A Spanish Championship with a Mérida flavour
The 2026 Mérida Half Marathon was far from just another race. On 11 April, the Extremaduran capital became the epicentre of Spanish running by hosting the 20th edition of its half marathon alongside the Spanish Half Marathon Championships. More than six hundred federated athletes from nearly 190 clubs lined up alongside thousands of recreational runners to tackle the 21-kilometre course at dusk. The atmosphere at the start line —set beside the imposing Roman Bridge— felt like a true celebration, with music, applause and a city fully behind its race.
The main sporting storyline was whether local hero Jorge González could defend the title he won in 2025 against world-class Moroccan runner Abderrahmane Aferdi. From the 7:00 PM start, both set a demanding pace that quickly reduced the lead pack. As they passed landmarks like the Roman Circus and the Aqueduct of Los Milagros, they remained side by side, sharing the lead and feeding off the crowd’s energy.
The deadlock lasted until the final kilometre. On the closing climbs through the historic centre, Aferdi launched several attacks on the uphill sections and managed to open a small gap, which he held through the finishing straight. He crossed the line in 1:04:16, while the hometown favourite followed just seconds later (1:04:32), enough to secure the Spanish title once again as the first Spaniard across the line. Veteran runner Javi Guerra (1:05:32) completed the national podium after a thrilling finish.
- Abderrahmane Aferdi – 1:04:16 (Morocco, overall winner)
- Jorge González Rivera – 1:04:32 (Spain, Spanish champion)
- Javi Guerra Polo – 1:05:32 (Spain)
- Ibrahim Chakir Elosri – 1:06:02 (Morocco)
- Kelvin Kiptoo Murkeu – 1:06:33 (Kenya)
Ouhaddou, undisputed queen of the women’s race
The women’s race was equally tactical. European marathon champion Fatima Ouhaddou stayed with the lead group alongside Ecuador’s Katherine Tisalema and Spain’s Lidia Campo during the first half of the race. After passing the 15-kilometre mark near the Aqueduct, the Moroccan runner increased the pace and broke away. Her strong, steady stride carried her to the finish in 1:14:52, confidently retaining the national title. Tisalema (1:15:20) finished second overall, while Lidia Campo (1:15:24) claimed the Spanish silver medal.
- Fatima Ouhaddou Nafie – 1:14:52 (Morocco, overall winner and Spanish champion)
- Katherine Tisalema Puruncaja – 1:15:20 (Ecuador)
- Lidia Campo Sastre – 1:15:24 (Spain)
- Edymar Brea – 1:15:33 (Venezuela)
- Queralt Criado – 1:15:39 (Spain)
A monumental course through Roman heritage
Running in Mérida is like stepping back in time. The course passes some of the most iconic landmarks of the city’s archaeological complex: it begins near the Roman Bridge and follows the banks of the Guadiana River before heading through the Roman Circus, the Aqueduct of Los Milagros and the majestic Roman Theatre. These cobbled sections and gentle undulations demand solid technique, especially at dusk when the lighting enhances the beauty of every monument. Runners also pass by the Basilica of Santa Eulalia and Plaza de España, creating a unique blend of heritage and sport.
Beyond its beauty, the course presents challenges: tight corners, cobblestone sections and short climbs that can take their toll. Studying the route, pacing the hills carefully and conserving energy for the final kilometres are key to fully enjoying such a demanding yet spectacular race.
The charitable cause: running for ALS
The Mérida Half Marathon is not only about performance; it also embraces solidarity. In the 2026 edition, the organisers donated one euro for every finisher to ELA Extremadura, an organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life of people living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in the region. Additional donations were enabled via Bizum and bank transfer, and charity merchandise was sold at the race expo. Initiatives like this show how running can make a real impact beyond the stopwatch.
Tips to make the most of the experience
- Adapt your training to the schedule: the race takes place at dusk, so include evening runs to get used to lower light conditions and adjust your pre-race nutrition.
- Work on pace changes: the duel between Aferdi and González was decided in the final sprint. Include fartlek sessions and long intervals in your training.
- Train on uneven surfaces: cobblestones require strong ankles and adaptable stride mechanics. Practise on similar terrain to improve stability.
- Stay properly hydrated: even though the race is held in the evening, April temperatures in Mérida can still be warm. Hydrate well throughout the day and use aid stations effectively.
- Track your training: with the SnapRace app you can plan routes, analyse your pace and share progress with other runners. It’s useful both in preparation and on race day.
Why Mérida is now a must-run event
With twenty editions behind it, the Mérida Half Marathon has evolved from a local initiative into a national benchmark. Its unique combination of history, celebration and sport attracts runners from across Spain and beyond. The victory of Abderrahmane Aferdi, Jorge González’s national title and Fatima Ouhaddou’s dominant performance have added a new chapter to a race that is already part of Extremadura’s sporting heritage. The invitation is open: will you be at the start line in 2027?
If these stories inspire you to push your own limits, mark this race on your calendar. Taking part means experiencing a unique course, supporting a meaningful cause and enjoying an unforgettable weekend in Spain’s Roman capital. And remember: with SnapRace you can track your training in detail and share your achievements with the running community.