Running through Benidorm’s historic center, along the promenade, and framed by towering glass and steel is a unique experience. Almost four thousand athletes will be part of the atmosphere next Saturday for the new edition of the Benidorm Half.
The 21 and 10 kilometer routes highlight the tourism city as a standout in Alicante province, offering distinctive characteristics that set it apart from similar races. The event is scheduled for Saturday afternoon rather than Sunday morning. Runners begin at 6:30 p.m., tracing Benidorm’s asphalt as the sun sinks, then finish beneath the evening stars while the city lights glow.
«Benidorm Half’22» is growing
The Benidorm Half is expanding year after year in both participation and prestige. The field continues to attract elite runners and the upcoming edition promises to push those heights even further.
Runners take to Benidorm’s streets with unwavering effort. The event showcases the city’s energy and dedication to the sport, making the finish line a rewarding moment for all involved [CITE: Local sports authorities].
Among the highlights, the 10K race has seen Toni Abadía shine as a standout. The Spaniard set a remarkable benchmark last year with a time of 29.06. He holds the national road distance record, clocking 28.48 in Laredo in 2018, and brings vast international experience as a former Olympic and European contender, including a track medal from Rio 2016. He enters this edition as a strong favorite, aiming to extend his dominance on a course that suits his explosive pace.
The Italian-born Spanish road distance specialist David Palacio of Seville is also in peak form after finishing runner-up last year with a solid 30.20. Palacio is ranked among the country’s top athletes and earned a bronze in the Spanish Indoor Championships 3,000 meters, signaling his versatility across road and track events.
In the women’s 10K, Elche’s Cristian Juan returns after a previous triumph, carrying a personal best around 33 minutes. Her experience shines through as she eyes another podium finish on a course known for its scenic appeal and fast surface.
International participation is strong this year as well. Uruguayan star Cristhian Zamora, holder of national records in both half and full marathons, is set to compete. Zamora has notable recent results, including top finishes in the 10K Ciudad de Alcalá and the 60 Feet Vallehermoso races, and a victory at the 2023 Granada Half Marathon, underscoring his form heading into Benidorm [CITE: International Athletics Federation].
Benidorm Half Marathon: popular athletics passion at a successful Benidorm Half
Argentinian María Teresa Tesuri lines up this weekend after strong showings at the World Tour Gold events, finishing fourth at the Cross Internacional de Soria 2022 and fifth in Alcobendas. Tesuri carries a 10K best around 32.47 and placed fourth at Laredo in 2022, symbolizing the depth of the field [CITE: International meet results].
Also competing are Belgian Alexandra Tondeur, who won last year’s 21K in 1:20:16 and has an impressive track record, including a World Championship gold in 2019 and European championships medals. Dutch runner Mircella Herzog, a two-time 10K champion, brings a personal best of 32:47 on the 10K and 1:13:22 on the half marathon, adding elite range to the lineup.
María José Toro from La Roda, part of the La Mancha region, is a formidable contender in the masters category and has been close to the podium at major events. Her experience adds depth to the field as the race progresses through Benidorm’s lively streets.
The overall favorite in the 21K remains Abdelaziz Merzougui Nouredine, a Moroccan-born athlete who set last year’s Benidorm course record at 1:05:41 and will look to defend that mark. The presence of Merzougui, alongside other seasoned performers, heightens the competition and keeps the event on the calendar of every top-distance runner [CITE: National athletics federation].
Gazi, another strong name in the lineup, confirms his participation along with Martin Fiz, signaling a blend of current form and veteran experience that will likely shape the outcomes across events.