Navajas, Castellón (Valencia Community)

 – More than a thousand runners gathered this Sunday 4th May in the  province of Castellón to take part in the fourth edition of the ‘Holy Grail Marathon’, a unique race that unites sport, culture and spirituality along an emblematic stretch of the Holy Grail Way, from Barracas to Navajas. Organised by Atlos Eventos Deportivos, the race was not only a sporting challenge for the participants, but also a way of highlighting the value of the territory along the Holy Grail Way, which this week is being proposed as a possible European Cultural Itinerary.

Each runner received a medal and a commemorative T-shirt with the logos of ‘The Way if the Holy Grail’, as a symbol of union with this route of deep cultural and spiritual significance.

The race took place without incident, in a festive atmosphere and full of emotion. The last runner to cross the finish line was a 75-year-old athlete, who has already completed more than 300 marathons in his lifetime, a figure that symbolises the endurance, perseverance and spirit of the Camino (Way of the Holy Grail)

The winners of the race were presented with a Coca of The Way of the Holy Grail, handmade by Pepe Cotaina, and received a Pilgrimage Credential, presented by Jesús Gimeno Peris, secretary of the International Cultural Itinerary Association The Way  of the Holy Grail in Europe. In addition, the first three finishers  were honoured with a walking baton, presented by the mayor of Navajas and the town’s festeros, in an emotional final ceremony.

One of the pillars of the event was the active involvement of La Guardia del Camino del Santo Graal, who worked closely with the Navajas Local Police and the organisation of Atlos Eventos Deportivos to ensure the safety and smooth running of the race. They also highlighted the participation of volunteers and supporters of the Camino, who collaborated enthusiastically in the distribution of medals and logistical support.

The Holy Grail Marathon has been an exceptional opportunity to spread the story of the Camino through sport, promoting its values of overcoming, peace, solidarity, connection between peoples and a respect for history too.  This was an event that shows that culture is also lived in movement, step by step, between paths, villages and hearts.

The importance of holding sporting events along the route of The Way of the Holy Grail

The International Association of the Holy Grail Cultural Route in Europe wishes to highlight the strategic, cultural and social relevance of the holding of sporting events along the route of The Way of the Holy Grail , which can be recognised as a European Cultural Route due to its heritage, historical and symbolic value for its active dissemination of the European cultural story, sport is a universal language that brings the history of the Way of the Holy Grail closer to audiences of all ages and backgrounds…through events such as marathons, hiking or cycling,..and promotes an experiential experience of the route, integrating culture, health and territory.

These activities allow the story of The Way of the Holy Grail, Route of Knowledge, Way of Peace to reach new audiences, promoting its knowledge and preservation.

For the socio-economic revitalisation of rural areas

The sporting events generate a direct positive impact on the municipalities through which the Way passes. They increase local tourism, favour consumption in the hotel and catering industry, boost temporary employment and allow for the media projection of often forgotten regions.

In this sense, the Way acts as the backbone of sustainable rural development.

For the promotion of fundamental values

Both The Way of the Holy Grail and sport share essential principles: self-improvement, respect, cooperation and the  search for meaning. By uniting the two, a message of coexistence, intercultural dialogue and social inclusion is reinforced, in line with the founding values of the Council of Europe.

For the consolidation of a responsible tourism model

Non-invasive sporting activities favour tourism that respects the natural and cultural environment, contributing to the sustainability of the Way. They also allow to deseasonalise the flow of visitors and redistribute the interest in tourism beyond the major urban centres.

For citizen participation and shared identity

This type of initiative strengthens the local social fabric, mobilising associations, volunteers, schools, festivals and administrations. The citizen involvement generates a sense of pride and territorial identity, key to consolidate the Way as a common European good.

For all this, the Association encourages public institutions, sports entities and local communities to continue promoting and supporting sporting events along the route of The Way of the Holy Grail , convinced that this approach strengthens its cultural, human and spiritual dimension

Report by ‘24/7 Valencia’ team

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’