The 53-kilometre course visits castles, fortresses, gun batteries and old city walls belonging to the military history of Cartagena

The initial pre-registration opens on Thursday 15th January for the 15th annual edition of the Ruta de las Fortalezas de Cartagena race, a gruelling test taking in the hilltop castles and fortresses in and around the city and which most participants are proud to complete, never mind attempting to win!

This is a very stern 53-kilometre challenge, organized by the Marine Infantry School in the city, but the event, which takes place this year on 18^th April, is extremely popular and it is certain that the 6,000 race numbers available in different age groups will be over-subscribed. For this reason, pre-registration is necessary, with all those who have entered and paid being included in a lottery to decide the final list of athletes taking part.

The route of the main race includes 1,631 metres of climbs and descent and follows, roads, tracks and paths. Among the fortifications it includes are the port of Cartagena, the Batería de San Leandro, the Batería de San Isidoro y Santa Florentina, the Fuerte de Santa Ana, Trincabotijas, the Castillo de San Julián, Subida al Calvario, Sierra Gorda, the Hill of Despeñaperros, the Muralla del Mar, the Castillo de la Concepción, the del Molinete archaeological park, the Fuerte de Fajardo, the Batería de La Podadera, the Castillo de Galeras, the Castillo de la Atalaya and Sierra de Pelayo (see map here). A true route through the military history of Cartagena, from before the birth of Christ!

There is also a shorter 17-kilometre event for 17-year-olds, while youngsters aged between 6 and 14 can race over 1- or 2-mile courses.

All of the proceeds raised by the registration fee are donated to local charities and since the event was first held in 2010 this has resulted in donations of over 600,000 euros.

Pre-registration is open online here until 29th January and the lottery will be held on the following day. Prices range from 10 euros for the shortest children’s races to 45 euros per person for the main event.

 

For more upcoming events in the Region of Murcia go to the What’s on section of Murcia Today.

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