Night comes alive

Betty Henderson

THE Elche Night Race running event made its comeback on Sunday, May 14, cementing its reputation as the ultimate nighttime race in the region with more than 2,500 runners taking to the streets.

The event saw a major 40 per cent boost in entries compared to last year, making it the second biggest nighttime race in the Valencia region, after Valencia’s own 15 kilometre night run.

As the clock struck 9.30pm, the starting pistol sounded and runners took to the course. Rainy forecasts did not put off runners from all across Spain and international participants who flooded the streets of Elche, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Among the runners were the several members of the city council who got stuck into the event.

The competitive spirit burned brightly as Alejan­ dro Juan Torres and local talent Jessica Guerrero Ballester claimed victory in the men’s and women’s categories of the challenging 10 kilometre circuit, with Ballester securing her second consecutive victory. Meanwhile, Jorge Mateu Fernández and Danielle Hodglinsen emerged victorious in the five kilometre distance, each posting stunning times.

The evening concluded with a thrilling awards ceremony, with trophies presented by the local university’s sports department.