The race, which features a new route along the Senda del Litoral (Coastal Path), aims to attract 2,500 runners, surpassing last year's 1,500 participants. This historic edition, part of the Gran Premio de Fondo Diputación de Granada (Granada Provincial Endurance Grand Prix), has been officially designated as the venue for the 2026 Andalusian Half Marathon Championship, a recognition expected to draw elite federated athletes from across the autonomous community.
The event will offer two distances: the traditional 21 kilometers and a parallel 10-kilometer race. Both will start at 10:00 AM from the Paseo de las Explanadas, with the finish line located at the Motril port area. Shuttle buses and ample parking will be available in the port vicinity.
The new route will incorporate a section along the Senda Litoral, offering sea views and a largely flat course with moderate elevation changes. It will combine urban and coastal sections, making it accessible for both recreational runners and federated athletes seeking to improve their personal bests.
The organization has planned extensive support, including aid stations every 2.5 kilometers offering water, isotonic drinks, fruit, and energy bars, as well as a recovery zone at the finish. All registered participants will receive a commemorative technical t-shirt, a wooden finisher medal, a runner's bag with various gifts, and access to an awards area with a stage, sound system, and live results screens.
Registration will be open from July 27 to October 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM, via the Cruzando la Meta website. The entry fee is a single price of 10 euros for both the 21km and 10km races. Runners already registered for the Gran Premio de Fondo only need to confirm their participation.
Motril's mayor, Luisa García Chamorro, described the event as "the star of Motril's sports scene," highlighting its ability to attract top-level athletes and its tourism potential. The race is expected to solidify its position as a key event on the Andalusian sports calendar and serve as a showcase for the city.
The Deputy Mayor for Sports, Daniel Ortega Moreno, emphasized the race's growth and the unique experience offered by the Senda del Litoral. Hosting the Andalusian Championship is seen as recognition of years of organizational effort and will boost Motril's profile regionally.
Rafael Jaramillo, head of Competition for the FAA, praised Motril's organizational capacity, citing its experience, institutional support, and the quality of the event as crucial factors in being selected to host the Andalusian Championship.
José García Fuentes, President of the Port Authority, detailed the provision of three parking areas for over 500 vehicles, shuttle bus zones, changing rooms, cloakrooms, showers, and doping control rooms, underscoring the commitment to utilize port facilities for the city's economic, sporting, and tourism development.
“"Our intention is to continue making the port facilities available to the city and contribute to Motril's economic, sporting, and tourist development by hosting events of this magnitude."
“"Without their great work, the Motril Half Marathon would not be possible."
The official race website, mediamaraton.motril.es, will provide all information and updates. This 42nd edition marks a significant year, consolidating the event as a major sporting fixture in Andalusia and a valuable platform for promoting Motril both within and beyond the autonomous community.
