British athletes Stuart Spencer and Lily Partridge emerged as winners in the men’s and women’s divisions at the fifth edition of the Great Mediterranean Race, a highly regarded athletics event that weaves through the municipal landscapes of Italy, finishing along the coastlines near Alicante, Elche, and Santa Pola. The race drew entrants from clubs across the region, turning the course into a showcase of endurance and competitive spirit as runners navigated seaside promenades, urban streets, and sunlit avenues. The day highlighted the depth of talent in both sides of the border, with strong performances setting the tone for future editions while celebrating community participation and a shared passion for long-distance running.
More than 3,200 athletes compete in the Great Mediterranean Race
Cesar Hernandez
The field featured thousands of runners ready to tackle the 21.0975-kilometer distance, marked by a challenging blend of heat and a steady prevailing wind. The route began in Alicante and culminated on El Varadero beach in Santa Pola, testing pace, strategy, and stamina from start to finish. Runners faced a demanding course that rewarded perseverance and tactical planning, with many pushing through the wind to post personal bests and memorable splits as the sun tracked across the sky. The atmosphere blended competitive drive with camaraderie, as participants encouraged one another along the coastal corridors and through the city’s scenic corridors.
The V edition of the Great Mediterranean Race will bring together more than 3,000 participants
JA Galvan
In the men’s category, Spencer from CA Torrevieja made a decisive move and finished clearly ahead with a time of 01:09:03. Close behind, David French Arenas Triathlon Club completed the course in 01:10:01, securing second place. Hamid Zubari from Crevillent crossed the line in 01:10:28, completing a podium that showcased consistency and speed across the field. The competition highlighted a strong regional cohort, with several athletes delivering standout performances that underscored the depth of talent within the national running scene. The final results reflected careful pacing, intelligent race planning, and the ability to respond to shifting winds and heat while maintaining form from start to finish.
In the women’s race, Lily Partridge from Birchfield Harries club claimed victory with a time of 1:14:18. She finished ahead of Marcella Herzog from Liemers AV, who posted 1:18:44, and Jessica Araceli Ruiz, who stopped the clock at 1:28:45. Partridge’s performance highlighted strategic racing and strong endurance, with every kilometer challenged by the warm conditions and the need to sustain speed through the final segments. Herzog’s effort placed her firmly on the podium, while Ruiz demonstrated resilience and steady improvement across the course. The women’s field illustrated a healthy mix of national and regional talent, all sharing the common goal of embracing the race’s difficult, scenic route and finishing with pride.