Near a thousand runners this Sunday took part in the traditional Elche Rotarians race, adding their strength to the fight against cancer. It was past eight in the morning when the doors of the stadium opened, the Manolo Jaen athletics stadium. Even though the morning was chilly and damp, runners who regularly support these events know that their passion outlasts the weather and surpasses mere competition when there is a purpose, such as helping those affected by breast cancer.
With pride and emotion, Amacmec volunteers gathered at the starting point around 10:00, the group channeling the money raised from selling numbers toward the cause.
historical record
Ugandan athlete Yeko set a rapid pace, breaking existing records with a time of 28 minutes and 45 seconds for the 10-kilometer test, earning the Ciutat d’Elx award and a prize of 500 euros. In the women’s category, Christina Juan Torres finished in 35 minutes and 10 seconds.
The race began and finished at the stadium, looping along Avenida de la Universidad, Avenida de la Estación and Avenida de la Libertad in both directions. The trophies were presented by Carlos González, the mayor of Elche, who has consistently supported sporting events, along with Vicente Alberola and Mariano Valera, who hold the sports and equality portfolios.
As remembered by Elche Illice Rotary Club, the organizer, last year the track was altered to help athletes set faster records. The new route also creates a livelier competition atmosphere, with spectators welcoming the runners from the stands along the track.
On the other hand, more than 80 CEU Cardenal Herrera University of Elche students actively assisted at the event. Fifty students helped with organization and logistics in both assembly and procurement, coordinated by Pedro Miralles, head of CEU’s Sports Service in Elche. Around thirty physiotherapy students treated more than 400 runners with post-competition recovery massages, guided by professors Cristina Salar, Laura Fluxá and Asún Climent.
5 kilometers along Avenida de la Libertad
This event, now in its eighth edition, has become a stable fixture on the sports calendar with a straightforward route of 5 kilometers along Avenida de la Libertad toward Universidad street, and then a return to complete the 10-kilometer course with a reverse turn. The route was described as a fast test by Vicente Alberola, Elche’s sports mayor, in a recent briefing with the Rotary Illice president, José Manuel Belda, and the organizers.
A new edition of 10Krotary Elche will be released on February 12, with proceeds benefiting AMACMEC.
M. Alarcon
Psychological support
Belda emphasised that this event is the Rotary club’s most significant fundraising effort of the year, supporting AMACMEC and its Families project. Psychological support services are provided to affected women. Manuela Agulló, head of the collective and a former race cheerleader, highlighted that the funds help strengthen the “Godmothers” program, in which women who have overcome breast cancer mentor new patients who may lack family or community support.
A challenge to the cold for a good cause
The race also offers a solidarity option for those who cannot run but want to contribute. In addition to the race, a traditional lunch, physiotherapy services, and solidarity shirts and runner’s bags are provided to participants at the finish line.