The Palacio Multiusos in Guadalajara will host the third edition of the DEKA Fitness competition this weekend, expecting to welcome over 2,000 participants from across Spain. The event aims to set a world record in endurance challenges.
During a press conference, Armengol Engonga, the councillor for sports in Guadalajara, and event director Ángel Sanz highlighted the growth of the competition since its inception. Engonga noted that the event has evolved significantly, with participation increasing from 1,150 in its first year to nearly 1,900 last year, and now surpassing 2,000 entrants.
"The numbers speak for themselves. We are witnessing a nearly 70% increase over three years, demonstrating that this event was a worthwhile investment from the start," Engonga stated.
Engonga also emphasised the impact of DEKA Fitness on the local perception of fitness, transforming it into an accessible sporting challenge for all. He mentioned that approximately 96% of participants will come from outside Guadalajara, contributing to the local economy and tourism.
"We are not just talking about sports; we are also discussing sports tourism. Thousands of visitors come to explore our city, its heritage, and cultural offerings, generating economic activity in local businesses," he added.
Ángel Sanz confirmed the organisation's commitment to establishing a long-term relationship with Guadalajara. He revealed that the number of participants has grown to 2,150, and with around 200 volunteers, the event is expected to attract approximately 2,500 people, reaching the venue's maximum capacity.
"This edition is fully booked, which shows that the experience for athletes here is exceptional and that Guadalajara has welcomed the DEKA community very well," Sanz remarked.
This year's event will feature a notable challenge from endurance athlete Antonio Rubio, who aims to complete DEKA courses for twelve consecutive hours. This will mark the first time such a challenge has been attempted, potentially putting Guadalajara on the international DEKA map.
The competition is inclusive, welcoming both high-performance athletes and amateurs, with female participants making up 51% of the entries. The event will take place on Saturday from 8:00 to approximately 21:00 and on Sunday from 8:00 to 15:00. The Palacio Multiusos will also have warm-up and recovery areas, accreditation zones, public services, and free entry for spectators.
Both the Guadalajara City Council and the event organisers encourage sports enthusiasts to attend this weekend and witness the growth of DEKA Fitness, solidifying Guadalajara's status as a national reference point for the competition.
