Everything is set for the fifth edition of the Grand Mediterranean Race, a one‑of‑a‑kind sport event that blends running with paddleboarding. The Alicante Provincial Council and Club Atlético Montemar continue to champion this exceptional competition for another year, with more than 3,200 participants registered—marking the largest turnout in the event’s history. This community‑wide celebration draws athletes and spectators from across the region and beyond, showcasing a remarkable fusion of endurance, discipline, and coastal scenery.
Provincial deputy Juan de Dios Navarro recently visited Corridor Fair, which is being staged in the gardens of the Provincial Palace to coincide with the event’s preparation. The fair serves as a hub for participants to collect race numbers and pick up the official runner’s bag, while also providing important information about the weekend program and safety guidelines. The fairgrounds will be open to the public on the weekend, offering a first glimpse of the race atmosphere and essential logistics for competitors and supporters alike.
The information area will operate on Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00 and again from 17:00 to 20:30, while Sunday access runs from 14:00 to 20:30. The broader schedule ensures entrants have ample time to confirm their participation, collect materials, and engage with event organizers as the countdown to race day continues.
Great Mediterranean Race aims to set a new attendance benchmark
Cesar Hernandez
V Mediterranean Race offers a distinctive course that threads through the coastal municipalities of Alicante, Elche, and Santa Pola. This route underscores the provincial government’s ongoing commitment to events that matter not only for sport but also for tourism, media coverage, and regional economy. As the local representative noted, the route stands out as a unique experience not found in any other race in Spain, delivering a meaningful impact on visitors and local businesses alike.
The 21K spectacle, officially titled the V Great Mediterranean Race 21K, will begin from the Alicante city center at the Provincial Palace gate at 09:00, tracing a scenic path alongside residential districts and the shoreline. Participants will traverse notable coastal segments including El Palmeral Park, Urbanova, Arenales del Sol, and Carabassí beaches, culminating near the Santa Pola Lighthouse after covering 21.0975 kilometers, with a scenic detour past Varadero Beach in Santa Pola.
At approximately 09:00, the Costa Blanca coastline will come alive with more than 200 paddleboard athletes who will push off in the parallel V Great Mediterranean Sup Race. This event has rapidly become a premier national and international stand‑up paddleboarding competition, attracting top names in the sport such as Sergio Cantoral and Iván de Frutos, who will compete against a field of elite surfers and water athletes.
It is important to note that the race is a Half Marathon sanctioned and overseen by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation and is included in its international calendar, reflecting its recognized status in the athletic community. The event’s dual format—running and stand‑up paddleboarding—highlights the versatility and broad appeal of multisport competitions across Europe and North America, resonating with fans who value high‑level competition on coastal routes.