“Prizes include medals for the top three in every category and a trophy for the club fielding the biggest squad.”
A total of 310 swimmers are set to take part in the 23rd edition of the L’Illa Swimming Crossing, held today, Sunday 31 August, in Benidorm. The event is organised by the Department of Sports of Benidorm City Council, in collaboration with the Departments of Citizen Safety, Mobility and Beaches, the Nautical Club and various local partners.
The crossing covers the two-nautical mile (3.6 km) distance between Benidorm Island and Mal Pas Beach.
Sports Councillor Javier Jordá confirmed that race numbers were distributed between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. at the port, with swimmers boarding the boat to L’Illa at 7:45 a.m. The race began at 8:15 a.m., with the first swimmer expected to reach shore in around 45 minutes.
Once again, local athlete Miguel Bou is tipped as favourite, having dominated recent editions. Councillor Jordá also reminded competitors that the use of an approved safety buoy is mandatory.
Trophies and medals will be presented after the finish. Awards include medals for the top three male and female swimmers overall, prizes for the leading competitors in each category, and a special trophy for the club with the largest number of entrants.