The island of Ibiza took center stage on Sunday, February 15, 2026, as it hosted the Spanish 10K Road Championships. For the first time, the national event was held on the Balearic island, with Platja d’en Bossa transformed into a fast, flat circuit where some of the country’s top distance runners competed. Under clear skies, with light sea breezes and mild temperatures, spectators enjoyed an exciting race that crowned two new national champions.
In this article, we take an in-depth look at how the women’s and men’s races unfolded, review the individual and team results, and reflect on what these victories mean for Spanish athletics. We also include practical advice on preparing for a competitive 10K and explain how the SnapRace app can help you plan your next goals.
The setting: a fast seaside course
The 2026 Spanish 10K Road Championships took place on a certified circuit in the Platja d’en Bossa area, in southern Ibiza. The nearly flat course ran parallel to the sea, allowing athletes to maintain high speeds from the start. Organizers designed a two-lap 5 km route along the coastline, offering not only spectacular sea views but also ideal conditions for strong performances.
The weather cooperated perfectly: after a windy Saturday, Sunday dawned clear with minimal breeze. The women’s race started at 9:35 a.m., followed ten minutes later by the men’s race, with temperatures around 15°C—ideal conditions for competition. All of this contributed to a successful event both organizationally and athletically.
Idaira Prieto dominates the women’s race
The women’s field featured an impressive lineup. Among the contenders were defending champion and national record holder Carla Gallardo, cross-country champion Isabel Barreiro, Spanish 10,000 m track champion Idaira Prieto, as well as Lidia Campo and Ángela Viciosa. From the opening kilometers, a lead pack of six formed, passing the 5 km mark together in 16:03. Prieto took on much of the pacing duties, responding to Gallardo’s surges while Barreiro stayed close behind.
The decisive move came with one kilometer remaining. With Lidia Campo dropping off the pace, Idaira Prieto launched a powerful attack that only Isabel Barreiro attempted to follow. The Segovia-born athlete held her speed to the finish, crossing the line in 32:11 to claim her first national 10K road title. Barreiro finished with the same time (32:11) to secure silver. Defending champion Carla Gallardo completed the podium in 32:17, followed by Lidia Campo (32:20) and Ángela Viciosa (32:31).
In the team standings, Vicky Foods Athletics claimed victory with a combined time of 1:38:40, ahead of Bilbao Atletismo (1:40:13) and C.A. Cárnica Serrano (1:42:34). These results further establish the Valencia-based club as a powerhouse in Spanish road racing.
Abdessamad Oukhelfen sets a championship record in the men’s race
The men’s race delivered just as much excitement. The field included notable names such as Spanish record holder Said Mechaal (27:25), Uruguayan-born Santiago Catrofe, rising talent Abdessamad Oukhelfen, and international athletes like Ethiopia’s Gadisa Kidanu. The lead group stayed compact through the first half, reaching 5 km in 14:04.
As in the women’s race, the outcome was decided in the final stretch. With one kilometer to go, Oukhelfen surged ahead alongside African runners Gasahu and Kidanu. Although he slightly faded over the final 100 meters against them, the ADA Calvià-Vistasol athlete crossed the line in third overall but as the first Spanish runner, earning the national title with a time of 27:52. This performance set a new championship record, surpassing the previous mark of 28:16 set by Jesús Ramos in 2023. Santiago Catrofe (28:02) and Said Mechaal (28:02) completed the national podium.
In the team classification, ADA Calvià-Vistasol secured the title with a combined time of 1:24:46. Vicky Foods Athletics earned silver once again (1:25:18), while C.A. Unión Guadalajara claimed bronze (1:27:07). The results highlighted the outstanding level of Spain’s top distance-running clubs.
What these victories mean for Spanish athletics
The titles won by Idaira Prieto and Abdessamad Oukhelfen signal a generational shift in Spanish distance running. Prieto, already successful on the track, confirmed her versatility and competitiveness on the roads. Oukhelfen, known primarily for cross-country success, added his first national 10K crown and broadened his prospects ahead of major international competitions. Both triumphs underline the strength and depth of emerging talent in Spanish distance running.
Ibiza’s hosting of the event was also a major success. The combination of a fast course, optimal weather, and enthusiastic local support has placed the island firmly on Spain’s road-running map. It is likely that the federation will consider returning in future editions, making it an attractive destination for both elite and recreational runners.
Tips for preparing a competitive 10K
After reviewing what happened in Ibiza, many runners may wonder how they can approach their personal best in a 10K race. Here are some key training principles to incorporate into your preparation:
- Combine easy runs with quality sessions. Alternate comfortable aerobic runs with interval or tempo sessions at 10K pace. For example, one session could include 5×1 km at target pace with short recoveries.
- Include fartlek and hill training. Pace variations and uphill efforts strengthen muscles and improve recovery capacity. If you’re unsure where to start, check out our guide to fartlek training.
- Don’t neglect strength work. Dedicate at least two sessions per week to leg and core strength exercises to improve posture and prevent injuries.
- Plan your workload and recovery. A typical 10K training cycle lasts 8 to 12 weeks. Include recovery weeks and listen carefully to your body.
- Simulate the course and pacing strategy. If competing in Ibiza or another fast race, try to replicate course conditions in training and rehearse your pacing strategy.
For more detailed plans, consult structured training programs such as those offered by Brooks Running in their 10K training guide, or similar resources from brands like Nike. Remember that every athlete is different—adapt training plans to your level and availability.
The SnapRace app can help organize your preparation. It allows you to design personalized 10K plans, log workouts, and browse a calendar of road races. You can also compete virtually with friends and share your progress. Download it and start working toward your next goal.
Conclusion: Ibiza’s 10K as a benchmark for progress
The 2026 Spanish 10K Road Championships in Ibiza will be remembered for crowning two new national champions and delivering a high-level sporting spectacle. Both Idaira Prieto and Abdessamad Oukhelfen demonstrated that patience and a well-timed surge are crucial to success at this distance. The competing clubs showed remarkable competitiveness, and the Balearic island proved itself an ideal stage for road racing.
If these stories have inspired you to take on your own 10K challenge, start planning your training today. Explore upcoming events in our race calendar, follow our training guides, and leverage the tools offered by SnapRace to prepare confidently for your next race. See you at the starting line!