June 1 Zarzadilla Lorca Trail mountain running and hiking challenge
Mountain runs of 24 and 16 km and a hike of 12 km in the Lorca countryside
The village of Zarzadilla de Totana and the mountains of Sierra de Pedro Ponce in the north of the municipality of Lorca are hosting a mountain running event on Sunday June 1 with the aim of raising funds for the APAT Lorca foundation, which promotes early care and attention for children with potential attention deficit problems.
As well as two running events over distances of 16 and 24 kilometres, starting at 8.30 and 8.45, this 4th edition of the challenge also features a parallel hiking event over a distance of 12 kilometres starting at 9.00. The ascent and descent on each course is given as 650 and 1,200 metres.
Online registration for all three events is open until June 2 and is priced at 20 euros for the hike, 22 euros for the shorter run and 25 euros for the long run. Included in the price are food, refreshments, insurance, first aid and even a creche, and it should be noted that participants are required to take their mobile phones out with them.
A 4.5 km children's race is also being held, starting at 10.30.
For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today.
Address
Plaza de Espana, 30800 LorcaTel: 968 441914 (Fax 968 466157)
Oficina de Turismo de Lorca
The rich and extensive history of Lorca has left a legacy of archaeological sites, and historic buildings, around which the modern City has built its tourism industry. Amongst these are Lorca Castle, the Jewish Quarter of the castle and Synagogue, 
Plaza de España, Colegiata de San Patricio, Museo de Arqueologico Municipal, Iglesia de San Francisco, Casa Huerto Ruano, Palacio de Guevara, Iglesia de San Mateo, Pósito de los Panaderos, Convento Virgen de las Huertas, Antiguo Convento de la Merced, Iglesia del Carmen and the Teatro Guerra.
Unfortunately Lorca has also been prone to natural disaster, suffering a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as an earthquake which measured 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives. Since this earthquake the city has been rebuilding, winning recognition for its Lorca, Open for Restoration initiative, which used the restoration of the city as a tourist attraction whilst it rebuilt its historical buildings, some of which are currently still not open.
The tourist office itself has temporarily relocated until the renovations are completed and is on Calle San Patricio near the church.
Lorca also has an area of coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, in the Sierra de Almenara, which includes the beaches of, Puntas de Calnegre, Baño de las Mujeres, San 
Pedro, El Siscal, Cala Honda, Cuartel del Ciscar, Junquera, Cala de la Gruta, Cala Leña, Los Hierros, Cala Blanca and Playa Larga, although many are accessible only through agricultural exploitations.
However, in spite of its many attractions, the name of Lorca is synonymous with Easter, (Semana Santa) its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status and famous throughout Spain. The week includes a 
series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azúl) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
Lorca also has a Parador hotel, located within the complex of its historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca Tourist Office:
- Monday to Friday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 19.00.
- Saturday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30.
- Sunday: 10.00 to 14.00.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
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