Thousands of People Fill the Streets of Alicante on the Sports 'Super Sunday'

Alicante experienced a weekend of intense sports activity with the celebration of the 29th Meridiano International Half Marathon & 10K Aguas de Alicante and the final stage of the 9th Setmana Ciclista-Volta Femenina de la Comunitat Valenciana. Mayor Luis Barçala highlighted that these events contribute to the destationalization of tourism, reflected in an 80% hotel occupancy and the positive impact on hospitality and catering.

"It is essential that nearly 8,000 people, including athletes and family members, come to Alicante from 43 countries to compete in or watch the Half Marathon," Barçala noted, emphasizing the tourism promotion that both competitions entail.

In the Half Marathon, the absolute winners were Youness Belyamna (Morocco) and Sioned Howells (Wales), with times of 1h 08' and 1h 20', respectively. In the 10K race, the winners were the Polish Bartolomé J. Falkowski and Natalia Gasnk, with times of 31' 57'' and 38' 55''.

The race began after the performance of the 'Himno de Alicante' by tenor Mario González. The initial route was common for both distances, separating at the Paseo de la Explanada. The 10K runners turned toward the finish line at Muelle 12, while the Half Marathon runners went through the city center before finishing at the same point.

Participants were able to engrave their names and times on the commemorative medals, whose design, chosen through social media voting, includes the fountain of Plaza de los Luceros.

In the Volta Femenina, the Councilor for Sports, Toni Gallego, highlighted the City Council's commitment to women's cycling and its impact on the tourism promotion of Alicante.

More than 300 Local Police and Civil Guard officers, along with 200 volunteers, ensured the event's safety. Additionally, 60 Physiotherapy students provided assistance at the finish line.