Spain accelerates toward Taranto: Peula, Alonso and Taibo, ready for the Mediterranean Games marathon

ODYTA Summary

Spain is preparing for the 42-kilometer marathon at the XX Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026. Patxi Peula, Adrián Alonso and Manu Taibo will represent the Spanish national team in the race, scheduled for Friday, August 28 at 18:00, with the women's competition held earlier at 16:00. The event marks the debut of the Roller Marathon on the Mediterranean Games program, according to the source. The race will be held on Taranto's urban circuit over the traditional 42.195-kilometer distance. The source states that endurance, race reading, positioning and strategy will be key to reaching the decisive kilometers with options. Spain's trio is described as capable of competing at the highest level, with Peula bringing international experience and knowledge of distance and marathon racing, Taibo arriving after a season in which he again showed his ability to be among the best at major events, and Alonso noted as another prominent national distance skater prepared for the physical and tactical demands of an international marathon. The source says the three profiles give Spain ambition and different tactical options during the race. It adds that speed alone will not be enough, and that skaters will need to conserve energy, stay well placed in the group, respond to attacks and arrive with legs for the medal decisions. Spain is described as wanting to be a protagonist in a historic event for the Mediterranean Games that will bring together some of the best marathon specialists from the Mediterranean area.