Race Date: Saturday 23^rd November 2024

An early start to writing this race report as it is only Wednesday 20th November and the race isn’t while Saturday the 23rd. However, the running book of excuses is open to the chapter of pain in right heel. Possible causes include pebble in Brooks Boston. More likely it’s the 20% 80% running plan, 20% easy 80% too fast.

Three trips to the physio, two weeks non-running and still about the same. The physio says it could be tightness but I’m not sure about that as she hadn’t mentioned her fee at that stage? Surely that much pain while lying on the couch has got to cure the injury. No pain, no gain I was thinking. Unfortunately, this week the right heel sounds like my loose wood floorings. Into the tiled bathroom to find out my foot making noises when attempting heel raises. Even so the planes, trains and automobiles are booked, all rather last minute and at a higher rate than if done properly like everyone else weeks ago. So, I now eagerly wait for Saturday and an early start to travel to the paradise that is Benidorm.

 

The journey is completed door to hotel in roughly ten hours. Beach front location and a nice view of the sea. Temperature is around 20 degrees and a welcome change from the snow and ice left behind in England. With so many changes of tram, train, plane and bus we cut it fairly fine but arrive about an hour and half before the race. Pick our numbers up and head to the start line. It’s definitely Brit’s abroad as the word is that 40% of the field are British.

Onto the race and what to do? Ease in to it, see how the heel feels then see what happens. If the pain gets too bad stop.

Live music at the start then a break and silence for the recent victims of the flooding in Spain putting into context that it’s only a run. I have done this event before so know roughly what to expect. There are a few gradual inclines but some nice downhill parts as well. I do actually stick to the plan and ease into the race. The heel is hurting but not too bad, even bearable. Only three miles in and the seeds of doubt are being well and truly sown… could just stop and go in that bar, life has got to be better than this. As we approach six miles the split comes into view the 10k runners go right and run to the finish and we continue. By now the heel is no worse with just the mind to be convinced. It’s half way but the slower start has worked and with an increase in pace I can push on feeling not too bad. The out and back parts of the race give you a view of other runners which is great as you can give shouts of encouragement as you pass each other. It’s warm but the sea breeze sections cool things down until we head back onto alley ways and streets of Benidorm. The support from party people and locals is great with plenty of “Vamos” being the favourite shout. I hold pace for the last four miles and end with a sprint finish heels held together and get a better time than last year. Alright for a man with only one leg. I might have gone quicker but wouldn’t have enjoyed running the race as much fearful of the dreaded heel pain. The bag at the finish had two drinks a banana and chocolate. We were given our t-shirts when we collected our numbers before the race. It’s a well run event so come and give it a go if you want some winter sun and cheap drinks.

That’s the race complete and on the second marathon and trying to stay upright around the bars of Benidorm.

Leading the women home was Laura Mendez Esquer (Esp) 1:16:35 with first man Luis Agustin Escriche (Esp) 1:07:22. Three other Steel City found in the results. 2819starters.