This Golden anniversary of the Elche Half Marathon begins at 10 am on Sunday, March 12. It features a strong lineup of competitors, including elite Moroccan runners who will attempt to surpass the Elche course record.
The city’s fastest marks are held by Gebrei Erkihun Jemberie in the men’s category with a time of 1 hour 2 minutes 37 seconds set in 2019, and Tiruye Mesfin Amanin in the women’s category with 1 hour 10 minutes 52 seconds recorded in 2021.
The challenge will be stout. Attracting top-tier runners has grown increasingly expensive, yet the Elche Half Marathon has long emphasized accessibility for popular athletes while also welcoming renowned participants who elevate the competition and the showpiece nature of a race that remains one of the oldest and most celebrated 21-kilometer events in the region.
Elche Half Marathon will have 3,200 athletes, a thousand more than last year
On Sunday, the Traspalacio diagonal start line will see a large group of Moroccan runners posting personal bests near the record pace. Among the favorites are two Turkish athletes: Abdul Razin of Decathlon Athletics Club, with a half marathon best of 1.02.41 and a 1,500-meter best of 3.37.61; and Abdel Majid El Hissouf, who owns a 1.02.47 for the 21 kilometers 97 meters and a marathon best of 2.13.01.
Other contenders for victory include Moroccans Mohamed El Ghazouany with a 1.02.43 best and Younes Kniya, who has posted a notable 28.54 at 10 kilometers.
African runners are known to deliver an exceptional show, and the Elche race is no exception. Other high-level participants from the region include Murcians Antonio Martinez Ardil, the Spanish marathon champion in the over-35 category, Ramon Martinez Martinez, and Andres Mico from Villena.
In the women’s standings, Moroccan Olympic athletes and medalists are highlighted, including Siham Crescent, who plans to debut in the half marathon and aims to conquer the event at its historic venue.
The race offers substantial rewards: the overall winners receive a cash prize of 400 euros, with an extra 500 euros to win if the record is broken. The event also recognizes top performance with additional incentives for record-setting runs.
The 50th Elche Half Marathon also features a team award, offering 300 euros to the first federated men’s and women’s teams, and 400 euros to the winning mixed team. A notable new element this year is a 20-runner cap with at least five women, a move that has been well received and promises a competitive and entertaining showdown.