Benidorm Half

About this race

Benidorm's half is a favourite among club runners — pancake flat, well-organised, and with a legendary post-race party scene. Run past skyscrapers, palm trees and the twin bays before earning your medal and a cold beer on the beach.

The race

The Benidorm Half is one of Spain's most PB-hungry halves, regularly awarding thousands of Boston, Berlin and London championship qualifying times. Around 5,000 runners take on the half and 10K, with an atmosphere that feels like a small city marathon. The race starts at sunset and finishes under the night sky, allowing runners to race along the city's famous beaches and beneath its towering skyscraper skyline.

The course

The start and finish are situated near the town hall in the old town. Runners navigate through a mix of the historic town centre, the modern skyscraper district and a long scenic stretch of coastline watching the sun set as you run. There is a long slight uphill stage taking you past the Benidorm Palace before heading to the finish past the English bars on the Benidorm strip.

The destination

Beyond the high-rises, Benidorm has a surprisingly charming old town, the Balcón del Mediterráneo viewpoint, and easy day trips to Altea (whitewashed old town), Guadalest (mountain village) and Terra Mítica theme park. British-run bars, tapas terraces and paella spots line the promenades.

Climate & race-day weather

Race day usually sees 10°C at dawn climbing to a very runnable 18–20°C by finish time. Winds off the sea are light and rain is rare in early November.

Getting there

Alicante (ALC) is a 45-minute transfer to Benidorm. Direct flights land from most UK airports year-round. A comfortable tram (TRAM Alicante line 1) also connects Alicante and Benidorm in around an hour if you want a scenic route in.

Trip highlights

• Pancake flat — bring your PB shoes
• Party atmosphere before, during and after
• Wall-to-wall beachfront hotels
• Great for running clubs travelling as a group

Distances offered