The Huesca town of canfranc will become the world epicenter of trail running from September 24 to 28, hosting a world championship that promises to break all participation records. With the support of the Government of Spain, through the Higher Sports Council (CSD), which has allocated 400.000 euros to the organization, this sporting event of international magnitude Not only will it bring together 1.800 athletes from 75 countries, but it also represents a unique opportunity to boost tourism, the economy, and the global visibility of the Aragonese Pyrenees. The Minister of Education, Vocational Training, and Sports, Pillar Joy, highlighted the efforts of the local community and the transformative potential of this championship during the official presentation of the poster.
The normally tranquil mountainous landscape of Canfranc will be transformed into a vibrant sporting venue where the world's best runners will compete in five challenging events: 'Uphill' (vertical ascent), 'Classic' (traditional mountain race), 'U20' (youth category), 'ShortTrail' (short trail) and 'LongTrail' (long trail). The variety of events will ensure an exciting spectacle for fans and will test the athletes' versatility and endurance across different terrains and distances.
During the presentation of the poster, Minister Pilar Alegría expressed her admiration for Canfranc's dedication to hosting an event of this magnitude. "Having managed to showcase a town of 600 inhabitants, starting September 24th, as a hub for natural and sporting heritage, is thanks to the efforts you have demonstrated from the very beginning.", said the minister, addressing the mayor of Canfranc, Fernando Sanchez, and the author of the poster, the renowned painter Ricardo Montoro, who accompanied her at the event.
Alegría also highlighted the significant economic impact the championship is expected to generate in the region. Referring to the last edition held in Innsbruck, Austria, which generated a return of 7,2 million euros, the minister expressed optimism about Canfranc's potential to benefit from the arrival of thousands of athletes, teams, family members, and fans. "And he celebrated the fact that this year's event will break all participation records, with 1.800 athletes from 75 countries. Never before in history have we had such successful figures.", he emphasized enthusiastically.
The Minister of Sports is fully confident in the success of the championship, not only in the sporting arena, but also as a platform to showcase the cultural, historical, and culinary riches of Aragon and, in particular, the province of Huesca. "I am confident that the championship will be a success that will also allow athletes, coaches, and fans to enjoy the historical and culinary heritage of Aragon and the province of Huesca," she stated. In this regard, she recalled the recent hosting of the Queen's Cup basketball final in the region and highlighted the presence of the women's La Vuelta through the region as other sporting events that will contribute to its visibility.
The financial support of the central government, through the CSD, with an investment of 400.000 euros, demonstrates the importance given to this event at the national level. The decision, approved by the Council of Ministers on March 18, recognizes the Canfranc Trail Running World Championship as a “country event”, consolidating it as one of the most important sporting events of the year in Spain. This financial injection will facilitate the logistics, security, and promotion of the championship, ensuring its success and maximizing its impact.
This ambitious project, which has the collaboration of World Athletics and the International Trail Running Association, goes beyond competitive sport. Its primary objective is to generate a significant boost to territorial cohesion and stimulate the economic, social, and demographic activity of this area of the Aragonese Pyrenees. By integrating the excitement of high-level sport with the richness of the local heritage, the organization seeks to leave a lasting legacy in the region, attracting visitors and promoting sustainable development.
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