Father Christmas is getting ready for a fresh edition of his guide, and the dawn marks the start of a special race this Sunday. The event kicks off at seven-thirty in the morning along the coast, with the start and finish line set at a point where Santiago Bernabeu Street meets the waterfront promenade. Runners will cover a six-kilometer route that hugs the shoreline, offering sea breeze and early light as they make their way back to the home position where the opening act of the day began. The morning air carries a sense of anticipation as participants line up, waiting for the whistle that signals the first stride of a memorable coastal challenge.
The Sunrise Race, held in the fishing village, has become a beloved fixture on the last Sunday of August. After a pause caused by the pandemic, the event returns this year with renewed energy. It is organized by the San Pola Athletics Club in partnership with the City Council and Coca-Cola. Registration reached a robust 1,600 runners, surpassing the initial cap of 1,500 due to overwhelming demand. The organizers note that the surge reflects strong community support, even as they acknowledge logistical constraints. Roque German, the president of the Santa Pola Athletic Club, explains that while interest remains high, the team faced limits in inventory such as shirts, aprons, and other race-day supplies. He emphasizes the need to balance enthusiasm with the practical realities of producing and distributing race materials to all participants.
The event provides a final opportunity for runners to pick up their bibs and commemorative technical shirts before the big day. A scheduled pickup window runs until eight thirty on the day before the race, at the club’s headquarters on Avenida de Albacete, adjacent to the Manolo Maciá football stadium. Registrants are reminded that race kits and numbers will not be handed out on Sunday itself, ensuring a smooth and efficient start line process for everyone involved. This arrangement helps the organizers manage flow and avoid delays as thousands of participants converge on the coastal route for a memorable morning run.