Race report by Kevin Wong

The Magaluf 2025 event had the options of either the Half Marathon or 10k. I picked my bib and goodie bag on Friday afternoon – with the race t-shirt.  It is mostly a flat and fast course. The only issue is the heat. I opted for the Half Marathon. I wanted to see what it was like to run an afternoon HM.

At the Striders’ 2024 xmas party some of us decided to enter the Benidorm HM 2025 in November 2025.  Join the unofficial “Striders do Benidorm” road trip 😊- You have all been informed this is happening.

I did speak to some ex-pat Brits and they informed me that the Magaluf event was in late April last year. It was brought forward as runners complained it was too warm (only 23C folks this year). I can testify that it was ultra-light vest and shorts weather. Lots of sun cream and shades are recommended for either race. You don’t need to wear a hydration vest as there are numerous official drink stations around the course – with water – but no energy drinks or gels. Plus the local bars and restaurants did hand out free bottles of waters as well.

Back to the event, for a moment at the holding area, I thought that I was the only Strider at this event. But then I saw Strider Mo Ahmed. We had a Strider’s selfie. He ran the 10K event.  Fellow Strider and Tuesday morning Millhouse alumni, Graham Goff, was supposed to run the HM but he wisely opt to not run the HM as he was not feeling well.

Both races set off from and end at the Pista d’Atletisme de Calvià, Magaluf. It is basically Woodbourne Road in a nicer setting. The track is a bluey green colour. It is in walking distance of most of Magaluf.  The HM and 10K commenced at 5.30pm and 5.40pm, respectfully. Both events started from the 200 metre line on the track. Sadly, the slowest pacer was 1:45 – this seems to be the norm for Spanish HM events. Only 675 people registered for the HM.

The first part of the HM heads into Magaluf and then over to Son Ferrer – there are not that many spectators and worst of all no shade. I kept the pace steady as it was warm – I did want to blow up. At each water station, it was a couple sips of water and the remainder went over my head and vest.  Then we headed back to Magaluf and into Palmanova – which has the golden sandy beaches and bars.  In Palmanova, there were various bands playing music and lots of spectators.

In the final 2KM, I was feeling the heat, legs were heavy and I just wanted the race to end, but then I heard some words of encouragement. I recognised the face and voice. It was Graham. Or someone I thought was Graham. I thought I was seeing things.  The last 400 metres was around the track. I tried to pick up the pace but my legs were saying NO don’t be stupid. I was glad to cross the line. My chip time was 1:55:00.

Once you finished the race, you were given your medal, and then encouraged to head to the refreshment area – fruit, free pizza and soft drinks. You could also get a free massage.  Later on Sunday, I found out that Graham was in Magaluf – I was not going crazy. I had to check on the Tuesday WhatsApp group. If you have not met Graham he is lovely and has a wealthy of knowledge about running.

For €24.00 to you obtain entry into the HM, a t-shirt (designed by a hippy) and a wooden medal. Included in the goodie bag was an energy gel, an energy bar and a pasta party €8.00 voucher that could be used at a participating local restaurant. The t-shirt reminded me of what Fred Flintstone wore. The youngsters need to google The Flintstones.

Striders Results