Over 9,000 runners and cyclists face Ronda's challenge of 101 kilometres in 24 hours

The Ronda Legion has had the goal of strengthening the relationship between civilians, the military and civil society. The Ronda Legion organised this event to commemorate the bravery of the legionnaires that walked more than 100 kilometres in order to save a town.

In 2025 the race will celebrate its thirtieth anniversary, although it will be the twenty-fifth edition, due to La Legión’s international missions and the pandemic. The event first came about in 1995, as a celebration of the 75th anniversary of La Legión. The event began as a walk from Ronda to Marbella, with 400 participants. It has now become one of the most renowned ultra-races across the country. It has grown to be an iconic race and is one of the most anticipated races in the Spanish sporting calendar.

The route crosses the Serranía de Ronda, a stunning natural environment that serves as the backdrop for an event that brings together over 9,000 people. The race has three categories, individual, cycling and team, allowing for more inclusion and diversity. The goal for both runners and walkers is to finish the course under 24 hours. The mountain bikers are given just 12 hours in which to complete the 101K course.

The race will take place this weekend, 10 and 11 May, and it is one of the biggest races in the province. This was confirmed by Francisco Salado during the presentation of the event. The race is not only a physical challenge, but also an opportunity to reinforce values of unity, collective effort and self-improvement that characterise the participants and La Legión itself.

In its beginnings, this race had a more local focus, as a way of bringing together the inhabitants of the Serranía de Ronda and the Legion, but over the years it has acquired a national and even international acclaim. The event passes through other villages in the mountains of Malaga province like Arriate and Montejaque, as well as municipalities in Cadiz such as Alcalá del Valle and Setenil de las Bodegas, with its start and finish lines in Ronda.

According to recent forecasts, a total of 25,000 people, including support networks and visitors, are expected to visit the region over the weekend. This is a wonderful opportunity to boost tourism, the economy and the relationship between the citizens and military.

Francisco Salado stressed that this event was both a mental and physical challenge for anyone who dared to participate. He added that values like “comradeship, personal improvement and dedication to the cause” are always present. They faithfully represent Ronda’s Legion.

The logistics of the event are constantly evolving and complex, requiring a high level of coordination in order to ensure the safety of the thousands of participants. It is necessary to adapt plans constantly due to the magnitude of the event, which can be affected by variables like weather conditions and the physical condition or participants on the route.

Organisation

Approximately 1,200 people, both in terms of logistics and security, will be involved with the 25th edition. The fire brigade that has previously worked with the health care team will now be integrated in the health incident command center. They will coordinate any emergency situations and provide medical assistance to the participants. This corps is expected to have a dozen people assigned to this function during the race.

This entire operation is designed to guarantee the safety and care of participants – of whom 1,000 are women, 274 teams, 3,200 cyclists and 1,200 children who will take part in the three kilometre race, also organised by La Legión, reflecting the event’s focus on family and inclusivity. This year the start time was pushed up. Cycling will begin at 8.45am. Individuals and teams will follow at 9.30am. The children’s race begins at 10.15am.

The real prize is to complete the race. There are trophies and classifications for each category, but the main goal of this race is to finish the course. Each participant will be given a chip for checking their time and location, and a ‘legionnaire’ passport that contains medical information about the runners and emergency contacts. Comradeship plays a key role in this event. It is not unusual to see runners wait for their teammates, share food and drinks or inspire others with encouraging words.

This event does not discriminate against age or nationality. There are both children and older people registered, including an 87-year old man and a 75-year-old lady, who are all ready to face the challenge as enthusiastically as the younger participants. There are also runners from ten other countries, mainly Portugal and France.

A medical and logistical network will support them all. It will consist of four stations with doctors and nurses, chiropodists, physiotherapists and chiropodists. Six army ambulances as well as an additional Red Cross ambulance are also available.

The racers can refuel at every 5 km. Success in the race depends on the level of preparation and the ability to react. The event becomes more challenging every year. Not only does it test the physical endurance of the participants, but also their organisational skills.

As has become customary in recent editions, and as confirmed by the Colonel-in-Chief of the Tercio Alejandro Farnesio IV of La Legión, Fernando Sánchez Pérez, all the money raised that is not used during the event will be donated to charity.

He said that organising such an event is very satisfying to Ronda’s Legion. The colonel acknowledged that managing ten thousand people is a challenge. Not only do they have to be prepared for possible injuries, but also must provide constant support.

“This is a huge and risky undertaking. Depending on what happens, we may need to strengthen certain points. Our goal is for no runner to lack anything,” he concluded with determination, reflecting La Legión’s commitment to each and every person who takes part in the adventure this weekend.