Around 600 firefighters are taking part in the IV Elite International Backbreaker in Coimbra this Saturday

The 4th edition of the Elite Quebra Costas Internacional will be held next Saturday, March 21, in Coimbra, bringing together around 600 firefighters from all over the country and from international delegations, in one of the most demanding physical challenges dedicated to protection and rescue operatives. The event was presented this morning, March 17, at a press conference held at the Quebra Costas, which was attended by the Coimbra City Council councillor responsible for firefighters, Ricardo Lino, the commander of the Coimbra Sapper Firefighters Battalion, Paulo Palrilha, and the deputy commander, Carlos Carecho.

The International Backbreaker Elite is organized by the Coimbra Sapper Fire Battalion, with the institutional support of Coimbra City Council. The event has once again established itself as one of the benchmark competitions on the firefighter sports scene, combining physical endurance, technique and the spirit of overcoming obstacles.

At the presentation of the event, the councillor responsible for the Fire Brigade called on the community to take part. Ricardo Lino highlighted the physical demands of the competition and the importance of giving visibility to the preparation of the operatives, inviting the population to watch the race, which runs from 9 a.m. to noon.

“It’s a pleasure to do this race, also to demonstrate to our community the importance and preparation of the Portuguese firefighters, and particularly those from Coimbra,” he said, stressing that these were “athletes with high physical capacity and preparation”.

National and international participation

This year’s edition will have around 600 registered firefighters from different districts of the country, including mainland Portugal and the Autonomous Region of Madeira, representing around 50 fire departments.

Among the participants, around 200 firefighters from the district of Coimbra stand out, a figure that highlights the strong involvement of the region’s fire departments in this initiative.

The international dimension of the race will also be present once again, with the participation of firefighters from Spain and France. Sixteen Spanish firefighters from Córdoba and Salamanca and five French firefighters from the city of Aix-en-Provence have been confirmed.

Challenge of endurance and camaraderie

The Elite International Backbreaker has established itself as an event that goes beyond the competitive dimension.

The race takes place over a particularly demanding course that tests the participants’ physical endurance, technique and ability to overcome, reflecting the spirit of dedication and resilience that characterizes the mission of firefighters.

Among the teams with the highest number of entries are the Areosa – Rio Tinto Volunteer Fire Brigade, with 23 participants, and the Oliveira do Hospital and Penafiel Volunteer Fire Brigades, both with 20 elements.

The initiative has established itself as one of the most significant events in the universe of endurance competitions dedicated to firefighters, while strengthening the link between sport, physical fitness and the spirit of the body that characterizes these professionals.