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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 | 13–19 July 2026

The Costa Blanca enters another exciting week of the summer season, with beaches packed, festivals in full swing and a busy calendar of sporting, cultural and family events across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now on holiday across much of Europe, visitor numbers continue to rise as the region enjoys one of its busiest periods of the year.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Activities

Benidorm's award-winning Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas beaches continue operating at full summer capacity with lifeguards, beach services and water sports available daily.

Popular activities include:

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

New Seafront Attraction

Visitors are flocking to Benidorm's giant new "BENIDORM" letters on the Tamarindos Promenade, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets recovered from the Mediterranean, making them one of the city's newest photo hotspots.

International Mermaids & Mermen Convention

Aqua Natura Benidorm is hosting Europe's largest International Mermaids & Mermen Convention, attracting performers, instructors and enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond.

Visitors can enjoy:

Mermaid performances
Underwater demonstrations
Family activities
Marine conservation workshops
Interactive experiences
Benidorm Cable Ski Celebrates 60 Years

The famous Benidorm Cable Ski marks its 60th anniversary with commemorative events celebrating one of Europe's oldest cable ski facilities.

Celebrations include:

Historical displays
Community events
Tribute to the founders
Anniversary activities continuing throughout the summer
Entertainment & Nightlife
Benidorm's nightlife is in full swing every evening with:
Live tribute shows
Comedy, cabaret and karaoke
Beach clubs
Rooftop bars
Live DJs
Sunset boat parties
Summer club events

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Nature & Coastal Walks

The award-winning Albir Lighthouse Trail, recognised as Spain's Best Blue Trail, continues attracting walkers with spectacular views over the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things To Do:

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

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa remains one of the Costa Blanca's most picturesque destinations.

Popular attractions include:

Chocolate museum visits
Chocolate factory tours
Historic Old Town
Artisan markets
Seafront restaurants
Beach walks
Summer live music

🏟️ La Nucía

Medieval Market Returns

One of the highlights of the week is the 20th Medieval Market, running from 10–12 July, filling La Nucía's Old Town with:

40 artisan craft stalls
Medieval encampments
Knights and street performers
Traditional music
Fire shows
Children's workshops
Medieval food and drink
Celebrating 321 Years

La Nucía is also marking its 321st anniversary with cultural exhibitions, historical archive displays and an innovative Artificial Intelligence project helping preserve the town's historic documents.

Sport & Family Activities

Camilo Cano Sports City continues hosting:

International training camps
Community fitness sessions
Youth sporting events
Family activities
Outdoor exercise classes

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

Summer conditions make Finestrat ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Popular activities:

Hiking Puig Campana
Mountain biking
Guided countryside walks
Scenic village visits
La Cala beach
Photography
Shopping & Dining
La Marina Shopping Centre
Beachfront restaurants
Outdoor terraces
Summer shopping offers

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its vibrant summer programme featuring:

Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia
Summer Safety

The town's enhanced summer policing operation continues, with extra patrols across beaches, the Old Town, promenade and shopping areas helping keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.

Coastal Experiences

Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing
Waterfront dining
Photography workshops

📅 Coming Up

Summer fiestas continue across the Costa Blanca
Outdoor concerts throughout Marina Baixa
More family entertainment during the school holidays
Extended opening hours at attractions
Beach events and evening markets
Live music every night across the region

🌴 Quick Summary

🏖️ Beaches and water sports at full summer capacity
🧜 International Mermaids & Mermen Convention at Aqua Natura
🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski celebrates 60 years
📸 Giant recycled Benidorm letters proving hugely popular
🏰 La Nucía Medieval Market returns with three days of entertainment
🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail continues attracting visitors
👮 Enhanced summer police patrols continue in Altea
🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca
☀️ Peak summer holiday season continues

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Expect another week of hot, settled Mediterranean weather.

🌡️ Daytime: 31°C–35°C

🌙 Evenings: 24°C–27°C

Perfect conditions for beaches, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Visitors are advised to stay hydrated, use high-factor sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.