Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The Gran Premio Cantones de Marcha in La Coruña will take place on a new one-kilometre circuit due to urban development affecting the usual course. Continuing its tradition since 1987, the event features a star-studded field, including all 20km podium finishers from the 2025 World Championships for both men and women.
Maria Pérez, the 30-year-old Spaniard who won both the 20km and 35km world titles in 2025 and claimed 2024 Olympic gold in the mixed marathon relay, will make her competitive debut over the half marathon distance after an eight-month break. Last year, she won the 20km in La Coruña. Also debuting in the half marathon are Japan’s world bronze medallist Nanako Fujii and Mexico’s Alegna González, who recently won a 1:32:15 race in Rio Maior.
The Peruvian duo of Kimberly García, a double world champion in 2022, and Evelyn Inga have shown strong form this season. García, competing in her fourth half marathon this year, won events at the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships and in Podebrady, with Inga recently defeating García in Dudince.
China is represented by a strong contingent led by 23-year-old Jiang Yunyan, who holds the fastest half marathon race walk time on record at 1:31:39, set in Taicang. She is joined by Yang Liujing, Ji Haiying, Guo Na—all with times inside 1:33—and Wu Quanming, the 2023 La Coruña runner-up with a 20km PB of 1:26:48.
Other contenders include Italy’s 2021 Olympic 20km champion Antonella Palmisano, world 35km silver medallist Paula Milena Torres from Ecuador, and rising Italian Sofia Fiorini, all expected to challenge for top positions on Saturday.