A full day on the run — 100 kilometers in one go. It’s a demanding challenge, yet more than a thousand athletes are already tackling the course across Europe. Transiltania 2023 is pursued by many to chase personal milestones. Elche hosts one of the region’s most enigmatic and eagerly anticipated events, drawing runners from the surrounding area and from far beyond.
The turnout this year has been remarkable. All 1,200 race gowns were snapped up in less than a day as testing opportunities filled a large portion of Elche. It marked a confident step toward normalcy after pandemic-related pauses, and the energy was evident in every frame. The twelfth edition of Transilicitana drew a crowd that spoke volumes through their enthusiasm.
Among the attendees was a mix of competitive runners and hobbyists.
Within the 1,200 registrations, there are athletes with varying levels of experience. Some will push through the full distance with minimal breaks, while others approach it as a festive challenge, spreading the 24 hours across the route to complete the 100 km. Notable voices in the crowd include a familiar local figure who plays a key role in city sports events and who made a point of joining the start line.
Officials reported a strong initial response, noting that it was the province’s only long-distance test, with participants from Alicante, Murcia, Albacete, and even Barcelona, and international entrants from France, Finland, Colombia, and Denmark among others.
Transilicitana brings together 1,200 athletes this Saturday at Elche
VL Deltel
The event began at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday along Paseo de la Estación in Elche. Runners have until 8:00 a.m. on Sunday to finish, with the fastest anticipated to reach the finish line around mid-afternoon. The final ribbon-cut is at Paseo de Jaca, signaling the end of a grueling yet exhilarating day on the course.