Race Date: Sunday 16th February 2025
Race Report by: Hannah Wright

To celebrate my big 40 I booked a trip to Alicante. Sun, sea and a half marathon. I arrived in Alicante a few days before race day giving me plenty of time for sightseeing and Sangria. Kevin Wong came to join the fun on the Friday. 

The 1st Half Marathon of Alicante was celebrated on the occasion of the commemoration of the Golden Marriages of the Montemar Athletic Club (April 5, 1981).

Expo:

 

The expo was low key and held at the Marina, same place the race started and finished. Bib numbers collected, few pictures then time to head back to the beach. Kevin Wong took the opportunity to visit the castle (he took the lift instead of walking) and have ice cream. 

Race Day: 

It was hot. Vest and shorts weather for the tourists… winter coats for the locals. The race started promptly at the harbor taking you out and around Serra Grossa. This section was an up hill slog. But once round Serra Grossa a stunning downhill section looking out over the sea. 

Next section was along the promenade in the open sun. I was thankful to reach Passeig Esplanada d’Espanya for some shade. At this point the half marathon and 10k route split. The half marathon route then zig zagged through the town taking in the sites. 

Finally we were on the home stretch back along the promenade to the finish. 

Once across the finish fruit, water and most importantly beer was at the finish line. 

In the words of Kevin Wong… ‘they lied, the elevation lied’. 

If you like a hilly half marathon in the sun Alicante is the place to be. 

The race was won by Youness Belyamna of Club Atletismo Segura Almeria in 01:08:25. The first female finisher was Sioned Howells of Swansea Harriers in 01:20:02.

Striders Results: