Race Date: Saturday 22nd November 2025
Race Report by: Mandy Taylor
This year saw over 9000 entrants to the Benidorm 10k/HM of which 50.5% were international runners (according to google).
I booked on this event early as I knew some Striders had previously done this and some were doing it this year. An evening event in warmer weather and described as not flat but not challenging appealed. Having done more walking than running at the start of the year I felt I needed something to focus on. Spring/summer have seen me dip in/out of running for various reasons and at times the thought of a HM was daunting. But as flight and accommodation were booked, at least a nice break would be welcome.
Luckily several weeks before it was due I was able to start training in earnest and confidence grew. A 2hr target within 2.5 hour cut off. I could do this!!
Boarding the plane ready for take off…nope. After two failed take offs the pilot informed us of an issue. Engineers arrived but unable to resolve, we eventually had to get off and re-board another plane and wait for a time slot. Premonition of things to come? Good luck or bad? 3hrs later we took off.
The expo was on Friday for collection of bibs and the t-shirt.
Saturday, day of the race arrived and it was cold. Bought a jumper. Having only brought the Striders vest, not a t-shirt, and my running belt, not feeling comfortable I began to get anxious. I wore the Benidorm t-shirt under my Striders vest (usually a no no. Nothing new on the day, and didn’t wear drinks belt). Luckily I had my son to look after my coat as the bag drop tent is at the finish which is half mile from the start line. I needed to keep warm. It was nice to meet and chat with the Striders at the start.
The route is good and well marshalled with lots of entertainment and support. The sun set shortly after setting off but the route is well lit. The long stretch along the prom of both the old and new towns were really good for pacing. There are lots of side street out and backs with timing mats at the far end, possibly to prevent anyone from taking a short cut!
My belt was not needed as bottled water was given every 5k and it wasn’t a cup less event as I thought. I only had a few swigs half way through but by mile 9 needed the loo. Found them on route but all full so just carried on. By mile 11, I just thought, hurry up and carry on.
The last half mile had approached and I hadn’t had to walk, I felt good. Turned a corner heading towards the last 200yards – and whose idea is it to put the finish line on top of an (small) incline?! It felt like a mountain. After crossing the finish line (felt good) you are herded via a one way system to a meeting area, which was a bit chaotic. After finding my son and coat I went in search of the Striders. Humphrey looked whacked but apparently he’d run 10 miles just before the half, due to marathon training. Kudos to him.
I was shocked at the time my watch was saying, and i kind of wondered if I’d put pause on when I tried the loos, not that I could remember doing it. Confirmation of my time 1.47.23 (smashed my target) I was well pleased. And found that I was second in my age category and needed to collect a trophy! Brill.
We were all pleased with the run, route and support though the goody bag was rubbish. Would recommend this.
Winners
Ben Connor – no club – 1.03.50
Lily Partridge – no club – 1.12.06
Striders
| Position | Name | Category | Category Position | Time |
| 1322 | Mandy Taylor | F60 | 2 | 01:47:23 |
| 1998 | Kevin Wong | M45 | 262 | 01:56:20 |
| 3180 | Humphrey Fu | M50 | 321 | 02:18:33 |
| 3372 | Chris Smith | M50 | 337 | 02:24:24 |
Full results can be viewed here.