Will the Alicante Half Marathon establish itself as a staple on athletes’ calendars? That remains the overarching objective driving the organization year after year. It is a demanding task, yet every edition grows in scale and ambition. At present, organizers report a notable increase, with the race director confirming about 500 more entrants than the previous year. The event is set for February 18, featuring both a 10-kilometer course and a half marathon of 21 kilometers, with starts and finishes located in the Ocean Race area near the Port and offering a round-trip format for participants and supporters.
The launch event drew a large crowd at the Alicante Museum, with the city council’s Sports, Economy and Finance official in attendance. Also present were Antonio Gallego Gozálvez, Sergio Sánchez Ríos, the general manager of Aguas de Alicante, José Andrés Sánchez Bueno, the People and Culture Director of the ASV Group (Meridiano), and José Pedro García Fernández, president of Club Atlético Montemar. The gathering underscored the event as a showcase of local collaboration where sport, business, and community support converge.
The race promotes sports tourism by enabling multiple overnight stays for athletes and their families, while tapping into the charitable dimension that strengthens the event’s social impact. “This instance of sport serves as a bridge to social spaces and benefits those who need it most,” Gallego commented. The emphasis on community runs parallel to economic activity, extending the festival’s reach beyond competition itself and inviting spectators to participate in a broader experience.
Representing Meridiano, José Andrés highlighted the symbiotic relationship between sport and business. He expressed pride in contributing to the race’s continued growth, noting that his company supports athletic participation and encourages more employees to join and train for events. “It is an honor to help a growing event,” he stated, adding that the company’s commitment to sport resonates with its workforce and its broader mission to foster health and teamwork.
Kenya leads the Alicante Half Marathon
Cesar Hernandez
Current demographics show that about 60 percent of registrants come from outside the province, while roughly 30 percent are international participants, representing more than 35 countries. In support of its charitable ethos, the event has introduced the Solidarity Number initiative, allowing runners to donate, with proceeds directed to the ADIEM Foundation and the Red Cross to assist people facing mental health challenges.
Both race starts, for the 10-kilometer and the 21-kilometer distances, are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. at Alicante Port Pier 12. The program will begin with the Alicante anthem, and the track has been approved by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation to ensure alignment with national standards and recognition of athletes’ personal brands. Notably, the female registration rate stands at 30 percent a month before the event, above the national average of 25 percent for similar races. Registration remains free for all four broad categories, with accommodations for male and female participants who use wheelchairs or who have sensory, physical, or mental disabilities.
“Corridor Landing”
The fair, branded as the “Corridor Fair” though often referred to in Spanish as “Desembarco del Corridor,” will be hosted at Pier 12. An estimated 8,000 attendees are expected over the weekend. The schedule is as follows: Friday, 17:00–20:00; Saturday, 10:00–14:00 and 17:00–20:00. A team of more than 200 volunteers will oversee the 21-kilometer route, ensuring participant comfort and safety. To boost enthusiasm, a Federation-endorsed competition has been organized among the bonfire and barracks committees to assist runners through the most challenging segments of the course.