Local & Spanish

Local & Spanish


Benidorm / 10 May 2026
More than 500 participants gathered this weekend at El Moralet Park for the seventh edition of the Double Love Solidarity Cross Country Race 2026, combining sport, community spirit and fundraising in support of people with intellectual disabilities across the Marina Baixa region.
Organised by the Doble Amor Association alongside the Benidorm Athletics Club and the Rotary Club, the annual event continues to grow in popularity, attracting runners, Nordic walkers, families and local supporters of all ages.
The race programme included competitive running events, hiking and Nordic walking categories, as well as children’s races, creating a festive atmosphere focused on inclusion and solidarity.
Benidorm athlete Juan Antonio Fernández successfully defended his title, once again finishing first overall with a time of 18 minutes and 30 seconds. Fellow Benidorm Athletics Club runner Rubén Suárez finished second, while Francisco Soliveres of the El Faro Athletics Club completed the podium — the same top three as last year’s edition.
In the women’s race, Analía Zanichelli claimed victory with a time of 23 minutes and 6 seconds, ahead of Sonia Tirado and Tania de Vega.
Mayor Toni Pérez officially started the race alongside local councillors, organisers and users of the Doble Amor centre, later joining participants in the walking events himself.
Funds raised from the event will support programmes and activities run by the Doble Amor Association, which provides services, training and support for around 50 people with intellectual disabilities in Benidorm and neighbouring municipalities.
Organisers say this year’s fundraising total is expected to exceed previous editions, underlining growing community support for inclusive sporting initiatives and charitable causes in the Costa Blanca region.
Overview
This week across Benidorm, Altea, Albir, Finestrat, and La Nucía is mainly:
Weekly markets and street trading
Live music in bars and small venues
Early spring coastal tourism activity (boat trips, promenades)
Small cultural events and exhibitions
Gradual build-up toward May festivals in Benidorm
BENIDORM – Events and Activity
Markets and street life
Cultural activity
Nightlife and entertainment
Overall feel
Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.
ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere
Live music
Sea activities
Overall feel
Quiet, scenic, and cultural with a strong focus on relaxation rather than nightlife.
ALBIR / ALFÀS DEL PI – Mixed expat and local activity
Markets
Live music
Cultural venues
Overall feel
Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.
LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus
Markets
Sports activity
Large sports complex hosting training camps, tournaments, and weekend events
Overall feel
Quiet residential town with activity concentrated around weekends and sports events.
FINESTRAT – Beach and market lifestyle
Markets
Tuesday and Saturday markets in La Cala area with a mix of local produce and goods
Beachfront activity
Entertainment
Low-key live music in beachfront bars rather than organised events
Overall feel
Relaxed coastal town focused on beach life and casual evenings.
OVERALL SUMMARY
Benidorm: busiest area with nightlife, markets, and entertainment
Altea: cultural, scenic, and relaxed
Albir / Alfàs del Pi: balanced mix of live music and expat social life
La Nucía: local, quiet, and sports-focused
Finestrat: beach-oriented and low-key

Local & Spanish


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