By Adam Woodward

Copyright euroweeklynews

The 14th year of Marbella 4 Days Walking will see 3,000 participants lace up their shoes for a lively celebration of sport, nature, and culture.

The annual event, one of the biggest on Marbella’s autumn calendar, continues to grow in popularity, drawing visitors from across the globe during a quieter season and helping to boost tourism as summer crowds fade.

The event officially kicks off on October 1 with an opening ceremony at Plaza del Mar, attended by the Netherlands’ ambassador to Spain. Participants can choose from three distinct routes: a 10-kilometre green route, a 20-kilometre blue route, and a 30-kilometre lake route. For the more adventurous, two challenging mountain circuits, including an ascent to Refugio de Juanar, cater to experienced hikers seeking to test their limits in Marbella’s stunning natural surroundings. These tougher routes attract about 3 per cent of participants but are highly valued for their unique views and physical demands.

This year’s event, moved forward by nearly a week to avoid overlapping with the Pilar holiday, promises an even better experience. Organisers are already planning for 2026, with ambitions to increase participation to 5,000, to cater for the event’s growing appeal. Notably, 69 per cent of participants are women, making the event exceptional for female engagement in outdoor activities.

Originating from an idea by Dutch expats, Marbella 4 Days Walking now attracts 17 nationalities, including walkers from Germany, France, Japan, Colombia, and a rising number of Spaniards. Other than the trails, Plaza del Mar will host foodtrucks, live music, and dancing, adding to the party atmosphere. A dedicated team of over 100 volunteers, along with security, medical, and rescue services, will be on hand to make sure the event runs smoothly, offering a safe and enjoyable experience for all.