Girona, Spain – Ismael Atriki delivered a stunning double victory in the 5K and 10K races at the 25th edition of the Cursa Esports Parra, while Barbara Ramon and Maria Arimany claimed top honors in the women’s divisions, underscoring the enduring appeal of one of Catalonia’s most cherished road races.
The historic event, held this morning along Girona’s scenic urban course, drew over 700 runners from across Spain and beyond, marking a quarter-century of competition that has become a fixture in the region’s sporting calendar. Organizers confirmed the turnout reflected sustained growth, with participation up nearly 15% from last year’s already strong field.
Atriki, a 28-year-old middle-distance specialist from Lleida, first dominated the 5K race with a time of 14:22, pulling away in the final kilometer to defeat second-place finisher Pol Figueras by eight seconds. Less than an hour later, he lined up again for the 10K, where he maintained a steady pace through the city’s historic center before accelerating past defending champion Jordi Soler in the last 800 meters to win in 29:18.
“It’s rare to win both distances on the same day, especially here where the course demands constant adjustment,” Atriki said in a post-race interview verified by race officials. “The support along the route — especially through the Barri Vell — gave me energy when my legs were tired. This race means a lot to Catalan runners.”
His double victory places him among a select group of athletes to achieve the feat in the race’s 25-year history, a milestone confirmed by the Cursa Esports Parra organizing committee’s historical records, which date back to the inaugural event in 1999.
In the women’s 5K, Barbara Ramon of Girona FC Athletics edged out national master’s champion Laura Puig by three seconds, clocking 16:05. Ramon, a local favorite training just kilometers from the start line, acknowledged the emotional weight of winning on home soil.
“Running these streets, knowing people are cheering for you — it’s different,” Ramon said. “I’ve raced here since I was a teenager. To win the 5K in front of my family and friends? That’s special.”
Meanwhile, Maria Arimany, representing Club Atletismo Girona, won the women’s 10K in 33:41, holding off a late surge from Valencia-based runner Elena Morales by five seconds. Arimany’s victory marked her first title at the event after three previous podium finishes.
“I’ve reach close before, but today everything clicked,” Arimany said. “The pace felt right from the start, and I knew if I stayed smooth through the uphill stretch near the cathedral, I’d have a chance.”
The race, which begins and ends at Plaça de la Independència, winds through Girona’s medieval quarters, including a challenging ascent past the Cathedral of Saint Mary — a feature runners consistently cite as both a test and a highlight.
Weather conditions were ideal for distance running: partly cloudy, 14°C (57°F) at the 9 a.m. Start, with light winds coming off the Ter River. Officials noted the absence of rain contributed to strong performances across all categories.
Beyond the elite fields, the event emphasized community participation, with over 300 runners taking part in the non-competitive 3K family run and a dedicated youth race for athletes under 16. Local schools and running clubs were well represented, reinforcing the race’s role as a grassroots promoter of active lifestyles.
“This isn’t just about fast times,” said race director Carles Vilanova, whose office has overseen the event since 2010. “It’s about bringing people together — young and old, competitive and casual — through the simple joy of running. Twenty-five years in, that mission feels stronger than ever.”
The Cursa Esports Parra has grown alongside Girona’s rising profile as a destination for endurance sports, benefiting from the city’s proximity to the Pyrenees and Costa Brava, as well as its growing reputation as a training base for cyclists, and triathletes. While the race remains independently organized, it has received consistent support from the Girona City Council and the Catalan Athletics Federation.
Looking ahead, organizers confirmed the 26th edition is already scheduled for the same weekend in March 2025, with plans to introduce a virtual participation option to broaden international access. No changes to the core 5K and 10K courses are anticipated, preserving the route that has defined the race for generations.
For now, the images of Atriki celebrating his double, Ramon embracing her teammates near the finish line, and Arimany raising her arms beneath the Girona Cathedral spires will serve as lasting reminders of why this race endures — not just as a test of speed, but as a celebration of community, perseverance, and the quiet joy of putting one foot in front of the other on a spring morning in northeastern Spain.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the Cursa Esports Parra organization is the release of full results and age-group rankings on its official website, expected within 48 hours. Fans and participants are encouraged to visit cursaesportsparra.com for updates, photos, and information on how to register for next year’s event.
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