It was not just a race. It was an example. A story of overcoming, friendship, and true inspiration. Àlex Roca and José Luis García Serrano, ‘Jota’, crossed together the finish line of the 12 kilometers of the Santa Eulària Ibiza Marathon in an image that will remain etched in the collective memory of amateur athletics.
The Catalan athlete, with 76% cerebral palsy, and the Paralympic triathlete with visual impairment shared every stride in a race as challenging as it was emotional. They did it with the complicity that is born from mutual respect and admiration. And with a fundamental ally: Mari Carmen, Àlex’s partner, who acted as an interpreter to facilitate communication between them.
“Today I had the honor of running alongside Jota, a role model and an inspiration. I communicate in sign language. He cannot see. And even so, we understood each other from the very first moment. Because when there is connection and respect, sport speaks a universal language that goes beyond any barrier. Thank you, Jota, for this shared gift. What matters is not the kilometers you run, but the message you leave behind,” said Àlex Roca upon reaching the finish line.
The race, held in a festive atmosphere and supported by thousands of participants and spectators, witnessed one of the most special moments of its eighth edition. Àlex, who had already run in Ibiza on several occasions, chose the island once again “for its energy, its beauty, and its organization, which always treats me incredibly well.” But this time his participation in the race had an objective that went far beyond sports: to show that barriers do not exist.
From the organization of the Santa Eulària Ibiza Marathon, they did not hesitate to highlight the value of this shared challenge: “What Àlex and Jota have done goes far beyond sport. It is an example of inclusion, camaraderie, and bravery that perfectly represents the spirit of this race,” said Francisco Larrey, director of the event.
The event, which brought together more than 6,000 runners with 70% international participation, once again showed why it has become one of the major benchmarks in running in Spain. Beyond the numbers and the times, it was the story of Àlex and Jota that got everyone on their feet.
Because sometimes, the true winners are not the ones who arrive first, but the ones who manage to move an entire pack.
