The Councilor for Sports, Beatriz López, emphasized the council's commitment to a high-level competition that honors the athletic tradition of Jaén and national athletics. "These initial names are a strong indication of the sporting caliber we aim to offer this year, bringing together some of the most outstanding Spanish athletes in our city," she stated.
López added that the Manuel Pancorbo Mile aims to be an "authentic street athletics festival," connecting elite athletes with young people, clubs, and the general public. She highlighted the format of urban miles, which is uncommon in the sporting calendar, and the prestige of this Jaén event with its 38 editions, a heritage that must be "cared for, promoted, and grown."
David Barroso, considered a breakthrough in middle-distance running and the 800 meters, arrives after a successful season that includes the Ibero-American Championship in Lima, a silver medal at the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, and gold at the National Outdoor Championships in Málaga. He also holds the second-best Spanish all-time mark in the 800 meters (1:43.60) and previously held the Spanish 500-meter record.
Daniel Arce, a national benchmark in the 3,000 meters steeplechase, will compete in Jaén after a brilliant season. He was crowned Spanish champion for the fourth consecutive time in Málaga and narrowly missed the podium at the European Championships in Birmingham. He participated in the Rabat Diamond League, achieving a time of 8:11.42. This will be his fifth appearance in the Jaén Mile, a race he won in 2.019.
In the women's category, Marta Mitjans returns to Jaén after securing third place in the previous edition and winning in 2.024. She comes in strong form, having broken the U23 Spanish record in the 800 meters (1:58.52) at the European Championships in Birmingham, a mark that ranks her third among the all-time best Spanish female performances.
María Forero, who has established herself in the elite of Spanish long-distance running, will also participate. At 23 years old, she achieved an eighth-place finish in the 5,000 meters at the European Championships in Birmingham, a silver medal at the National Championships, and debuted in the Diamond League. She also holds the absolute Andalusian record for the 3,000 meters (8:48.28), set in Zagreb. This will be her third participation in the Jaén Mile.
