Illa Carlemany Race Targets Over 4,000 Runners in 15th Edition on May 17

The 15th edition of the Illa Carlemany race, set for Sunday, May 17 in Escaldes-Engordany and Andorra la Vella, targets more than 4,000 entrants after last year's 3,868 official registrations—excluding late joiners—pushed participation close to that mark. Organisers aim to solidify the event as Andorra's top public sports gathering and a "day of sport for everyone", with T-shirt sale proceeds funding expanded sports access for youth and vulnerable groups. The initiative ties into the "Mou-te per la teva salut" drive to make Andorra a "100% active" country, as stated by Youth and Sports State Secretary Alain Cabanes and Health State Secretary Cristina Pérez.

The races retain their standard format: a 5km route counting toward the Andorran men's championship at 10:30am, followed by a 2km family option open to children at 10:40am. Both launch from Illa Carlemany and end at Central Park, with animations from 10am and trophy presentations at 11:30am. Timing activates via chipped bibs at the start line for fairness, even for back-of-pack starters. Awards cover top federated and non-federated runners by category, plus child recognitions in the short race. Three primary schools and one secondary will receive "Escola Activa" trophies and 300-400 euros in sports gear for leading participation rates, while 15 adult finishers with chips enter a draw for 150-euro gift cards.

This year brings eco-upgrades like consolidated hydration stations and recycled trophy materials. Cabanes noted the school rewards provide direct funding for equipment to encourage student turnout. Last edition saw women outnumber men at 52.3% to 47.7%, extending a trend of rising female involvement, particularly in the 5km.

Online registrations opened April 1 and run through April 30, with in-person options May 11-16 at Illa Carlemany. Costs hold at €5 for adults and €2 for under-14s, including a chipped bib, T-shirt—grana and caqui this year—and technical wristband for early sign-ups.

The event mirrors gains from the 2024 National Health Survey, showing 43.2% of residents doing moderate or intense leisure exercise, up from 2011, with 56.1% of men and 43.2% of women active beyond work hours and more taking daily 30-minute walks. Pérez called this progress positive yet insufficient, aligning with World Health Organization updates that now recommend 30-60 minutes of moderate activity five days weekly, plus strength training twice weekly. She emphasised surpassing light efforts for cardiovascular gains, disease prevention, stress relief, better mood and sleep, given rising life expectancy and sedentary threats. Officials expect a record crowd to foster lasting active habits.