Santa Pola welcomed back a festive half marathon that felt like a celebration from the first step to the last. The streets of the charming fishing village, especially along Pérez Ojeda Boulevard where the start and finish lines lay, overflowed with cheering crowds offering unwavering support and loud applause for every runner that passed by. The mood was electric, turning a routine race day into a village-wide party where spectators and competitors fed off each other’s energy.
Held through the coastal lanes, the event was framed by the Santa Pola Athletic Club as more than a race; it was a communal gathering that resembled a big street festival. Entertainers and musicians lined the route, adding color and rhythm to each kilometer. The course wore a lively, inclusive atmosphere, making participants feel like essential characters in a shared, joyous spectacle rather than solitary athletes chasing times. The result was a renewed sense of belonging for locals and visitors alike, a reminder that sport can knit a community together with simple acts of encouragement and applause.
Drums kept tempo with the runners, and rockets illuminated the night sky as athletes pressed forward along the seaside course. Some pursued fast times and personal bests, others chased statistics and splits, while the majority simply relished the experience of one of Spain’s most picturesque races. The scenery—salt air, cobalt water, whitewashed façades—received its own round of applause as the route wound past iconic points and offered views that lingered in memory long after crossing the finish line.
Carlos Mazón, president of the Valencian Community, demonstrated excellent form by completing the 21 kilometers and 97 meters in 1 hour, 45 minutes, and 44 seconds. He joined the field with a strong standing, finishing among 1,987 finishers out of roughly 5,000 starters. The result highlighted the depth of athletic talent present on race day and reflected the day’s competitive spirit with many more runners pushing hard across the demanding course.
The final miles extended beyond the two-and-a-half-hour mark for several participants, yet that marker mattered little. What counted most was the moment of crossing the line, savoring the shared achievement, and enjoying the festive ambiance with fellow runners and spectators who had come together to celebrate health, effort, and community pride. The finish area buzzed with relief, cheers, and a sense of accomplishment that transcended individual times and echoed through the crowd.
After finishing, many runners lingered to explore Santa Pola’s culinary scene, discovering local flavors that perfectly complemented the season’s athletic triumph. Fresh seafood, sun-kissed vegetables, and regional specialties provided a tasteful reward that underscored the connection between coastal living and healthy living. The town’s hospitality left a lasting impression, turning a race into a weekend of discovery and shared meals that extended the celebratory mood beyond the race day itself.
This Santa Pola Half Marathon stands for more than a competition. It functions as a catalyst for sports tourism, drawing families and visitors to the coastal town and its surroundings for a weekend of active recreation. A bustling Corridor Fair, a Mini Marathon, and the main race all contributed to the festive atmosphere, transforming the event into a multi-day celebration that appeals to runners, families, and explorers alike. Participants left with broad smiles and a sense of anticipation for the next edition, already looking forward to again being part of the summer’s signature race cycle in this beloved seaside destination.