Silvia Álvarez, the runner who competed in the 101 of Ronda with the bib of her deceased son

The last shall be first. This well-known biblical phrase perfectly applies to the 101 kilometers of La Legión in Ronda. A sporting event where the last to cross the finish line are welcomed just as warmly as those who shattered records and set new benchmarks on Saturday in the legendary legionary race through the Serranía.

While the overall winners of the different categories reach the finish line, another race unfolds, the most authentic one. It embodies the famous legionary spirit that prevails there, which involves helping anyone in need, whether they are known or not. It's a race that doesn't chase times, with the sole goal of reaching the finish line at Alameda del Tajo within the 24-hour limit set for the marchers. Some even care little about exceeding this limit, arriving several minutes late when the legionaries haven't yet started to dismantle the setup because it's simply a personal challenge. These supporters, popularly known as 'lejías,' assist every participant at any point along the route.

The event is full of personal stories of perseverance, like that of Silvia Álvarez, a woman who ran with the bib of her deceased son. Specifically, bib 101 from the ultra Sierra Nevada, a race he could no longer compete in after dying while climbing.

Legionnaires helping a runner after reaching the finish line. / Javier Flores

Her arrival at the finish line was one of the most emotional moments of this edition when the race announcer, Pedro Guerrero ‘Chito’, who was aware of her challenge, revealed it to the audience and embraced her.

“Even if we lose someone, even if mourning hurts, if we don't go out and live, we miss out on many gifts,” said Silvia after crossing the finish line just minutes before the time limit.

It was then that the colonel of the Tercio Alejandro Farnesio 4th of La Legión, Fernando González, decided to let the event host award the commemorative medal. A gesture that became even more poignant after he asked for permission to let Silvia’s husband do it instead. “Colonel, you will allow me, but I want to pass on the honor because here there is also a dad who lost a son,” he explained. Following this, David Calabuig, took the medal, kneeled out of respect and admiration for his wife, hung the coveted legionary 'brick' around her neck, and embraced her as many in the audience were moved.

“My son died at 20, his last bib that he couldn't wear is the 101 from the ultra Sierra Nevada, a bib that I wear today as I cross the finish line to close this circle,” she explained.

She also mentioned that her son "was very special" and left them "a profound lesson to love nature and the mountains, thanks to which the whole family is running today.”

A circle that took 12 years to close after a complicated process they had to overcome following such a tragic loss.

Legionary Spirit

Similarly, it was also a personal challenge she had pending but many around her found it hard to believe she could achieve, as she usually runs but had never participated in races over 20 kilometers, and 101 seemed a daunting goal. This makes the words of Pedro Guerrero, who is part of her close circle, understandable as he left a cryptic message before her arrival: “she’s going to make it, she’s going to succeed, let's see how you come out of this.”

Silvia's example is just one of many stories of overcoming or remembering that take place in this race. Just minutes before, another runner had crossed the finish line and handed her shirt and medal to her sister, who is battling cancer and was waiting for her.

Similarly, there were many shirts with messages to sick relatives, support for rare diseases, or remembrances for those friends who are no longer here and who have accompanied them in many races. There were also calls for more research against ALS and appeals for bone marrow donors, among others.

A message remembering a family member in the last meters. / Javier Flores

Moreover, this year another case embodied the legionary spirit to its utmost extreme, permeating the 101. A legionnaire decided to give his boots to a runner whose shoes broke, and who reached the aid station barefoot. “I don't think there's another race where something like this could happen,” stated Colonel Fernando González. He also shared that this participant was able to complete the race with those boots. “He has been passing on his thanks to all the commanders he encountered, asking us to convey his gratitude for that gesture,” he noted.

There were also personal challenges, like those of Juan Carlos Trujillo and Cristóbal Ramos, two runners who suffer from paralysis in their legs and participated in their specially adapted wheelchairs for this type of race.

Numerous Withdrawals

The adverse weather conditions made this edition much tougher than usual, leaving many with lasting memories. Throughout the course, they had to deal with rain at different times and wind. Water even fell during the night, making it even more challenging for the marchers at such a difficult time.

Marchers during the night in the Montejaque area. / Javier Flores

The night in the Serranía, with dropping temperatures, tends to be challenging even in editions when the weather is favorable.