6th Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo SUP Race 2024: Compete on Spain’s Scenic Coast

The 6th Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo SUP Race will be held on 10 November in Santa Pola, Spain. Organized by Daniel Parres from the Club Deportivo Parres in Spain, he is a water sports expert, this event is a key stop in the Spanish SUP racing circuit, offering a thrilling 13 km coastal route near Tabarca Island. With a total prize pool of €3,000, it attracts both elite competitors and casual paddlers. Whether you’re an athlete or a SUP enthusiast, this event promises breathtaking scenery and a vibrant community. Don’t miss out—register now to secure your spot in this exciting race!

What makes the Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo a standout event in the SUP racing calendar, and how do you ensure it continues to attract top paddlers from around the world?

The Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo SUP Race is part of the Spanish Cup, but we also have regular participation from other countries. Gradually, we aim to gain more international recognition and attract more participants globally. It’s a unique race that includes both runners and paddlers, following almost the same route and schedule, which gives great visibility to SUP. It’s an elite race with a sense of adventure, starting with the bus picking up participants and taking them to the starting point, followed by a 13 km course with stunning views.

Can you explain the prize structure, including the €3,000 prize money and the €300 “meta volante” bonus? How does the meta volante work, and what makes it an exciting element of the race?

We aim to reward the top five elite finishers with a fair prize distribution. About 4 km from the start, we include a “meta volante” or flying finish line, offering an additional €150 prize for both men and women. This adds a competitive edge and creates a breaking point in the race.

With your extensive background in water sports, how does your experience influence your role in organizing the event?

My experience in nautical sports helps me prioritize the safety of the event and make sure the athletes have an enjoyable and fun experience. My knowledge of SUP allows me to put myself in the athletes’ shoes, ensuring the race is well-suited to their level. I also make adjustments when necessary based on the conditions, making it competitive for elite paddlers while providing a great experience for participants of all levels.

This year, your school has expanded to include activities like Outrigger canoeing. What led to this addition, and how has it been received by the SUP community?

Our nautical school has made some investments with two main goals: to help our athletes improve their technique through related sports and to offer them new experiences, like teamwork. It’s also a great way to introduce future athletes to water sports, with many having the chance to try it for the first time during this event.

Can you highlight some of the global achievements of your athletes this year, and how do these successes reflect the training and environment you provide?

In recent years, several of our athletes have been competing at the top level in major competitions. Notably, Sergio Cantoral won two gold medals in the ICF technical races, while Alexia Soto earned a silver medal at the World Championships in the technical race and a team gold medal. Ines Blinn placed sixth in the World Championships’ technical race with the French team, and Iván De Frutos has become a key figure in this year’s senior category. Many other athletes in various categories have excelled nationally, attracting European clubs to train with us.

What new features or activities can participants look forward to at this year’s Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo?

The competition will follow the same schedules and race formats as in previous years, with no major changes. However, we are continuing to implement inclusive SUP, as we did last year, alongside free SUP classes for participants and opportunities to paddle in Dragon and Va’a 6 boats. Additionally, we’ve secured special agreements with Hotel Gran Playa de Santa Pola and Natura School, located just 300 meters away, offering full-board accommodations at a reduced rate, making it more affordable for attendees to stay and enjoy the event.

The recent addition of the La Linea SUP Race suggests a growing vision for SUP events in the region. How do you see this event complementing the Gran Carrera, and what opportunities does it bring?

We believe the event has great potential due to the comfortable environment and ideal conditions for the type of competition we’ve introduced. The feedback from both the organization and participants has been very positive. The idea It is to have continuity along with “La Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo de SUP Race”, ensuring its longevity. We also aim to develop it further, giving it a stronger international profile.

For participants traveling to the event, what local attractions or experiences would you recommend to encourage them to stay and explore the area?

The Alicante coast offers a multitude of parallel experiences for participants who wish to come with their families, from visiting the Island of Tabarca by ferry from Santa Pola to exploring the natural salt flats of Santa Pola, as well as the cities of Alicante and Elche, which are just 15 minutes from the event. The hotels, gastronomic, and leisure offerings are wide and diverse. It is a highly recommended place to visit with the family and enjoy a great sports and leisure experience together.

Can you share any insights or plans you have in mind for the 2025 edition of the Gran Carrera?

We are actively working to give the 2025 edition a more international character. Our goal is to continue expanding the event’s reach, attracting more participants from around the world while maintaining the high standards and exciting elements that have made the Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo a standout in the SUP racing calendar.

For more information:

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Photos by the courtesy of: Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo SUP Race