Get your trainers and lycra out, for this coming Sunday - 23rd November, Benidorm will be hosting its 31st annual Half Marathon. The well organised event attracts participants from around the world, including renowned marathon runners from Italy, Cuba and obviously Spain. However, it is not just one race as a second 10km run will take place simultaneously.
It´s a double delight for running enthusiasts, as last weekend many would have taken part in the Valencia marathon just up the coast. The starting line of this growing popular event is the Town Hall Square, in the Old Town, at 10am. Last year, getting into the spirit of the occasion a tracksuit clad Mayor started the race.
The route stretches from the far side of the Poniente beach to the end of Levante and almost up to Albir before looping back on itself – all the affected roads will be closed to traffic so be warned and don´t try and drive into the centre that morning.There are plenty of supporters along the routre, cheering and encouraging the runners.
Last year just under 2000 runners entered - a combination of serious club runners and keep fit enthusiasts. The race was won by Brit Joe Bailey from the Salford Harriers Running Club, with an incredible time of 1hr 10 minutes and 25 seconds – over 2 minutes faster than the next runner. I wonder if he´ll be here again this year to defend his title.
Benidorm is becoming quite a destination for International sporting events, as it hosts the BASE Jumping Championships every June from the Hotel Gran Bali in La Cala. If you would like to take part you can register up to an hour before the start of the race online at http://www.rockthesport.com/evento/medio-maraton-benidorm/inscripcion – cost is 25€ for which you will receive a t-shirt, gym bag timer chip, goodie bag and video/photo.
