Por Redaccion 
The athletic event, already established as one of the most important in the Andalusian calendar, debuts this year as a scoring event on the circuit and is sanctioned by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA). The start will take place from 9:00 hours at Villa de Madrid, and will traverse the main avenues of Vélez-Málaga and Torre del Mar, culminating at Paseo Larios. In addition to the official distance, a 10-kilometer race will be added. A great athletic celebration is expected in our city.
Its inclusion as a competition in the Andalusian Championship will result in the attendance of over 70 clubs from across the autonomous region, with a national caliber field among those present at the Vélez meeting. The City Council has arranged for two buses to transport participants from the finish line in Torre del Mar to the designated parking area at the Recinto Ferial, starting from 11:30 hours when the race closes.
The major athletic event in Vélez-Málaga is just around the corner, and it is one of the most prominent in the Malaga and Andalusian calendars. Tomorrow, the municipality will come to a standstill to host the 21.097 km of the XII Media Maratón Ciudad de Vélez-Málaga 2025, which will kick off at 9:00 hours from Avenida Villa de Madrid. The event will attract a significant number of participants, including runners from various parts of Málaga, other Andalusian provinces, and distinguished runners from clubs across Spain.
This morning, the Sports Councilor of the Vélez-Málaga City Council, Manuel Gutiérrez, alongside the representative of the Vélez Athletics Club, Carlos Gámez, and the president of the Andalusian Athletics Federation (FAA), Enrique López Cuenca, presented the twelfth edition of this sporting initiative. The Vélez race, now part of the Andalusian Half Marathon Championship for the first time, will take place on May 1st, covering the official distance of 21.097 km and also featuring the traditional 10K race for those interested in a shorter distance. The athletic gathering in Vélez-Málaga is sanctioned by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA).
Councilor Manuel Gutiérrez emphasized the significance of the Vélez-Málaga half marathon event for the entire Andalusian community. He highlighted how it serves as a platform to showcase the city’s commitment to sports and to introduce visitors to the various aspects of Vélez-Málaga, including its sports, cultural, historical, and leisure offerings. Gutiérrez commended the prestige and value that the Vélez-Málaga Half Marathon has gained over the years, particularly as a scoring event in the Andalusian circuit and recognized by the Spanish Federation, making it an event that attracts athletes from all over the region.
Carlos Gámez, from the Vélez Athletics Club, stressed the significance of this year’s inclusion in the Andalusian Championship as a scoring event. He highlighted how this iconic race allows them to showcase Vélez-Málaga to a wider audience, particularly with the integration into the Andalusian circuit, attracting top runners from the region, their families, and many individuals from various parts of Spain. He also emphasized the excellent choice of this year’s route, connecting Vélez-Málaga with Torre del Mar and creating an attractive itinerary for competitors and spectators.
Enrique López Cuenca, president of the Andalusian Athletics Federation, praised the importance of the athletic meeting in Vélez-Málaga, considering it one of the most significant in Andalusia. He anticipated an enthusiastic response from the audience, emphasizing how athletics is a sport where everyone can find a place, whether jumping or running, striving to push their limits.
Bases
The sporting event will commence at Avenida Villa de Madrid at 9:00 hours, with necessary refreshment checkpoints strategically placed along the route. There will be 7 liquid stations at kilometers 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, and 20, in addition to the finish line. The finish line will be located at Paseo Larios in Torre del Mar. The route is new compared to previous editions, entirely urban, passing through the main streets and avenues of Vélez-Málaga and Torre del Mar, and for the Half Marathon, it is sanctioned by the RFEA. The Sports Councilor revealed that the event has attracted a massive number of participants, exceeding 1100.
The Media Maratón will see the participation of over 70 clubs from across Andalusia, regulated by a Judges Committee from Málaga. The route may be shortened or canceled due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. There will be no refund of the registration fee, and no registrations will be accepted on the day of the race. Runners can collect their bibs and runner’s kit at Centro Comercial El Ingenio until April 30th from 17:00 to 21:00 hours, and before the start at Villa de Madrid until 8:30 hours. Categories will range from sub18 and sub 20 to master 65, respectively.
The Sports Council has arranged for two buses to transport participants from the finish line in Torre del Mar to the designated parking area at the Recinto Ferial, starting from 11:30 hours when the race closes. The buses will operate consecutively to transfer runners to the parking area next to Centro Comercial El Ingenio.
In the Media Maratón Ciudad de Vélez-Málaga, there will be trophies and cash prizes for the top three finishers in the male and female categories. Specifically, they will receive 100, 75, and 50 euros, respectively. The athlete who breaks the race record will receive 50 euros. In the 10km race, trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers in the overall male and female categories. All participants will receive a medal for completing the race. It is worth noting that there will be a mobile ambulance unit throughout the race, with physiotherapists and masseurs available to attend to injuries and discomfort. For more information, visit www.atletismovelez.com.