The Elche Half Marathon reached its 50th edition on a Sunday blessed with bright sun and a steady, dry breeze. The event, organized by the Elche Decathlon Athletics Club and the city’s Sports Department, drew energy from a strong local team and a large volunteer network that kept the race running smoothly from start to finish.
More than 3,000 runners gathered at the starting line, ready to tackle the classic 21 kilometers and 97 meters. The course was exposed to temperatures near 30 degrees, a heat level that pushed athletes to manage hydration and pacing carefully. March in Elche seldom feels this warm, which added to the challenge and the drama of the morning.
The British runner who joined the race at the last minute set an early pace, crossing the first half with a lead that suggested a new course record. He briefly pressed toward a strong finish but, overwhelmed by the heat, his pace slowed in the second half. The field rallied, and the top finishers remained in the mix as the clock kept counting.
The race for second place unfolded with a Moroccan athlete from the local club taking a steady climb in the final kilometers, edging into the podium position as fatigue set in among those who had led early on. A tightly packed chase group saw a sprint finish among European competitors, with the lead pack trading places in the final hundred meters as they vied for top spots. In the end, the podium was completed by athletes from diverse backgrounds who balanced speed with endurance to seal their places.
Elche hosts the world’s oldest Half Marathon
The event continued to showcase a strong field, with athletes from multiple nations bringing their best. The women’s race featured a Moroccan runner who dominated the early splits and finished with a competitive time, highlighting the depth of talent in the field. Although her final pace did not threaten the overall course record, the performance stood out for its consistency and speed across the 21.0975 kilometers.
The runners in second place were followed closely by a Spaniard from a local cycling club, with a noticeably determined late surge that helped him secure a podium finish. A Swiss trio pushed the pace in the latter stages, with a swift finish that left the rest of the field chasing. A Moroccan runner attempted to bridge the gap toward the leaders but paid the price for an aggressive opening pace as the finish approached.
The Elche Half Marathon marked a jubilant milestone as the world’s oldest continuous 21-kilometer race. While the event did not produce a world-class time this year, it delivered a high standard of competition and a satisfying demonstration of endurance across a wide range of abilities. Finishers crossed in times that spanned from one hour and ten minutes to one hour and fifteen minutes, underscoring the depth of the field and the dedication of every runner.
The 50th edition drew a sizable crowd along the course, creating an electric atmosphere at the halfway point and along the promenade that culminates at the finish line. Spectators offered continuous applause, cheering on runners as they pressed through the final stretch with grit and pride.
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A single incident stood out among the celebrations: one participant fainted near the finish and required immediate medical attention. The event team coordinated a swift response, with on-site medical staff and emergency services ready to assist. The athlete was stabilized and transported to a local hospital for further evaluation, and organizers reviewed procedures to ensure safety remained paramount for every participant.
The remainder of the field continued at a steady pace toward the finish, and volunteers guided runners across the line to prevent congestion. An emergency transport unit remained available as a precaution, with organizers prioritizing the well‑being of all participants and awaiting updates on the outcomes of medical assessments.