Last weekend, the Alicante Royal Yacht Club opened its doors to a dynamic group of rowers who took on Spain’s inaugural championship for beach run rowing. The event unfolded under calm, windless conditions that allowed athletes to concentrate on technique and pacing rather than battling gusts along the shore. The club’s warm reception created a supportive atmosphere that helped competitors perform at their best across both sand and water surfaces.
The competition presented a demanding 500-meter multidisciplinary course. It began with a 25-meter sprint along the waterline, then featured a tight slalom weaving through buoys, followed by another 25-meter dash along the beach. The layout tested balance, speed, and the ability to shift between water and sand with precision, pushing crews to adapt quickly to changing surfaces and conditions.
In response to a strong turnout, the Spanish Rowing Federation revised the event format by expanding the number of lanes from two to three per race. The move aimed to boost safety, reduce congestion, and ensure fair competition as the sport grows across the country.
Maria Rosa Lopez from Alicante delivered standout performances by securing two gold medals. She won the C1x Female Veteran title in solo competition and also triumphed in the C2x Mixed event together with partner Manuel Sala. Among notable results, Lionel Jimenez earned silver in the C1x Male Senior category. In the Mixed Absolute division, Sofia Anton, Marcos Salas, Violeta Belda, and Miguel Salas delivered a strong showing in the C4x+ event, with Sergio López steering as helmsman. The breadth of success across multiple boats and categories underscored the depth and dedication of the club’s rowing program.
Athletes from the Real Club de Regatas de Alicante also earned five bronze medals. These came in the C1x Female Cadet, C2x Male Cadet, C2x Mixed Absolute, C1x Male Cadet, and C1x Male Absolute categories. The medals highlighted the ongoing development pipeline within the club, as emerging talents made significant strides in national competition and demonstrated resilience and teamwork on a challenging course.
Amid the celebrations, the club’s department coordinator, Lionel Jiménez, expressed satisfaction with the results and the persistent hard work shown by the athletes. The sentiment echoed throughout the squad as coaches and competitors reflected on progress made and the confidence gained from competing at a high level against strong regional programs. There was a clear sense of pride in how athletes carried themselves both on the water and along the beach, reflecting the club’s emphasis on discipline, training, and sportsmanship.
Looking ahead, the Real Club de Regatas de Alicante has laid out ambitious targets for the next championship. The team will resume training with renewed focus, aiming to refine technique, endurance, and race strategies. The upcoming event is scheduled for Sunday, September 18, at the Alicante regatta club, where athletes will again test their limits in pursuit of podium finishes and personal bests. The broader message from the club centers on steady progress, supportive teamwork, and a commitment to nurturing competitive courage in each rower. [Citation: Real Club de Regatas de Alicante]