{"id":3114,"date":"2026-04-12T13:30:34","date_gmt":"2026-04-12T11:30:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/snaprace.app\/blog\/?p=3114"},"modified":"2026-04-12T13:30:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-12T11:30:46","slug":"merida-half-marathon-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snaprace.app\/blog\/en\/merida-half-marathon-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Merida Half Marathon 2026: recap, results and solidarity in the Spanish Championships"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A Spanish Championship with a M\u00e9rida flavour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 2026 M\u00e9rida 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 \u2014set beside the imposing Roman Bridge\u2014 felt like a true celebration, with music, applause and a city fully behind its race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main sporting storyline was whether local hero Jorge Gonz\u00e1lez 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\u2019s energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Abderrahmane Aferdi<\/strong> \u2013 1:04:16 (Morocco, overall winner)<\/li>\n
  2. Jorge Gonz\u00e1lez Rivera<\/strong> \u2013 1:04:32 (Spain, Spanish champion)<\/li>\n
  3. Javi Guerra Polo<\/strong> \u2013 1:05:32 (Spain)<\/li>\n
  4. Ibrahim Chakir Elosri<\/strong> \u2013 1:06:02 (Morocco)<\/li>\n
  5. Kelvin Kiptoo Murkeu<\/strong> \u2013 1:06:33 (Kenya)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Ouhaddou, undisputed queen of the women\u2019s race<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The women\u2019s race was equally tactical. European marathon champion Fatima Ouhaddou<\/strong> stayed with the lead group alongside Ecuador\u2019s Katherine Tisalema and Spain\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Fatima Ouhaddou Nafie<\/strong> \u2013 1:14:52 (Morocco, overall winner and Spanish champion)<\/li>\n
    2. Katherine Tisalema Puruncaja<\/strong> \u2013 1:15:20 (Ecuador)<\/li>\n
    3. Lidia Campo Sastre<\/strong> \u2013 1:15:24 (Spain)<\/li>\n
    4. Edymar Brea<\/strong> \u2013 1:15:33 (Venezuela)<\/li>\n
    5. Queralt Criado<\/strong> \u2013 1:15:39 (Spain)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      A monumental course through Roman heritage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Running in M\u00e9rida is like stepping back in time. The course passes some of the most iconic landmarks of the city\u2019s 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 Espa\u00f1a, creating a unique blend of heritage and sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The charitable cause: running for ALS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      The M\u00e9rida 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<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Tips to make the most of the experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n