Elche Half Marathon Says 3,200 Run, A Record-Breaking Event
The Elche International Half Marathon returns with a wide field of participants this Sunday at 10:00. A global broadcast on YouTube will showcase a diverse group of 3,200 runners from around the world, delivering a lively and inclusive experience for spectators and athletes alike. The vast majority of entrants are Spanish, totaling 2,908, with the rest hailing from the United Kingdom, France, Hungary, Norway, Ireland, Germany, Finland, and Sweden. Among the Spanish participants, the highest concentrations come from Alicante, Murcia, and Valencia, with notable entries from Albacete, Madrid, and Almería. This makes the Elche course a true cross-border gathering that celebrates regional pride and international participation. [attribution: Elche Marathon Organization]
Moroccans chase Elche Half Marathon record
The field features a strong presence of male runners, accounting for more than two-thirds of the total with 2,527 men and 622 women, along with 34 athletes with functional diversity. Around 282 volunteers will support the event, joining staff from party committees and other volunteers, bringing total personnel to over 700. The route will host participants across more than 31 entertainment spots, while Elche Local Police, DYA, and emergency services stand ready to respond to any incident along the course. [attribution: Elche Marathon Organization]
The Elche International Half Marathon records stand as a benchmark in the sport: the men’s best time for the 21,097-meter distance is 1:02:37, set by Gebrie Erkihun Jemberie, and the women’s best is 1:10:52, set by Tiruye Mesfin Aman. In addition, the event schedule for the weekend includes a family-friendly lineup. Tomorrow, Saturday, from 16:00 to 19:30, the DivertiMarathon returns to Paseo de la Estación with inflatable toys, face painting, workshops, and races for children. So far, around 800 boys and girls have signed up for the kid-focused activities. [attribution: Elche Marathon Organization]
Elche Half Marathon Will Have 3,200 Athletes, A Thousand More Than Last Year
At 7:00 p.m., a colloquium titled “Half Life, Half Elche” will take place at the UNED Center in Elche, adjacent to the Runner’s Fair. The lineup includes Carlos Gonzalez, a well-known runner and the mayor of Elche; Jose Valeriano Zapata, a track and field coach and president of Elche Decathlon Athletics Club; Jose Manuel Albentosa, an Olympic runner and organizer of the Great Mediterranean Race and the Alicante Half Marathon; and Sandra Hervas, a former elite long-distance and cross-country runner who has earned multiple medals at the event. Also featured are mayoral figures from Elche and athletic professionals such as Juan Carlos Sarasua, a physio, podiatrist, and osteopath, along with Lola Fernandez, a veteran runner from Marujas Acelerás Club who has competed in numerous editions of the event. The session will be moderated by journalist Daniel Gonzalvez. [attribution: Elche Marathon Organization]
In advance of race weekend, Thursday brought a sponsorship reception in downtown Altabix, near the Runner’s Fair, to recognize supporters and partners. The gathering, hosted by the Elche City Council and the Elche Decathlon Athletic Club, serves as a platform for businesses and associations to reinforce their backing for the competition. This event embodies a collaborative approach to sport—strengthening the community around an important local fixture. [attribution: Elche Marathon Organization]
Overall, the Elche International Half Marathon blends competitive zeal with community celebration. Athletes, volunteers, organizers, and local authorities come together to deliver a race that highlights athletic excellence while fostering a welcoming atmosphere for fans and families alike. The weekend’s program underscores not only the race itself but also a broader culture of sport, participation, and regional pride that defines Elche on the international stage. [attribution: Elche Marathon Organization]