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Spanish Athlete Ángel López Amor Secures Top Five Finish in Benidorm Skyscraper Race

Benidorm / 29 March 2026

Spanish athlete Ángel López Amor delivered a standout performance at one of Europe’s most demanding vertical races, finishing fifth overall and second Spaniard in the XX Vertical Climb to the Gran Hotel Bali.

The competitor from Altea completed the gruelling challenge in 5 minutes and 5 seconds, narrowly missing out on fourth place by just one second in a tightly contested field featuring elite international stair-running specialists.

The race, held in Benidorm, is widely regarded as one of the toughest events of its kind in Europe. Participants must climb over 900 steps across 52 floors of Spain’s tallest hotel, testing both endurance and explosive power in a high-intensity sprint format.

Italy’s Fabio Ruga successfully defended his title, winning the race in an impressive 4:37, further cementing his dominance in the discipline. He was followed by Ivan Vuletic in second place (4:43) and Emanuele Manzi in third (4:58).

Spain’s leading finisher was Diego Díaz, who placed fourth overall in 5:04, just ahead of López Amor in what proved to be one of the closest finishes of the race.

The Vertical Climb to the Gran Hotel Bali has grown into a major event on the international stair-running calendar, attracting competitors from across Europe and beyond, and reinforcing Benidorm’s growing reputation as a destination for sports tourism alongside its traditional holiday appeal.

Following his strong result, López Amor is set to continue his competitive weekend by taking part in the Puig Campana Vertical Kilometer in nearby Finestrat — another demanding mountain race that forms part of the regional trail-running circuit.

His performance in Benidorm highlights the strength of local athletes competing at an increasingly high international level in vertical and mountain racing disciplines.

What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca (Benidorm & Surrounding Areas)

Benidorm

Football fixtures taking place this weekend, with local teams playing key matches as the season progresses
UEFA U19 Elite Round matches continuing at Guillermo Amor Stadium, bringing international youth football to the city
Spring tourism season gathering pace, with increased activity across beaches, nightlife and entertainment venues ahead of Easter
Ongoing Benidorm Gastronómico programme, featuring food events and promotions across restaurants
Overall: busy, with a strong mix of sport, tourism and hospitality activity

Altea

Ongoing cultural events and exhibitions in the old town and local cultural centres
Regular live music and arts activity continuing throughout the week
Overall: relaxed atmosphere with a focus on culture and the arts

L'Alfàs del Pi (Alfaz / El Albir)

High levels of outdoor activity, particularly hiking in areas such as Serra Gelada
Continued safety awareness following recent hiking incidents, with emergency services advising caution
Overall: active, outdoor-focused environment

Finestrat

Mountain and trail running activity in the surrounding area, including vertical kilometre-style events
Smaller-scale live music and local venue events
Overall: sporty and quieter, with a focus on outdoor activities

La Nucía

Start of Semana Santa (Holy Week) events, including religious and cultural performances such as sacred music concerts
Local football matches and continued use of major sports facilities
Overall: community-focused with a mix of sport and traditional celebrations

Overall This Week on the Costa Blanca

Tourism increasing steadily ahead of Easter
Strong presence of sporting events, particularly football and outdoor activities
Beginning of Holy Week cultural programming
Good weather supporting outdoor plans and last-minute travel

Summary

Benidorm: busiest, with tourism and events
Altea: cultural and relaxed
Alfaz/Albir: outdoor and nature-focused
Finestrat: sports and quieter activities
La Nucía: local events and Holy Week traditions

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Spanish Athlete Ángel López Amor Secures Top Five Finish in Benidorm Skyscraper Race

What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca (Benidorm & Surrounding Areas)

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