There are events that people don’t just run, they live through. The Elche International Half Marathon is one of these. As it gets ready for its 53rd edition, the marathon shows once again that it’s not simply a race, but a real force behind the city’s social, economic, and sports growth.
The last edition’s data speaks for itself. The University of Córdoba did a study based on more than a thousand surveys of participants and found that the Half Marathon had a direct economic impact of €1,430,000. This number shows how sports help the local economy, especially in areas like restaurants, hotels, and stores.
Also, it’s not only about the numbers. Once again, the running experience is quite good. The group gets great scores for things like the information it gives (9.2) and the service it gets (9.7). But maybe the most telling number is this one: 86% of people who took part would do it again, and 94% would tell others to do it. Three out of four runners say they will come back to Elche, which is a strong sign that tourism is affected.
The organisation is moving forward again with this new edition. A total of 6,100 people will take part. The number of runners in the 10K will expand by 7% to 1,600, and the number of runners in the half marathon will grow by 13% to 4,500. There is a waiting list of more than 500 people because so many people want it.
The marathon is becoming more international, with 11% of runners coming from 37 different nations. It’s especially interesting that athletes from the UK, Norway, France, Poland, Hungary, Sweden, Ireland, and Belgium are there. More and more women are getting involved, and today 28% of them are.
The new features are what really set this edition apart. Staggered starts will be used for the first time in Elche. This is meant to make the race better and smoother. The finish area has also been changed to make it easier for the runners to get there.
Another big draw will be the holiday mood. The third iteration of the renowned Paella Party is accessible to everyone this time. The Runner’s Fair is also getting bigger; it will now take up twice as much space at the UMH Sports Palace.
The weekend will start with an official run with Reyes Estévez, which will also be a memorial to Norberto Perea. This will add to the emotional aspect of the event.
Logistics is once more a critical pillar. At the start and finish lines, there were more than 130 security guards, a full medical team with a field hospital, ambulances and medical professionals, as well as kilometres of fencing, tents, aid stations and technology. All of this is made possible by the hard labour of 750 volunteers who, year after year, are the race’s heart and soul.
Runners won’t be alone the whole way. Up to 25 entertainment stations will fill the streets with music, colour, and a fun atmosphere. There will be batucada bands, DJs, and festive groups from the city.
The group stresses how important sports can be for changing society. It’s not just about running; it’s also about encouraging healthy habits, supporting sports from the ground up, and making the community more active.
The Elche Half Marathon is getting bigger and bigger. And it achieves this while staying true to its core: a friendly, well-organised race that is closely connected to the city.
The half marathon is on Sunday 29th November 2026. For more information and to sign up see https://maratonelchealicante.com/en/
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