Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo: Alicante’s Other Iconic SUP Race Rocks the Coast Again!

What a weekend on the Costa Blanca! The VII Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo SUP Race 2025 once again turned the coastline of Alicante into Spain’s epicenter of Stand Up Paddle, bringing together over 120 paddlers from 18 clubs across the country.  Organized by Club Deportivo Parres, led by Daniel Parres — the same powerhouse team behind one of the world’s biggest paddle events, the World SUP Festival Costa Blanca — this year’s edition stood out for its thrilling racing, inclusive spirit, and vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere.

A Spectacular Long-Distance Victory

In the much-anticipated Long Distance race, the two SIC MAUI riders Joan García and Laura Paricio claimed impressive victories after an intense 13 km battle along the coast from Urbanova Beach (Alicante) to Santa Pola. Paddling side by side with the runners of the Alicante–Santa Pola Half Marathon, the racers created one of the event’s most iconic sights — a stunning blend of land and sea athletes sharing the same course.

The men’s elite field was fierce, with Joan Verdú taking the top spot ahead of Pablo Carbonell and Iván Esteve, followed closely by Isaac Martínez and Iván de Frutos. In the women’s elite race, Laura Paricio edged out Nuria Chiquero in a thrilling finish, with Teresa Criado, Natalia Piñeiros, and María Sotillo completing the top five.

Adding to the excitement, the Gran Bahía Restaurant Sprint Prize awarded €150 each to Iván Esteve and Laura Paricio for reaching the mid-race checkpoint first.

A Mediterranean Race Like No Other

With a moderate offshore wind and choppy sea conditions, the race challenged both skill and endurance. From the rolling waves off Carabassí Beach to the stunning arrival at Cabo de Santa Pola, spectators witnessed an unforgettable show of athleticism, sunshine, and sea spray. The festive finish at Varadero Beach was greeted by cheering crowds and a warm community atmosphere during the awards ceremony.

Inclusion and Open Activities

The day before the main race, the event offered a full program of inclusive and family-friendly activities. Due to weather changes, the sessions moved from Varadero to Arenales del Sol Beach, where the spirit of participation was alive and well.
Open sessions of inclusive SUP training, SUP Hatha Yoga, and introductory SUP lessons attracted locals and visitors of all ages.

“Inclusion is one of the hallmarks of this event,” said Sonia Esteve, Communications Manager of the race. “At Club Deportivo Parres, we’ve been working for years to make the sea accessible to everyone, with or without disabilities.”

Promoting Costa Blanca as a Sports Destination

Beyond the competition, the Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo continues to position the Costa Blanca as a premier hub for sport and tourism. The weekend was filled with camaraderie, respect for the ocean, and a true family spirit — values deeply rooted in the philosophy of Club Deportivo Parres.

“Our passion for the sea drives us,” shared Daniel Parres, Technical Director of the event. “We believe sport can be a force for social transformation. Events like this generate a positive impact — not just in sports, but also economically and socially.”

Full Results

Acknowledgments

The event welcomed Loreto Serrano, Mayor of Santa Pola and Provincial Deputy of Alicante; Ángel Piedecausa, Santa Pola’s Councilor for Sports and Beaches; and Borja Merino, Councilor for Tourism and Health. The Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo SUP Race 2025 was made possible thanks to the Diputación de Alicante, with the support of Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera (Elche), Restaurante Gran Bahía, 226ERS, Autocares Valdés, and the Cruz Roja, among others.