The Great Benidorm Swimming Race

total absence of jellyfish

The annual swimming race from Benidorm Island to Benidorm itself took place this week. Over 200 people from all walks of life competed - there were 47 firemen, professional swimmers, disabled people and some competitors over 80 years of age.

The first over the finishing line was a pro-swimmer, Diego Nogueira, who covered the 3500 metre distance in a startling 39 minutes. Last to finish was a 69 year-old woman who took almost two hours to complete the course.

The organisers said that the calm seas helped the swimmers cover the distance with relative ease.

Spectators on the beaches couldn't have failed to see the approaching swimmers as they were accompanied by a convoy of safety craft comprised of 20 canoes, 11 other boats, a group of scuba divers, lifesavers, the Red Cross and the Local Police. Sounds like the Spanish Armada all over again.

16 September 2005 Stephen White.