Olympus Race Andorra Hits Record 1,000 Participants, Hosts First Overseas Spanish OCR Championship

The seventh edition of the Olympus Race Andorra concluded in Canillo on Sunday with a record 1,000 participants, marking a milestone for the obstacle course event and solidifying the parish as a hub for active tourism.

Held over four days across Canillo and El Tarter, the competition drew hundreds of runners, companions, and spectators, creating a festive family atmosphere amid high public turnout. Local businesses and restaurants reported a significant boost from the influx.

A key highlight was hosting the Spanish National Obstacle Course Running Championship outside Spain for the first time, which raised the competitive standard and boosted the event's international profile. Organised by Andorrans Jürgen Espejo, Guillem López-Cross, and Edu Salerno, the race now eyes a European Championship in 2029 or 2030.

The programme featured seven categories for all levels, from the elite Zeus 15K to the 3K Sprint and family races. A new school race involving local pupils drew praise for promoting healthy habits, effort, and teamwork among youth.

In the elite 15K, Rubén García Gómez won the men's division in 1:33:01, ahead of Albert Soley Castells and Adri Martín. Beatriz Rubio Lastra took the women's title in 2:04:30, followed by Jessica Velasco Ruiz and Elvira Pascua Santamaría. Other results included José Vila first in OCR 100 men's, ahead of Jordi Vall and Julián Medina; Andrea Azkune leading women's, with Miriam Araujo second; and a mixed team of Rubén García, Dani García, and Andrea Azkune victorious.

Canillo Sports Councillor Laura Riba described the edition as a "before and after" for the race and parish, citing the participant milestone and Spanish Championship as pivotal for global positioning. Organiser Guille López-Cross noted excellent feedback despite Saturday's poor weather, with live streaming and a giant screen enhancing the experience. Major Consul Jordi Alcobé called it "much more than a race," blending sport, culture, solidarity, and sustainable tourism.

Authorities and organisers plan to build on the success for future editions, further establishing Canillo as a top sports destination in southern Europe.