Crevillent to Host Spain’s 10K Championships as a National Focus
Crevillent will become the focal point of Spanish road athletics during the weekend of April 6-7, 2024. The Royal Spanish Athletics Federation selected the city of Crevillent, renowned for its carpet-like streets, to stage the Spanish 10-kilometer road championships for men and women, including senior and masters categories.
The championship races will take place on Sunday, April 7, with the event schedule indicating activities beginning Saturday afternoon, April 6. Traditionally, December ends with the San Silvestre Crevillentina, a prestigious year-end road race held on national soil, and this edition marks a notable shift with a strong national focus on the weekend just before spring.
Two other unnamed cities had expressed interest in hosting the national championship, but Crevillent’s bid prevailed thanks to the city’s proven organizational experience with San Silvestre Crevillentina, now in its 37th edition, and the presence of a solid ten-year approved cycle.
The event is expected to draw around a thousand athletes. To participate, runners must be members of the Spanish Athletics Federation. The men’s qualifying target is 33 minutes for 10 kilometers, while women’s qualifying times apply to categories up to age 39. Some participants may be popular runners who are not eligible for prizes, but the field typically reaches about 1,500 competitors, including Spain’s top specialists pursuing top finishes and potential selection for European or World Championships 10-kilometer events along the course.
Crevillente’s bid to host Nacional headquarters was supported by Sports Council Member David Amorós Candela, who allocated city resources and secured swift cooperation from the municipality. The Marathon Athletics Club, led by Antonio Luis More More More, has maintained strong ties with the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation, reinforcing the bid’s strength.
The presentation of the Spanish 10K Senior and Masters Road Championship selection took place on Monday at Paseo del Fontenay, the traditional start and finish point of San Silvestre Crevillentina, which will also serve as the start and finish for the national event.
Miguel Barzola and Yessica Mas Win the XXXVI San Silvestre Crevillentina
JA Galvan
Lourdes Aznar, the mayor of Crevillent, remarked that sports have been a pillar of the current administration. The council, led by council member David Amorós, aims to promote sports through high-profile events that engage the community. The mayor noted that RFEA’s choice of Crevillent as headquarters underscores the city’s strong residential base, accessible by high-speed rail and nearby airports, and its strategic location between Murcia and Alicante. The mayor added that these factors, along with the efforts of the Sports Council and the Crevillent Marathon Club, contributed to the success and visibility of the bid. The aim is to celebrate sports across the district and beyond, bringing national attention to the region.
The Sports Counselor echoed this sentiment, describing the Spanish 10K Road Championship as a platform to elevate events like the San Silvestre that already resonate widely in society. He noted that roughly 1,500 participants typically bid farewell to the year with this popular event, and that the early April weekend will spotlight Crevillent on the national athletics stage. Cooperation with Club Marathon Crevillent and other clubs will help deliver a strong national-level competition.
He expressed appreciation for the Crevillent Marathon Club’s willingness to transform the idea of organizing the Spanish Championships into a new milestone. Plans include opening a popular, public-friendly test before hosting a national championship for men, followed by a women’s event. The official stated: cities with robust clubs and well-coordinated volunteers can stage memorable championships, and Crevillent is well positioned to do so.
Antonio Luis Mas, president of the Crevillent Marathon Club, stated that organizing such a major event honors the town and reinforces Crevillent as a regional sports reference. He highlighted the club’s standing in Nordic Walking, noting multiple recent national championships, and said the new event will further raise the club’s profile. Mas credited the idea to David Amorós and expressed enthusiasm for collaboration with other clubs, including Club Atletisme Crevillent, as part of the broader plan to grow this annual celebration of road racing in the region.
Throughout these developments, the focus remains on delivering a high-quality, national-stage road championship while preserving the community spirit that has long defined San Silvestre Crevillentina and its successors.