The Balearic U20 and U23 Championship took place on Saturday at the Sa Torre des Enagistes track in Manacor, featuring outstanding performances from young Mallorcan athletes.
Last Saturday, the Sa Torre des Enagistes track in Manacor hosted the Balearic U20 and U23 Championship, the final regional event of the track season. The day brought together the best athletes aged between 17 and 22 from the islands, resulting in several notable performances, especially in the sprint events.
Marc Escandell, the fastest
The sprinter from Siurell-Sa Sini, Marc Escandell, took victory in the U23 100 meters with a time of 10.61 seconds (-0.7 wind). This mark qualifies him for the national championship in his category. Escandell dominated the race from start to finish, showcasing exceptional form.
In the same category, Inés Marco also stood out, winning the 800 meters with 2:16.07, and Carla Jaume triumphed in the javelin with 38.91 meters. Both athletes displayed a high level of competition.
U20: Paula Lorenzo and Orion Rennicke aiming for the nationals
In the U20 category, several athletes achieved the qualifying mark for the Spanish Championship, which will take place on July 18 and 19 in Albacete. Paula Lorenzo (Claudia Troppa SC) won the 400 meters hurdles with 1:05.17, while Inés Lorenzo (same club) did the same in the 100 meters hurdles with 14.57. Josep Tur (Lô Esport) won the 400 meters hurdles with 54.44, and Carlos Grau (Pegasus AC) threw the javelin 57.71 meters.
However, the most surprising performance of the afternoon came from Orion L. Rennicke of Pegasus AC, who stopped the clock at 3:53.14 in the 1500 meters. An impressive mark that places him among the best of his age in Spain. Leticia Rossetto was crowned double U20 champion in shot put (8.63 meters) and discus (34.04 meters).
For athletics fans in Manacor and the surrounding area, watching these young talents on the Sa Torre des Enagistes track is a source of pride. The facility, which has hosted other top-level events, demonstrates that Balearic athletics has a bright future.
There was also a popular festival in Campanet
The weekend was not only about the elite. In Campanet, the Cursa de Sant Victorià celebrated its sixteenth edition with a record number of participants, nearly 190 athletes. Despite the early hour to avoid the heat, the event was a success in terms of attendance.
The veteran Toni Mercadal from Santa Maria achieved his second victory in this race (he also won in 2018) with a time of 26:09. He was followed by the young Martí Ginard (Lô Esport) with 27:40 and Toni Jofre (AZ Sport Binissalem) with 28:32. In the women's category, Leonor Font added another success to her record, crossing the finish line in 31:06, sixth overall. Amélie Raffin (32:51) and Llucia Femenias (35:37) completed the podium.
For local recreational runners, this race is an unmissable event on the calendar. The festive atmosphere and the route through the streets of Campanet make it a unique experience.
Balearic success at the U18 national in Castellón
Meanwhile, in Castellón, the U18 Spanish Championship took place, featuring around fifteen athletes from the Balearics. The standout performance was the silver medal won by Blanca Alzamora (Diana AC) in the 800 meters, with a personal best of 2:09.81. The runner demonstrated her quality in her first year in the category.
Three fourth places were also achieved by the Mallorcans: David Castañer (1:54.38 in 800), Aspen Stobart (55.14 in hammer, also sixth in discus with 37.39), and Ismael Ruiz. The latter, a hurdler from Speed Club, set a new Balearic U18 record in the first round with 13.79, which he matched in the final. A sublime performance in a highly competitive event.
Other notable finalists included Carla Fernández, fifth in the 5000 meters walk (24:40.08), Geray Mota, sixth in 1500 (4:04.42), and Carla Monterde, eighth in 200 meters (25.20).
In summary, an intense weekend of athletics that leaves positive feelings ahead of the upcoming national championships. Fans in Manacor and throughout Mallorca have reasons to closely follow these young talents.
