Santalucía Seniors Challenge Vietnam 2026
In the Santalucía Seniors Challenge Vietnam 2026, Quique, Pilar, Pablo, Julia and José are travelling to Southeast Asia for an unforgettable expedition. From the historic bustle of Hanoi to the valleys of Mai Chau and the impressive caves of Phong Nha, the five expedition members will travel the country combining Trekking, cycling, stand-up paddleboarding, abseiling y caving.Through ancient jungles and landscapes, this adventure proves, once again, that The passion for an active and healthy life knows no age..
Ambassador
Sania Jelic
«For me, travelling represents freedom, constantly verifying how much unites us humans and how little separates us.»
Of Croatian origin and with extensive experience in the tourism sector, Sania decided to reinvent herself after her retirement through her project «Silver Traveller«, travelling solo around much of the world to break stereotypes about maturity. With this collaboration, we are committed to highlighting the talents of older workers and demonstrate that longevity can be lived with energy and purpose.
The influencer 70-year-old, a leader in active ageing with a community of Over 129,000 followers, will accompany the five expedition members during their training and final expedition to Vietnam. Their role will be crucial in showcasing the experience from the inside, connecting the project's values with an audience seeking Role models for a healthy, active life, without age limits.
Sports Director
Zuriñe Rodríguez
«I think it's a super interesting project because elderly people are sometimes forgotten in sports. Ageism exists and we have to reverse it.»
The Santalucía Seniors Challenge Vietnam 2026 counts on the leadership of Zuriñe Rodríguez, a professional elite triathlete and a leading figure in high-level competitive sport. A native of Barakaldo and a graduate in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, their career includes participation in the London Olympic Games 2012, a bronze medal at the World Relays Championships and 14 Spanish championship titles.
As sports director, Zuriñe is responsible for designing the physical and mental preparation of the expedition members, with a comprehensive approach that combines stamina, strength and balance. Its methodology seeks not only success in the expedition to Vietnam but also to combat ageism and promote positive longevity. Through progressive planning and their extensive technical experience, they guide our seniors to demonstrate that sport and new dreams have no age limit.
Expeditionaries
Quique
Pilar
Pablo
Julia
Joe
Quique Soler
78 years
Retired architect, aged 24 He rode his motorbike across Europe and Africa with his guitar. It was Handball Cup champion In 1971, the first Valencia Marathon was run, and today it is Master trail running world champion. He also cycles and kayaks. Married, a father and grandfather, he joins the Santalucía Challenge because: “This challenge is an opportunity to show that the desire to try new things has nothing to do with age”.
Blood pillar
79 years old
A 79-year-old woman from Madrid, she is a Passionate about mountains and cycling who has summited peaks like Aneto or Toubkal. With Mount Fuji on the horizon, they are now preparing for resume the rappel after three decades. A mother of two and a grandmother, she faces this stage of life with energy and a desire to keep adding adventures, convinced that: “Being active is a source of happiness”.
Pablo San José
70 years
After a life dedicated to commercial management and tax advice, Pablo rebels against ageism showing that retirement isn't the end. At 70 years old, this Madrileño, the pillar of a family with two children and two grandchildren, is changing his padel courts where does he serve as a judge Bike challenge. Take on the Santalucía Challenge with the energy of someone who always wants to learn, convinced that: “Age doesn't subtract from me, it adds. There's nothing I don't want to try.
Julia Martínez
68 years
Julia has always looked after others like Mental health nurse, but now channels all that energy into her personal growth. Originally from Briviesca and a mother of two, she has made the mountains her great refuge, achieving milestones such as climb the Aneto o explore the Moroccan Atlas. From the Peñalara club, it remains active with the Cycling tourism and the Yoga, seeing in every summit a way to demonstrate that dreams are still alive: “It’s not about living a long life, but about how you live it. For me, the important thing is to stay active.”.
jose puch
69 years old
After a life in the airport sector, José has made retirement the perfect setting to be in charge of his time and his projects. At 69 years old, this Mountain guide and father of two daughters has conquered routes such as the Trans-Pyrenean Hello Journey to Cabo de Gata, excelling from climbing to canyoning. For him, sport is a constant commitment to health and mind, a philosophy he pours into this new challenge: “Training, looking after yourself, eating well, maintaining enthusiasm… all of that is part of a way to age strong, active and mentally alert.”.
