks off in front of the Palacio Provincial in Alicante and follows a stunning 21.1-kilometre coastal route. Runners will pass through iconic spots like El Palmeral Park, Urbanova Beach, Arenales del Sol, Carabassí, and the Santa Pola Lighthouse, before reaching the finish line at Varadero Beach.
Along the way, participants can expect refreshment stations, entertainment points, and even shuttle services linking Alicante, Elche, and Santa Pola. A dedicated baggage transport service will also make life easier from start to finish.
This year’s participants come from across the globe, around 80% from Spain and 20% from abroad, including runners from the UK, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Women make up 25% of entrants, an impressive 8% increase from last year.
“We’ve gone from around 2,800 participants to 5,000 this year,” said García proudly. “It’s an amazing milestone.”
The VII Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo SUP Race
The weekend will also feature the 7th edition of the SUP Race, taking place on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November.
Saturday will be all about fun and discovery, with an open day offering visitors the chance to try Stand-Up Paddle (SUP), inclusive SUP, Dragon Boat, and Polynesian canoeing. Then, on Sunday, it’s time for the competitive races, featuring categories for all ages and abilities:
- Elite (13 km)
- Open and U16 (5 km)
- Rookie and U14 (2.5 km)
- U12 (1.2 km)
- U8–U10 (1 km)
The SUP event is part of both the Fesurfing Mediterranean SUP Race League and the Spanish Long-Distance Cup, attracting top talent from across the country.
There is still time to sign up as registrations remain open until Friday, November 7 at crono4sports.es/info/2256.
Santa Pola councillors showcasing the Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo race t-shirts.
