Colder days, light winds and gray skies marked this unusual winter stretch. This morning showcased the scene. The solidarity run in Elche has grown into a reference on the sports calendar. Nearly a thousand athletes completed the race this Sunday, the 10K Doner from Manolo Jaén stadium, all for a shared cause: supporting programs of the Conciénciate foundation, an organization that will benefit from funds raised through gown sales this year. Shelter and an Overnight Center for the Homeless in Elche will receive support from the proceeds.
Homeless
This resource, currently under construction, will operate daily from eight in the evening to eight in the morning. It serves 44 users and offers beds, showers, laundry and lockers, along with dinner and breakfast for attendees.
The ninth edition of the test this year featured Ariadna Rodenas, the Elche MTB cycling champion, launching the event. The circular route began and ended at the stadium, with participants traveling in both directions along University Avenue, Station Street and Liberty Avenue.
Rotary Elche 2023 Race: 10 kilometers of solidarity against cancer
JR Corners
classification
Burundian Eric Nzambimana claimed the victory with a time of 29 minutes and 13 seconds. Second place went to Ossama Allaoui with 29:47, and Vicente Hernandez Cabrera finished third in 29:55.
Elche Rotary 10K winner Eric Nzambimana from Burundi crossing the finish line at the Manolo Jaén athletics stadium. Axel Alvarez
In the women’s category, Johanna Ardel ranked first with a time of 34:59. Eva Sanchez Pastor followed in 37:12 for second place, and Ana María Ribera Garcia earned bronze with a time of 39:05.
One hundred volunteers helped set up the event, many from Doner Elche-Illice, along with 30 additional participants from Be Aware, an NGO that will benefit from the solidarity efforts.
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homologation
The 10K Rotary test receives validation from the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation. Three years ago the route was modified to attract more athletes and improve record chances. The course now starts from the athletics track stands, creating a livelier atmosphere for spectators and competitors alike.
Recently, 800 runners had already signed up, and although the limit was 1,100 places, nearly a thousand people registered. About 60 percent of participants were from other towns, and runners from ten nations joined in.
Organization
This week saw the announcement of a sponsorship by a construction and services firm named Jainser, which will cooperate with the event for the next three years. Other partners from previous years include Polo Club. Although the ninth edition faced some controversy, the race began in 2014 and was paused in 2020 due to the pandemic. The sports council member José Navarro stated during a city council presentation that this 10 km race represents a milestone for the city of Elche and brings pride, satisfaction, and joy to a community that values more than just sport but also solidarity goals.
500 euro prize
The 10K Rotary maintained its prize pool this year as well. The absolute course record for men stands at 24:45, while in the women’s race the time of 34:32 did not mark a new record today.
The event concluded with a solidarity dinner for the runners and residents who purchased the solidarity bracelet. The mayor also confirmed a commitment to sustainability: the race will feature ecological technical shirts, wooden trophies with eco inks, and an ongoing drive to cut paper and plastic use through biodegradable materials.