The competition, classified as Gold on the World Athletics Race Walking Tour, brought together top international specialists in race walking. The certified one-kilometer circuit was laid out between the Gran Vía Capitol and the Red de San Luis.
In the men's category, Francesco Fortunato dominated the event with a time of 39:16. Athlete Paul McGrath secured second place with 39:24, followed by Brazil's Caio Bonfim in third with 39:32.
Among the Spanish competitors, Diego García Carrera, the event's technical director, finished eighth with 40:12, while Álvaro López came in tenth with 40:18.
“"Despite the tough competition and the heat, I felt very strong mentally and was able to win, which was my goal."
Fortunato stated that the victory allows him to arrive in optimal condition for the European Championships in Birmingham, his main objective for the season.
In the women's category, Alegna González asserted dominance with a time of 44:03, ahead of Peru's Evelyn Inga (44:16) and Spain's Aldara Meilán (44:46), who significantly improved her previous personal best of 45:06.
Julia Suárez and Alicia Sánchez completed the Spanish representation in the women's race, finishing thirteenth and twenty-fifth overall, respectively.
“"Despite the tough competition and the heat, I felt very strong mentally and was able to win, which was my goal."
González praised the privileged setting of Gran Vía for her victory and is now focusing on the upcoming Central American and Caribbean Games.
The event also included a tribute to Ecuador's Jefferson Pérez, Olympic and World champion, who was named Ambassador of Madrid Marcha for Latin America. Pérez recalled historic moments in race walking and expressed his honor at the recognition on Madrid's Gran Vía.
The awards ceremony took place near the Cine Capitol, with the participation of authorities from the Community of Madrid, the Madrid City Council, the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation, and World Athletics.
