Palma came alive after sunset on Saturday September 26 as runners took part in the 12th Cursa Sa Murada Iberia Express – Ser Runner, bringing a mixture of competitive racing, family participation and charity to the city.

The annual event, organised by Club Marathon Mallorca and Cadena SER Radio Mallorca with technical support from Elitechip, got underway at the Parc de la Mar in front of Palma Cathedral.

The first runners set off at 8pm for the 1,609-metre solidarity race, which was open to participants of all ages. The 5km popular race and the main 10km event followed at 9pm.

Three races for runners of all ages

The event was designed to attract a broad range of participants rather than focusing solely on experienced runners.

The 5km race was open to people aged 12 and over, while the 10km race was reserved for participants aged 16 and above. There was no minimum age for the solidarity event.

Children taking part in the non-competitive solidarity race were also rewarded with a finisher’s medal.

The 10km course consisted of two laps, taking runners through some of Palma’s best-known streets and landmarks.

Starting at Parc de la Mar, the route passed along the Paseo Sagrera before continuing towards Sa Feixina, Santa Catalina, Paseo Mallorca and the historic centre.

Runners then headed past landmarks including the Cathedral, Palau Real and Dalt Murada before returning towards Parc de la Mar for the finish.

A race with a charitable focus

Charity was at the heart of this year’s event, with organisers describing the competition as a solidarity race.

Participants in the solidarity event paid a €5 entry fee, while people with mobility difficulties and their accompanying person or volunteer could take part free of charge if registered before the deadline.

The organisers also gave participants the opportunity to make voluntary donations to charitable associations selected by the event.

For those taking on the longer distances, the 5km and 10km races had competitive classifications, with trophies awarded to the leading male and female runners.

The solidarity race, however, was deliberately non-competitive, keeping the focus on participation rather than finishing position.

Palma streets transformed into a night-time race route

The event’s evening timing gave participants a very different experience of running through the capital.

The 10km race had a 90-minute maximum time, while the 5km runners had 50 minutes to complete their course.

Because parts of the route had limited lighting, organisers recommended that runners use headlamps. Water stations were provided during the second lap of the 10km race and again after the finish at Parc de la Mar.

Police, medical staff and ambulances were also deployed as part of the event’s safety arrangements.

The race once again added to Palma’s busy calendar of community sporting events, bringing runners and families together in the heart of the city for an evening combining fitness, competition and fundraising.