The Calamorro Skyrace delivered an electrifying race today, with Manuel Merillas and Sara Alonso emerging as the standout winners in a highly competitive field. Both athletes secured their second victories of the season, following their recent triumphs at Acantilados Del Norte, confirming their exceptional early-season form.
The race began at 5:00 p.m. in the streets of Benalmádena, where athletes set off under uncertain skies. Concerns about possible bad weather lingered in the lead-up to the race, but in the end, the Spanish coastal climate held steady, providing ideal racing conditions for both competitors and spectators at the fourth race of the 2026 circuit.
INTENSE DUEL BETWEEN MERILLAS AND TRANCHAND
In the men’s race, Manuel Merillas (ESP, team New Balance) battled fiercely throughout the course with Frederic Tranchand (FRA, team Merrell). The two were locked in an intense duel that kept spectators on edge from start to finish. Merillas’ decisive push in the final ridge ultimately secured him the win after an all-out effort and he crossed the finish line in first position after 2:51:13, followed by Tranchand just 24 seconds later.
Reflecting on his performance, Merillas said:
“Fred and I were working together the whole race, and he didn’t give me a moment to breathe. I knew there was only a small gap throughout, and on the final ridge I tried to push hard with the poles while staying careful, as he was right behind me. I’m really happy with this victory because I reached the finish line exhausted, which shows it was a great race.”
Adding to the excitement, Tom Spencer (GBR, team Inov8), the 2025 U23 champion, delivered an outstanding performance to claim third place overall, showcasing his continued rise among the sport’s elite.
MOMENT OF DIFFICULTY FOR ALONSO
In the women’s race, although dominating from the get-go, Sara Alonso (ESP, team Asics) had to overcome a brief moment of difficulty to secure a well-deserved victory. Her performance was matched by the enthusiastic support of spectators lining the course who cheered Alonso to her second win in a row with a time of 3:25:42.
Alonso shared her experience:
“I really enjoyed the race, especially with so many people cheering along the course. I had a stressful moment at the second aid station when my soft flask wasn’t there, but I asked for help and everyone was eager to assist, so in the end everything was resolved. There was a point when I thought the men wouldn’t catch me, but they eventually did. Still, I’m very happy with my result and with feeling so much support from the crowd.”
One of the surprises of the day came from Jane Maus (USA, team Arc’teryx), who proved to be the dark horse of the race with a remarkable performance that captured the attention of fans and competitors alike, finishing in second place behind Alonso. Shangave Balendran (NOR, VJ Sports) closed the women’s podium.
This year’s Calamorro Skyrace also reached a wider audience than ever before, with live streaming allowing fans around the world to follow the action in real time, further elevating the event’s atmosphere and global appeal.
Full results HERE.
The Merrell Skyrunner® World Series continues on the 26th of April with the Penang Skyrace in Malaysia.
Watch the live below:
