Ultra runner Miguelito Valverde finishes 192km Axarquia solo challenge in under 30 hour

Ultra trail runner Miguelito Valverde has just crossed the finish line at the Faro de Torre del Mar after a punishing solo non-stop effort that took him right round all Axarquia. He covered more than 192 kilometres with over 6,000 metres of uphill climb and a matching descent in 29 hours and 25 minutes, well inside the 48-hour limit he set himself.

What started at midnight on August 22 as a personal test of endurance quickly became a shared effort across 19 towns and villages. From Torre del Mar the route swung inland through Rincon de la Victoria, Totalan, El Borge, Cutar, Comares, Colmenar, Riogordo, Alfarnatejo, Alfarnate, Periana, Alcaucin, Canillas de Aceituno, Sedella, Salares, Canillas de Albaida, Competa, Frigiliana and Nerja before looping back along the coast. Hot late-summer temperatures, sleepless hours and tough mountain tracks tested every step, yet local people turned out with messages of support, company on the trail and practical help.

Money still coming in for AVOI families

This whole Gran Vuelta a la Axarquia was never just about the kilometres. Miguelito and Club Deportivo Perianda organised the challenge to raise €14,000 for AVOI’s “Sueños que se hacen realidad” project. AVOI is the organisation that looks after young cancer sufferers and their families. That sum matches the original planned elevation gain and will help more families whose children have come through cancer treatment join the Camino de Santiago in 2027. Previous editions already gave dozens of youngsters, relatives, medical staff and volunteers an unforgettable shared journey; a Joëlette chair loaned by the club will make the next one even more inclusive. By the time Miguelito reached the lighthouse again, €3,670 euros had already been pledged.

Community spirit carried every step

Businesses, neighbours and fellow runners kept the momentum going. Alta Axarquia Digital, Alfonso Lopez Sanchez and the Grupo Espeleologico de la Axarquia all backed the effort, while ordinary residents offered water, encouragement and company through the long nights.

Miguelito’s own motto summed up the mood: “No se trata de llegar primero. Se trata de no rendirse jamás.” In English terms, finishing first never mattered – refusing to quit did.

Miguelito Valverde has proved the Axarquia can pull together when the cause is right. His 192-plus kilometres are done, yet the fundraising window remains open for a few more hours. Every euro now helps turn another family’s dream of walking the Camino into reality in 2027.