• 3 min de lectura
• 3 min de lectura
Alicante – September 19, 2026. The first edition of the "Uniting Lighthouses" Open Water Swim, organized to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Board of Works and Services of the Port of Alicante, concluded with great success in participation and a sporting day that featured the sea, Alicante Bay, and the swimmers' spirit of overcoming challenges.
Weather conditions and the state of the sea forced the organizers to officially cancel the main 20-kilometer event, the great challenge of this first edition, which was designed to unite the Santa Pola and Cabo de las Huertas lighthouses by swimming, two maritime landscape landmarks framing Alicante Bay.
However, one of the participants, Barcelona swimmer Pau Roure Grigelmo, from Club Natación L'Hospitalet, continued with the challenge and managed to complete the 20 kilometers and reach the finish line.
The organization made the decision to cancel the 20-kilometer competition due to weather conditions that did not guarantee the safe development of the event for all participants.
Success in the 10K, 5K, 2.5K, and 1K races
Beyond the cancellation of the main event, the day proceeded normally for the remaining distances. The 10K, 5K, 2.5K, and 1K races were held without incident and allowed a large number of swimmers to participate in this sporting initiative linked to the port's 125th anniversary celebration.
In the men's 10-kilometer category, Abraham Castillo won gold, while Joseba Mateos took silver and Antonio Miguel Eznarriaga bronze.
In the women's 10-kilometer category, Melanie Marín was declared the winner, and Carla Domenech won the silver medal. Third place went to Mónica Cardete.
The different distances brought together swimmers of various levels and ages and contributed to making the day a great sporting celebration around the sea and the Port of Alicante.
Two lighthouses framing the bay
The distinguishing element of this crossing is precisely its route and its connection with two of the great landmarks of Alicante's maritime landscape: the Santa Pola and Cabo de las Huertas lighthouses, which delineate from the sea the limits of a bay closely linked to Alicante's history and its port activity.
Lighthouses are also part of the maritime heritage and landscape of the province. Historically associated with safety, orientation, and navigation, in this first edition, they become the main protagonists of an initiative that aims to highlight Alicante's permanent relationship with the Mediterranean.
The initiative also seeks to strengthen the connection between the port and Alicante society.
The awards ceremony was led by the President of the Port Authority of Alicante, Luis Rodríguez, who also participated in the 5K race. Alongside him were the Deputy Mayor and Sports Councilor of the Alicante City Council, Manuel Villar, and the Director of Competition Teams for The Ocean Race, Carla Nebreda, and Alicante swimmer Jorge Crivillés.
