Alicante is gearing up to break all records with the 30th Meridiano International Half Marathon & Aguas de Alicante 10K. On 22 February 2026 at 9:30 a.m. the starting gun will sound at the Muelle de Levante beside The Ocean Race museum, and more than 7,200 runners will take to the streets on a certified course that showcases the city’s most iconic landmarks.
This figure dwarfs the 372 hardy athletes who ran the inaugural race in 1981 and underlines the boom in mass participation running. Organised by Club Atlético Montemar and the Alicante Sports Council under the slogan “Alicante, a city for running,” the event blends history, sport and a festive atmosphere that will attract athletes from over 50 countries. Both the half marathon (21.097 km) and a 10K are on offer so that runners of every ability can enjoy the experience.
History and growth of the Meridiano
The first Alicante Half Marathon was held in 1981 to celebrate the golden jubilee of Club Atlético Montemar and attracted just over 300 participants. After a few early editions, the race went through some fallow years, but in the 2000s it regained momentum and has now become a fixture on the national calendar. In 2026 it will reach its 30th official edition, reflecting both the growing popularity of road running and Alicante’s role as a running hub. According to the organisers, the race has multiplied its field twenty‑fold in recent decades and will set a new record in 2026 with 7,200 entrants, 35 per cent of them women.
Diversity is another attraction. More than 3,000 participants will travel from abroad, representing 50 countries and 45 per cent of the total field. The remainder come from 48 Spanish provinces, turning the Meridiano into a sporting melting pot where languages, cultures and running styles collide. Local authorities note that the event is not only a race but also an excellent showcase for the city, with tourism impact filling hotels and boosting the local economy over the race weekend.
An urban course with a Mediterranean flavour
The 2026 Alicante Half Marathon course, approved by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation, consists of a single 21‑kilometre loop. The start and finish are at the Muelle de Levante beside The Ocean Race museum. From there the route takes in the Paseo de Gómiz, the Explanada, Avenidas Soto and Gadea, the Avenida de la Constitución and the Town Hall square, combining seafront stretches with leafy streets and historic sites. The 10K shares the start and part of the route before looping back to the finish.
The course is designed for both speed and sightseeing: it is practically flat with a few gentle undulations, and offers views of the Mediterranean and the Santa Bárbara castle. The atmosphere will be electric, with bonfire and “barraca” groups cheering at various points, a tenor singing the Alicante anthem a cappella before the start, and music and entertainment zones encouraging runners. Around 250 volunteers will help ensure the event runs smoothly.
International participation and social commitment
The Meridiano’s appeal goes beyond the route. In 2026 the race enhances its inclusive ethos by offering free bibs for athletes with disabilities and by using a solidarity bib scheme to raise funds for charities such as the Red Cross, the Spanish Cancer Society and ADIEM. The growing female participation — up from 27 per cent to 35 per cent in just one year — underlines the organisers’ commitment to equality in sport.
The 2025 edition crowned Youness Belyamna of Morocco and Sioned Howells of Wales as half‑marathon champions, with Bartolomé J. Falkowski and Natalia Gasnk winning the 10K. The roll of honour features international elite athletes, but the race is also a celebration for thousands of amateur runners tackling their personal challenge. This balance between elite performance and mass participation is one of the keys to its growth.
Tips for preparing for the Alicante Half Marathon
If you’re thinking of joining Alicante’s running party, plan your preparation well in advance. Although the course is fast, the large field and coastal humidity can add extra challenges. Here are some guidelines:
- Build a solid aerobic base. Spend the first few weeks on easy runs of 6–10 km four times a week, adding running drills and a long run that gradually increases to 16‑18 km.
- Develop your threshold speed. Incorporate 1‑2 km intervals at race pace with short recoveries. For the 10K, use shorter intervals (400‑800 m) at a higher intensity.
- Strengthen your muscles. Squats, lunges, core work and general strength exercises will help maintain good form over the final kilometres.
- Simulate race conditions. Train at the same time of day and on similar terrain to adapt to the humidity and urban environment. Practise hydration and nutrition with the kit you’ll use on race day.
- Rest and manage your load. Taper in the two weeks before the event, keeping a couple of quality sessions and focusing on recovery. Good sleep and nutrition are crucial to arrive at the start line fresh.
Tools like the SnapRace app can help you create personalised plans, track your splits in real time and analyse your running form. You can also share your training with other runners and join virtual challenges to stay motivated.
What to do in Alicante during race weekend
Alicante has plenty to offer beyond the race. Use your stay to wander around the old town and the colourful Santa Cruz quarter, climb Santa Bárbara castle for views over the bay, relax on Postiguet beach or explore local museums and cuisine. The pre‑ and post‑race atmosphere spills into the city’s terraces and markets, where runners and supporters share stories.
If you love road races, be sure to check out our analysis of the Valencia 10K Ibercaja 2026 or dive into another nearby half marathon like the Santa Pola Half Marathon 2026. These articles provide detailed analyses and training advice that you might find useful.
The 2026 Aguas de Alicante Half Marathon will be a festival of running and a global showcase for the city. Will you be part of its history? Sign up, plan your training early and share your experience on SnapRace to inspire other runners.