Marbella showcases its strength in the tourism-sport duo at Fitur with 140 events in 2025

Marbella showcased its strength in the tourism-sports duo on the second day of the International Tourism Fair (Fitur) with the announcement of 140 events in 2025. The council member for the sector, Lisandro Vieytes, emphasized the "significant projection that events such as The One, the Half Marathon, the Rhythmic Gymnastics Grand Prix, and the World Padel Soccer, among others, represent for Marbella."

He also highlighted "the commitment and dedication of the City Council to continue hosting major events in this field and to position itself as a national and global benchmark."

Regarding The One, the councilor, who was accompanied by the director of The Show Experience and promoter of the tournament, Ignacio Saracho, explained that "it is a great satisfaction that the city is hosting a consolidated event again, which will bring together more than 3,500 players at eight venues and will generate a publicity and economic return for the city of one million euros."

Saracho, for his part, thanked "the unconditional support of the Marbella City Council since the first edition" and specified that this year's main novelty is the inclusion of a golf event and a padel event in the Basque Country, while also announcing that "the champions of each category and event will be invited to compete in the final masters in Marbella in September."

The padel tournament will take place at Los Monteros Rocket Club from February 21 to 23; at Nueva Alcántara Club, from March 7 to 9; at Higuerón Sport Club, from March 28 to 30; and at Peña Vitoriana Tennis Club from June 20 to 22, while the final master is scheduled for September 12 and 13.

The golf competition will be held at Real Club de Golf Las Brisas on May 17, at Villa Padierna Golf Club on May 31, at Larrabea Golf Club on June 28, at Río Real Golf Club on July 12, and the final master will be on September 6.

Half Marathon

This Thursday, details were also revealed about the Marbella 2025 Half Marathon, which will take place on September 28. The goal for this edition is to reach 2,000 participants, "but remaining true to the principle of focusing on quality over quantity and taking utmost care of our athletes so they can have the best experience," according to the council member for the area.

Vieytes recalled that the 'Sierra Blanca Estates Marbella Half Marathon' "was launched in 2022 by the City Council to revive an almost extinct event, the City of Marbella Half Marathon."

In this regard, and as a result of the work done together with the local company Alpa Sport and Events, owner of the Run-on brand, the councilor emphasized that "the growth has been spectacular, not only in the number of participants, which increased by 150 percent in three editions, 36 percent of whom were international from over 45 countries; it also generated an economic impact on the city of 3.5 million euros, even achieving a 'sold out' status one month before its start, and he also highlighted a special offer for local runners with a 50 percent discount on registration. This year's registration will open on March 1.

World Padel Soccer, Chess, and Rhythmic Gymnastics

Additionally, during the day, the fourth edition of World Padel Soccer was presented, which will take place from June 2 to 4 at Club Los Granados, featuring about thirty football legends such as Fernando Sanz, David Silva, and Miliko Pantic, among others, as announced with the attendance of the Sports Councilor; the Deputy Mayor of San Pedro Alcántara, Javier García, and the event organizer, José Carlos Bernal.

Similarly, Fitur was the stage for the presentation of the 90th Spanish Individual Absolute and Women's Chess Championship, scheduled to take place from December 10 to 18 this year. "The hosting of the tournament in 2024, an event of great relevance in the national chess scene, positioned Marbella as a benchmark in promoting this sport," Vieytes remarked, recalling that the Spanish Federation has recognized the town as the Spanish Chess Capital.

The city will also host this year's Rhythmic Gymnastics Grand Prix, "one of the most important events of this discipline at an international level taking place in our town," Vieytes pointed out, noting that this year's event, which will take place from March 21 to 23 at the Elena Benítez Sports Palace in San Pedro Alcántara, "will feature the 30 best gymnasts in the world."

"This event, along with the rest of the tournaments planned for that weekend in the city, reinforces us as a reference in rhythmic gymnastics," the councilor indicated, adding that they expect over a thousand attendees, "who will enjoy the competition live, along with the thousands of viewers who will follow the tournament online."