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More Than 1,000 Athletes Take Part In Benidorm Firefighters’ ALS Solidarity Race

Benidorm / 8 June 2026

Community Comes Together For ALS

More than 1,000 runners and walkers took to the streets of Benidorm on Sunday to support people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) during the second Firefighters 5K Solidarity Race #TransCostaBlanca Benidorm 2026.

The popular charity event, organised by members of the Marina Baixa Provincial Fire Consortium and spearheaded by firefighter Paco Pedrera, brought together athletes, families and supporters from across the Valencian Community and other regions of Spain in a show of solidarity for those affected by the devastating neurological disease.

Tribute To Retiring Firefighter

This year's event carried added significance as colleagues paid tribute to Pedrera following his retirement from the fire service after years of dedicated public service.

The race has quickly become one of Benidorm's most important community sporting events, combining fitness, fundraising and awareness for ALS, a progressive condition that affects nerve cells controlling voluntary muscle movement.

Event Highlights

The race programme featured activities for all ages and abilities, including:

5K competitive race
Nordic walking category
Children's races
Community participation events
ALS awareness and fundraising initiatives

Spectators lined sections of the route as competitors made their way through the city in warm summer conditions.

Local Leaders Attend

Among those attending the event were:

Benidorm Mayor Toni Pérez
Sports Councillor Javier Jordá
Alicante provincial representatives
Emergency services officials
Members of the Marina Baixa Provincial Fire Consortium

Officials joined organisers and participants for the official race start.

Men's Race Results

Local athlete Juanán Fernández of Club Atletismo Benidorm delivered an outstanding performance to claim victory in the men's race.

Top Three Men

Juanán Fernández (CA Benidorm) – 14:37
Martín Nicolas (Independent) – 14:38
Rogelio Santos (UR Charneca) – 15:16

Women's Race Results

Madrid firefighter and triathlete Sara Bonilla of Triatlón Clavería Móstoles secured first place in the women's competition.

Top Three Women

•Sara Bonilla (Triatlón Clavería Móstoles) – 17:22
Analia Zanichelli (Independent) – 17:50
Almudena Azorín (Independent) – 19:16

Nordic Walking Winners

The Nordic walking competition also attracted strong participation.

Women's Category

Inés Chocomeli (Alicante Nordic Walking Club) – 41:43
Inés Pérez (Alicante Nordic Walking Club) – 44:58
María Elena Rodríguez (Alicante Nordic Walking Club) – 45:00

Men's Category

Toni Pico (Independent) – 49:00
Vicent Llinares (RH Hotels) – 50:11

Firefighters Create Memorable Finish

One of the most memorable moments of the morning came as dozens of firefighters from the Marina Baixa Provincial Fire Consortium joined the event wearing full operational firefighting equipment weighing more than 25 kilograms.

As runners tackled the final climb towards Plaza de Sus Majestades los Reyes de España, firefighters sprayed competitors with water from one of their fire engines, providing welcome relief from the heat and creating a spectacular finish-line atmosphere.

Raising Awareness Of ALS

ALS, known in Spain as ELA (Esclerosis Lateral Amiotrófica), remains one of the most challenging neurological diseases, affecting thousands of people across the country.

Campaigners continue to call for:

Increased research funding
Improved patient care and support services
Greater public awareness
Enhanced assistance for families and carers

Looking Ahead

Organisers described the event as a major success and thanked participants, volunteers, sponsors and emergency services personnel for helping raise awareness and support for ALS.

Following another strong turnout, hopes are high that the Firefighters' ALS Solidarity Race will continue to grow and remain a key fixture in the Costa Blanca sporting calendar for years to come.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 6–12 July 2026

The Costa Blanca is in full summer swing, with another busy week of sunshine, festivals, sporting events and family entertainment across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now breaking up across Europe and visitor numbers increasing, beaches, attractions, markets and nightlife are all operating at peak season.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Fun

Benidorm's Blue Flag beaches continue to welcome thousands of visitors each day with full summer services.

Activities include:

Parasailing and jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach activities

New Attraction

Visitors can now take photos at Benidorm's brand-new giant seafront letters, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets, located on the Tamarindos Promenade.

Costa Blanca Cup 2026

The international youth football tournament continues across Benidorm and the Marina Baixa, bringing together:

319 teams
34 countries
Thousands of players, coaches and supporters
Matches are being played throughout the week in Benidorm, Altea, La Vila Joiosa, La Nucía, Finestrat, L'Alfàs del Pi and Calpe.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live tribute shows every evening
Comedy, cabaret and karaoke
Beach clubs and rooftop bars
Live DJs along Levante and Poniente
Sunset boat parties
Summer club nights

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Award-Winning Nature

The Albir Lighthouse Trail, recently named Spain's Best Blue Trail 2026, remains one of the Costa Blanca's most popular walks.

Visitors can enjoy spectacular views across the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things To Do

Guided nature walks
Cycling routes
Outdoor fitness
Beachfront restaurants
Evening live music
International community events

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa continues to attract visitors with its colourful seafront and historic centre.

Popular attractions include:

Chocolate museum visits
Factory tours
Artisan markets
Historic Old Town walks
Beachfront restaurants
Live music
Summer gastronomy events continue throughout July.

🏟️ La Nucía

Sports & Family Activities

The Camilo Cano Sports City remains busy with:
National and international training camps
Community fitness programmes
Youth sporting events
Outdoor exercise sessions

Family activities

Local summer cultural events and evening entertainment continue throughout the municipality.

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

The warm weather makes Finestrat one of the area's top destinations for outdoor activities.

Popular choices include:
Hiking Puig Campana
Guided countryside walks
Scenic village tours
Mountain biking
La Cala beach days
Shopping & Dining
La Marina Shopping Centre summer promotions
Beachfront restaurants
Evening shopping
Outdoor terraces

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its lively summer programme with:
Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia

New This Week

Altea has launched a special summer police operation, increasing patrols across beaches, the Old Town and tourist areas to help keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.

Coastal Experiences
Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Seafront dining
Photography workshops

📅 Coming Up

Costa Blanca Cup finals approach
Outdoor concerts continue across the Marina Baixa
More beach entertainment throughout July
Summer fiestas gathering momentum
Markets, family activities and evening events across the region
Tourist attractions operating extended opening hours

Quick Summary

⚽ Costa Blanca Cup continues across the region

📸 New giant Benidorm letters now open on Tamarindos Promenade

🏖️ Beaches, water sports and boat trips in full swing

🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail remains Spain's Best Blue Trail

🍫 Villajoyosa's heritage attractions continue to draw visitors

👮 Altea launches enhanced summer police patrols

🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca

☀️ Peak summer holiday season is now underway

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Expect another week of hot, settled weather.

🌡️ Daytime temperatures: 30°C–34°C

🌙 Evening temperatures: 23°C–26°C

Perfect conditions for beach days, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.