The IV Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo took place on 13 November 2022, drawing close to 3,000 runners as the event edges toward its attendance record. Organized by Club Atletico Montemar, the race aimed to surpass the 3,000-participant mark in its fourth edition, a milestone that seemed well within reach as early as two months before the event. The momentum was clear: long before the start, registrations had already surpassed the 1,000 mark, a sign of the growing appeal and solid organization that characterize this coastal challenge.
Strong participation rates from outside the province of Alicante indicate that the Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo has become a key destination in sports tourism. Runners from more than 25 Spanish cities were already confirmed to participate, signaling a broader national interest in this seaside course along Alicante’s Mediterranean shoreline.
The Great Mediterranean Race opens to the world
Registration drew international interest as athletes from Belgium, Germany, Norway, Finland, France, England, Ireland, the United States, Ukraine, Italy, and many more joined the field. Across Europe and beyond, participants from countries including Colombia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Sweden, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, and Slovakia were accounted for, underscoring the event’s growing global appeal.
The organizers highlighted that a notable share of entrants were women, reflecting ongoing progress toward greater gender balance in competitive running. Nearly one in five competitors identified as female, a figure that mirrors broader trends in endurance sports across the region. The finish could be reached at several scenic locales, including Varadero Beach in Alicante, Elche’s Arenales del Sol, and Santa Pola, routes approved and supported by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation in the previous year.
Infrastructure for the race was fully prepared, with transportation partners in place to assist participants after crossing the finish line and a logistical plan to help athletes collect belongings. A dedicated support system ensured smooth transitions from the course to the recovery areas and post-race activities, reinforcing the event’s reputation for efficiency and care for its runners.
Participants were welcomed with a thoughtfully designed race bag, featuring practical items and regional specialties that celebrate the local culture and landscape. One of the items included in the welcome kit was a bottle of Tarima Hill wine, a nod to the region’s agricultural heritage and a small but meaningful token of thanks to every finisher.