DESIGN
Attendance is expected to rise again this year as the annual Joaquinesca event returns to Bigastro. The festive gathering, held every December, features a main road race circuit and a strong community atmosphere. The program includes a 5 kilometer and a 10 kilometer race for adults, as well as a youth race series that invites boys and girls to participate in the Minijoaquinesca. The event continues to grow with each edition, drawing participants from the province of Alicante and neighboring Murcia, and plans for a lively Sunday morning on the municipal grounds. The festivities build in tempo as runners take to the streets, with the crowd enjoying the energetic rock beat that marks the pace of the event and the camaraderie that defines this local tradition.
On race day, a large contingent of spectators and participants gathers to celebrate sport, community spirit, and healthy living. The event offers a welcoming environment that encourages people of all ages to enjoy the thrill of competition and the satisfaction of finishing a goal. The atmosphere is further enriched by a live rock concert and a celebratory mood that resonates through the town, making it more than just a race and turning it into a true town festival that families look forward to every year. The day is characterized by warm hospitality, shared meals, and the sense of belonging that comes from running side by side with neighbors and friends. The organizers emphasize accessibility and safety, ensuring that the route is well marked and supported by volunteers who guide, cheer, and assist as needed.
The youngest participants also feature prominently in Joaquinesca, with children taking the first steps into competition and community involvement. The festival has earned a reputation for combining athletic effort with charity and solidarity, turning each edition into a celebration that benefits a broader cause beyond sport. Local residents and visitors alike come together to enjoy the sense of achievement that comes from crossing the finish line and the joy of being part of something bigger than themselves.
Bigastro’s Joaquinesca is built around a flat, fast course designed to help runners reach personal best times. The route is measured with precision, and the long straights offer opportunities to push pace while maintaining form. The event also serves as a showcase for personal branding and athletic development, as participants can demonstrate discipline, training, and determination through their performances on familiar local streets.
In addition to the sports element, the festival supports important causes through charity partnerships. The organization, led by the Joaquinescos Club in collaboration with the Vega Baja Municipal Council, works with the Remember Me Association to assist individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The collaboration also includes the AECC Local Board, aiding cancer patients and raising awareness about cancer prevention and care. This blend of sport and solidarity strengthens community ties and highlights the town’s commitment to health, compassion, and mutual aid.
The event also invites broader participation through Steps on Wheels, a voluntary non profit partner that allows residents who cannot run to participate as runners or supporters. This inclusive approach ensures that Joaquinesca remains accessible to people with varying abilities and circumstances, transforming the day into a shared experience that resonates across the entire community.