Marina Alta crowns running champions after dramatic circuit finale

The 2026 Circuit a Peu Marina Alta season has come to an end, with Fran López and María Isabel Ferrer crowned the overall champions after months of intense competition across the region. The popular running series concluded in Benissa, where hundreds of athletes gathered for the final scoring race of the season and a celebration of grassroots sport.

Benissa hosts season-ending showdown

The XXVII Cursa Popular de Benissa served as the fourteenth and final scoring event of this year’s Circuit a Peu Marina Alta. Streets filled with runners, supporters and local residents as the town welcomed what has become one of the most anticipated fixtures on the regional athletics calendar.

While the race itself produced its own winners, much of the attention centred on the battle for the overall standings. Fran López entered the finale locked in a close contest with José Manuel García Barragán, knowing every point would matter in deciding the season title.

Despite not taking victory in Benissa, López’s consistency throughout the campaign proved decisive. His accumulated points across the circuit were enough to secure the overall men’s crown and successfully defend his title.

Strong turnout highlights popularity of event

The final race attracted more than 900 adult participants, underlining the continued growth and popularity of the Circuit a Peu. A further 180 children took part in youth races, adding to the festival atmosphere that surrounded the event.

Many runners crossed the finish line alongside club teammates, while spectators lined sections of the route to cheer competitors home. The atmosphere reflected the community spirit that has helped make the circuit one of the Marina Alta’s most successful sporting events.

Race victories for Ivars and Ferrer

The men’s race in Benissa was won by Adrián Ivars of Kamikazes Gang, who crossed the line first in 25 minutes and 59 seconds. López finished second, with José Manuel García Barragán taking third place.

In the women’s event, María Isabel Ferrer once again demonstrated why she is regarded as one of the circuit’s dominant figures. Ferrer claimed victory in 31 minutes and six seconds, finishing ahead of Eri Yonamine and Cristina Roselló.

Her win in Benissa capped another outstanding season and confirmed her status as the overall women’s champion of the 2026 Circuit a Peu Marina Alta. Ferrer had already enjoyed several standout performances during the campaign, including victories in earlier races such as Jesús Pobre.

Attention turns to the final gala

Although the racing season is now complete, celebrations will continue with the Circuit a Peu Marina Alta Gala. The event is scheduled to take place at Baleària Port in Dénia, where runners, organisers, sponsors and supporters will gather to honour the achievements of the 2026 campaign.

For Fran López and María Isabel Ferrer, the gala will provide one final opportunity to celebrate a season that ended with both athletes standing proudly at the top of Marina Alta running.