The Ilicitana Night Race in Elche, also known as the Elche Night Race, has surpassed expectations and this Saturday it will bring together nearly two thousand runners from across the Valencian Community, Madrid, and even parts of the Region of Murcia and beyond.
The event is organized by the Elche City Council Sports Department in collaboration with the Esteso Runners club and the Last Lap brand. The city’s Mayor of Sports underscored that participants began this journey with a simple aim: to offer a one‑of‑a‑kind night experience that blends music, light, and running into a lively sports festival that celebrates the city.
Two concurrent tests are offered: a certified 10‑kilometer route for competitive runners and a 6‑kilometer option for others, allowing a wide range of participants to take part.
The start and finish line is set at Avenida de la Estación, adjacent to the municipal park and the sports park. Runners will thread through Elche’s main streets, passing by emblematic sites such as the MAHE Elche Archeology and History Museum, Altamira Palace, the Town Hall, as well as the Pergola and Palm Grove. Along the route, a few meters inland, spectators and participants can enjoy the city’s illuminated atmosphere.
Registration remains open up to one hour before the start on the same day. The 6K race begins at 21:30, inviting competitors to run like heroes toward the finish line, while the 10K event starts at 21:43.
Thus far the event has drawn about 1,100 runners for the 10K and around 500 for the 6K, with expectations that total participation could reach roughly 2,000 by Saturday. Participants must be at least 16 years old. The entry fee is 10 euros for the 10K, with 0.80 euros allocated to the organization and 8 euros covering insurance; for the 6K, the price is 6 euros, with a similar portion directed to insurance coverage.
The Ilicitana Night Race features four age and gender categories: Senior (16–34), Master A (35–44), Master B (45–54), and Master C (55+). The favorites for the women’s race include Jessica Guerrero, while in the men’s field, Alicante’s Andres Macias and Crevillente’s Fran Macia are among the top contenders. Pedro Antonio Esteso, a key organizer and candidate in the 6K, is anticipated to contend for victory.
“We want the event to feel like a celebration,” said Juan Carlos Esteso. He and his brother Pedro, together with the Sports Department, have built the event’s foundations and will not be competing themselves. The race will emphasize experience as much as speed, with runners enjoying a night‑time city center route accompanied by a light and sound show. The aim is to deliver an unforgettable day for Elche’s sports scene and to position the race on the city’s athletics calendar for years to come. ”