The 101 Kilometers of the Ronda Legion Begin Their Countdown

The 101 kilometers of La Legión have begun their countdown. One of the country's most legendary sports events, with 9,500 participants, will take place this year on May 9 and 10.

In this edition, the Ronda legionnaires will have to make a special effort to ensure the event can take place, as, just a few days after the competition, about 600 troops will need to join a NATO mission, specifically deployed in Slovakia.

The organizers have presented the official equipment for the event, which prominently features the famous Puente Nuevo of the Tajo city. Additionally, there is a nod to very special runners like 'Super Paco', a legendary walker who, well into old age, competed each year in his unique farmer's outfit, far removed from the latest fashion in technical clothing.

The legionnaires take this event as a military mission, where their main objective is to ensure the safety of about 10,000 people along a route of more than 100 kilometers.

Regarding the route, Colonel of the Tercio Alejandro Farnesio, Fernando Sánchez, has warned that the recent storm train has also left its mark on the various paths along which the event runs. In this regard, he explained that, although efforts will be made to tidy them up, “they may not be in the best condition.” A fact that will add an extra difficulty for the participants.

For her part, the mayor of Ronda, María de la Paz Fernández, has pointed out that “it would be an impossible event to hold if we had to organize it from the public administrations with the resources we have, and that La Legión makes it possible.”

The mayor also highlighted the economic importance of the event throughout the Serranía de Ronda.