Fuengirola warned marathon road closures « Euro Weekly News

Fuengirola residents and visitors should prepare for traffic disruption this Sunday, 8 November, when the town’s ninth half marathon brings 3,000 runners onto local roads. Closures and diversions are expected from about 9am until noon, with public transport changes possibly lasting until 1pm.

What drivers need to know

Fuengirola council expects traffic changes in different parts of the town between 9am and 12pm. Bus routes and timetables may also be altered, with disruption potentially continuing until 1pm.

Race signage has already been installed. The council advises residents to plan journeys early, avoid using a car in affected areas where possible and follow instructions from local police and event staff.

Drivers with Sunday appointments, airport transfers, deliveries or travel connections should allow extra time. Access near the course may change as runners pass through each area, so patience and a little forward planning will make the morning much easier.

Why roads will close

Fuengirola’s half marathon — has reached an amazing record of 3,000 entrants, meaning a total of 2,500 runners will tackle the 21-kilometre half marathon, while 500 will take part in the 5-kilometre race. Both events start at the Fuengirola’s fairground, using parallel starting streets.

The main start is scheduled for 9.30am. Wheelchair athletes begin one minute earlier, at 9.29am.

Where disruption is likely

The council has not published a street-by-street closure list, so drivers should treat the whole central race area as potentially affected. Restrictions will apply in different zones of Fuengirola rather than at one single location.

Areas most likely to experience delays include:

– The fairground area, where both races begin and finish
– Central Fuengirola streets used for the race route
– Areas near the seafront and popular neighbourhoods crossed by the course
– Bus stops and roads served by altered public-transport routes

Local police and marshals will manage access, so drivers should not rely on satellite-navigation apps alone if a road is temporarily closed.

Bus passengers should check their route before travelling. The council says both bus routes and schedules may change during the race, with possible disruption until 1pm. Anyone who can walk, cycle or travel outside the 9am-to-noon window may find it more convenient.

What residents can expect on the day

More than 300 volunteers will support the event, together with local police, civil protection staff, ambulance crews, doctors and nurses. Twelve specialists from Sierra Blanca Cardioprotection will also be on hand, trained in first aid and defibrillator use.

Sports councillor Julio Rodriguez has asked residents for understanding, describing the restrictions as temporary and necessary to keep thousands of participants safe.

After the race, the fairground will host a celebration from midday, with music, trophies, free recovery massages and a free portion of paella for half-marathon finishers.

For anyone planning to travel in and around the town on Sunday, November 8, the advice is to avoid central Fuengirola by car on Sunday morning if you can, check buses before setting out and follow police instructions and signage.