Anyone who is accustomed to traveling by train in northern Spain, specifically via Castile and Leon, certainly knows the past and present as a railway crossing, which is Selling pigeons. What many may not know is that apart from its reputation for railways, this small city in the province of Palencia also has a great reputation for sports. The Venta de Baños International Cross is, without a doubt, one of the most important features of the municipality, as it is a prestigious cross-country championship that returns annually to the railway city, putting it once again on the map of international athletics.
The event, which has reached its Journey of the Cross of Venta de Baños Started in 1980This is an initiative of the Valencia City Council, based on the deep roots that this sporting discipline has in the province. On that first occasion, the winner was, logically, a man from Valencia, Cándido Alario. The test has maintained its international standing since 1983, and its growth has not stopped since then. Currently, in fact, the Venta de Baños Cross Country Championships enjoy maximum global recognition: the event is included in the World Athletics (WA), the IAAF, and is part of the Cross Country Tour. She holds the highest international award, the gold category.
This is the situation that the Council is constantly working to maintain. Today, this Valencian Test shares this highest category with only the others 15 international competitionsTests are distributed in different countries and continents throughout the season. In Spain, in addition to the Venta de Baños, six other tests belonging to the same circuit are held. All seven organizers of these Spanish events are part of ADOC (Association of Organizers Across the Country), whose circuit has the reputation of being the best in the world. This route gives prominence to the Venta de Baños, where it is deservedly considered the most important cross in the community of Castilla y León.
The history of the men’s Venta de Baños Cross Country is full of great names in world athletics. Among the heroes who left their mark on history are legendary figures such as Domingos Castro, Jose Luis Gonzalez also Isaac Viciosa. The event was also dominated by giants such as the great Kenenisa Bekele, without forgetting Solomon Barega, and the great ruler of the current era, Rodrigue Kwizera. No less important are women’s successes. The event has always given the same importance to the women’s competitions as to the men’s competitions. As in the men’s division, the first winner was another Valencian woman, Ana Isabel Alonso. Later, names such as Pilar Fernandez, Mary Chueno, and Mercy Cherono emerged. In addition, up to nine different nationalities stamped their names in the event log.
Parallel activities
Selling pigeons Envisioning this meet as “more than just a crossover,” the activities extend into the day before the main races. Organized by the city council, this event serves as a beacon of light for Spain’s cross-country tradition. On Saturday, December 20, the celebration will begin with the popular and solidarity march that will start from the doors of the City Hall. The purpose of this walk is to financially help local youth who are organizing a rock festival. The morning will conclude with a concert that will be held in the tent that will be set up under the roof of the municipal facade.
In the afternoon of the same day it will be carried out Two popular races On asphalt, one of 5000 meters And the last of 10,000 metres. The notable fact is that the prizes to the winners of these popular races will be presented by top international athletes who will compete the next day. The event maintains a firm commitment to grassroots athletics and the promotion of athletics, allowing the participation of federation athletes in the lower categories, from Under 8 to Under 16. In the main competition, two classifications have been developed: one official for athletes with a national license and the other of an “open” nature that includes all participants.
Finally, Saturday will also be a stage for traditional events Discussion tableWhich will be held in the plenary hall of the City Council. In this upcoming session, speakers will talk about the role of parents with children athletes, with the participation of personalities such as Antonio Serrano and Rafa Villajos, in addition to children of athletes such as Isaac Viciosawho will contribute their perspective hours before relevant international figures compete across the country over the ins and outs of the city. In any case, it will be a new opportunity to enjoy live outdoor sports thanks to the small city that, thanks to its good work in organizing a major event and its terrain, continues to attract the national and international elite across the country to the heart of Valencia.