The race presentation was attended by the Councilor for Sports of the Orihuela City Council, Víctor Sigüenza, who highlighted the event's history and the importance of promoting physical exercise. Representatives from the Club Tragamillas, Caja Rural Central, and Veolia also participated, along with painter Eva Ruiz, author of the portrait of Miguel Hernández featured on the official poster and commemorative t-shirt.
One of the main novelties this year is the earlier start time of 10:00 AM, to avoid higher temperatures. Francisco Belmonte, president of Club Tragamillas, explained that it will be a joint start for both distances.
This year's poster and t-shirt highlight five emblematic monuments of Orihuela: the Cathedral, the Episcopal Palace, the Colegio de Santo Domingo, the church of Santiago, and the church of Santas Justa y Rufina. Painter Eva Ruiz donated her artwork, which includes a portrait of Miguel Hernández, to link the competition with the city's historical and cultural legacy.
The half marathon route, spanning 21.095 meters, will run through the urban center, passing by the monuments depicted on the poster and other historical areas, including a section through the Palmeral (palm grove). The 8K Caja Rural Central celebrates its tenth anniversary and, as a new feature, all its runners will receive a finisher's medal.
The half marathon is classified as a national category event by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation, attracting registered athletes from across Spain. The race includes eleven categories and will award 2,500 euros in prize money.
Registration for both events will be open until Thursday, November 12, at 11:00 PM, via www.tragamillas.org. Bib collection will take place at La Lonja on Saturday, November 14, and on Sunday, November 15, before the races.
The organization will have over 40 Local Police officers and 150 volunteers, in addition to Civil Protection, radio amateurs, and Red Cross medical services to ensure the smooth running of the event.
