The ten CD Chatarras Torrevieja members who took part in the eighth edition of La Desértica 2026 ended the day without mishap, according to the club’s account. The endurance event organised by the Spanish Legion in Almería on Saturday 17 October was suspended as weather conditions deteriorated, while thousands of participants were still on the course.
The Torrevieja team’s account describes an 8am start in Almería in fine weather and pleasant temperatures. Conditions changed at around 1pm, when a heavy rainstorm began and made the competition increasingly difficult.
Suspension and shelter for participants
Race organisers decided to suspend the event at 3.30pm because of worsening weather and the danger posed by water flowing through the normally dry riverbeds. Competitors in both of the event’s disciplines were still on the course at that point.
According to the club’s report, many participants sheltered in sports halls, churches and community centres before being taken to the finish in Roquetas de Mar. Heavy rain and cold meant numerous competitors needed assistance for symptoms of hypothermia.
The Red Cross, Civil Protection and the Spanish Legion were involved in providing that assistance.
Transport to Roquetas de Mar
The team highlighted the use of buses and lorries to transport participants and bicycles to the finish. It also described help for competitors trapped in riverbeds, with ropes used to assist crossings and prevent people being swept away by the current.
CD Chatarras thanked the Spanish Legion and the emergency teams involved in the response. The club also congratulated participants for facing a day when the storm forced racing to stop and an evacuation of the course to be organised.
The event had 7,600 participants. Enix council opened municipal facilities and the parish church as shelters for runners and cyclists. In Roquetas de Mar, the Infanta Cristina sports hall was opened for participants and relatives, while Alhama de Almería also made its sports hall available to competitors.
The suspension followed Aemet’s activation of a red warning for rain, during an episode particularly affecting El Ejido and the surrounding area. In Felix, some participants found shelter in private homes.
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