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Nearly 900 Runners Take Part in 15th San Silvestre Benidorm Race as British Teenager Takes Men’s Trophy

Benidorm / 22 December 2025

Benidorm yesterday celebrated the 15th edition of the San Silvestre Christmas Run, a festive sporting event that brought together almost 900 participants on the city’s streets.

The race featured three categories — running, Nordic walking and walking — and included the traditional costume competition for both individuals and teams, adding to the lively Christmas atmosphere.

The overall winner in the men’s category was 16-year-old British athlete Remi Michael Clifford, who completed the nearly six-kilometre course in 18 minutes and 32 seconds. In the women’s category, victory went to Ainhoa Etxegarai, with a finishing time of 22 minutes and 45 seconds.

The race was officially started at 10:00am by Mayor Toni Pérez, with many participants wearing festive costumes and Christmas-themed outfits. The route began on Avenida Europa, continued along Paseo de Levante towards Torrejó, before passing through Pérez Llorca, Plaza de la Hispanidad and Avenida del Mediterráneo. Runners then returned along Levante Beach, continued towards Ametlla de Mar, and finished back on Avenida Europa.

In the men’s race, Jorge Mateu finished second with a time of 18:46, while local runner Juanan Fernández completed the podium in 19:23. In the women’s race, Blanca García took second place, followed by Marta Madrid in third.

Among local athletes, Juanan Fernández was the first Benidorm finisher in the men’s category, ahead of Ximo Santonja and Rubén Caballero. In the women’s local classification, Svetlana Holosna finished first, followed by Sonia Tirado in second place and Kateryna Kuzmina in third.

The mayor and members of the municipal government supported the runners throughout the event and attended the awards ceremony, which took place after the children’s races.

The San Silvestre Benidorm once again confirmed its status as one of the city’s most popular Christmas sporting events, combining competition, fun and festive spirit.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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

Wednesday and Sunday main street markets (large general markets for clothing, food, and goods)
Old Town craft stalls operating in the evenings
Night markets becoming more active as tourist season builds

Cultural activity

Early preparations and signage for the Medieval Market coming soon in central Benidorm
Small pop-up performances in Old Town squares (musicians, street entertainment)

Nightlife and entertainment

Live music every night across the main strips (cover bands, tribute acts, karaoke)
DJ sets and bar entertainment increasing toward peak season
Rooftop bars and terrace venues reopening more consistently

Overall feel

Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.

ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere

Old Town and culture
Art galleries and artisan shops open daily
Small exhibitions and cultural displays in local venues

Live music

Acoustic and low-key live music in bars around Old Town and seafront areas
Occasional weekend performances in Irish and cocktail bars

Sea activities

Boat trips operating from Altea harbour including:
Coastal cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Swimming stops depending on weather conditions

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

Friday weekly street market with food, clothing, and household goods
Nearby Sunday markets in Altea also attract visitors from the area

Live music

Regular pub and bar entertainment, especially in Irish and rock-themed venues
Weekly live bands and acoustic performances across multiple venues

Cultural venues

Casa de Cultura hosting small theatre events, exhibitions, and community activities
Regular local group meetings and social clubs

Overall feel

Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.

LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus

Markets

Sunday rastro (large flea market with antiques, tools, clothes, and food stalls)
Entertainment
Occasional live music in local bars, mostly weekends

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

Beach bars and restaurants increasingly open in the evenings
Sunset dining season beginning again

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

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Nearly 900 Runners Take Part in 15th San Silvestre Benidorm Race as British Teenager Takes Men’s Trophy

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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