Costa Blanca half marathon takes runners from Alicante to Santa Pola along Mediterranean coast

Runners can take on one of the Costa Blanca’s most scenic sporting challenges when the Gran Carrera del Mediterraneo 21K returns on Sunday, November 8.

The seventh edition covers the official half-marathon distance of 21.0975 kilometres, starting in the centre of Alicante before following the coastline south to Santa Pola.

The race begins at 9:00 AM outside the Provincial Council building on Avenida de la Estacion in Alicante, with competitors then embarking on a point-to-point journey towards the coast and the finish line in Santa Pola.

Half marathon follows the Costa Blanca coastline

From Alicante, competitors will head towards the coast, passing El Palmeral before continuing through Urbanova, Arenales del Sol and Carabassi.

The final stages will take runners towards Santa Pola, with the finish line waiting at Playa Varadero beside the Mediterranean.

With much of the route following the coastline, the event offers runners something a little different from a traditional city half marathon, combining a serious sporting challenge with some familiar Costa Blanca scenery.

The point-to-point format also means the landscape continually changes as competitors make their way south rather than completing repeated laps or returning to their original starting point.

Popular autumn event returns for seventh edition

The Gran Carrera del Mediterraneo has become a popular fixture on the autumn sporting calendar and returns in 2026 for its seventh edition.

Its unusual route provides participants with the opportunity to race between two major Costa Blanca destinations, beginning among the streets of Alicante and ending beside the beach in Santa Pola.

Along the way, runners will pass several familiar coastal locations, making the route an attractive challenge for both local athletes and visitors.

At 21.0975 kilometres, the race is an officially measured half marathon, giving more competitive participants the chance to test themselves over the established distance.

Registration now open for November race

Registration is now open for runners hoping to take part in the November 8 event.

Whether chasing a personal best, taking on a first half marathon or simply looking for a memorable running challenge, participants can expect more than 21 kilometres linking Alicante and Santa Pola.

The race begins at 9:00 AM, with the Mediterranean providing the backdrop for much of the journey before competitors reach their well-earned finish beside Playa Varadero.

For registration and further information, visit lagrancarreradelmediterraneo21k.com.