Crowning the peaks

THE countdown to the Puig Campana Vertical Kilometre mountain race has begun. This punishing trial will take place for the 14th time in Finestrat on Sunday, April 23.

This is the oldest race of this type in Spain and one of the most thrilling and exciting trail challenges for fans of this sport set in the most natural surroundings.

One interesting aspect of this race is the name since the Puig Campana Vertical Kilometre is, in fact, 3.6 kilometres long and involves a climb of 1,050, very close to the sea.

What’s more, this time, the race will be in OPEN mode, meaning that both federated and non­federated athletes over the age of 18 years can take part. Only 300 people can enter, and registration is open until April 20.

The event began on Sunday, 27 March in the Plaça de la Unió Europea.

The absolute men’s record has been held by an Italian athlete, Urban Zemmer, since 2011, who reached the summit in just 35 minutes and 43 seconds.

Laura Orgué broke the women’s record that same year, achieving a time of 44.01.