The charity race against ALS will reach a thousand participants and raise almost 20,000 euros

The charity race against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), organised by the Marina Baixa firefighters, will almost certainly reach a thousand participants across all categories and raise around €20,000.

This event, the 6th edition of the Transcostablanca race, will take place on June 1st on a five-kilometre urban circuit. All proceeds will go to the fight against the disease, specifically to the ADELA CV association.

The race was presented this morning at Benidorm City Hall, where the race organisers announced that "the strong registration rate" suggests a "massive" turnout. Javier Jordá, Councillor for Sports, has described the race as "one of the charity events of the year" in Benidorm and expressed his confidence that "there will be a boost in registrations because this is not just about sports, but also about showing solidarity."

One of the race's driving forces, Benidorm firefighter Paco Pedrera, recalled that the decision to give the event a charitable purpose was made after his wife contracted ALS. "It's a neurodegenerative disease, with no treatment or cure, and a life expectancy of between two and five years," he explained.

But in addition to the enormous emotional and physical burden it entails, "a lot of money is needed to cope with it in the best possible way." Pedrera welcomed the ALS law, but blamed the central government for "not implementing it," which is why "we are forced to organise these events to raise funds."

The race's motto is "The goal: to extinguish ALS", and has Juan Carlos Unzué as its sponsor, who has made a video for the event. Miguel Baidal, elite athlete and Spanish 10K champion, will also participate, which will serve as an incentive. Pedrera advocated for "attending on Sunday, June 1st, to spend a pleasant day and contribute to ending the disease," which currently affects around 4,000 people in Spain. José Cerdá, vice president of the Alicante Provincial Council's "Solidarios" association, stated that they will contribute "with a financial contribution and by trying to raise awareness of the disease."

Finally, Pepe Brotons, the race organiser, reported that there are already "around 400 registered participants for the race and the hike, in addition to the children's races." He expressed his conviction that in the little over two weeks remaining until the event, "we will reach 1,000 participants and raise almost €20,000," which he described as "amazing, considering this is the first edition."

Registration can be done on the website www.grupobrotons.es for both the race and the hike. The price for adults is 15 euros and 5 euros for children's races. Registration can be completed online until May 29th, although registration can also be made in person on the day of the race up to half an hour before the start.

The main race will be five kilometres long, starting at Plaza del Ayuntamiento and continuing from there to Plaza de la Hispanidad, Avenida del Mediterráneo, Ametlla de Mar, Paseo de Levante, Plaza de la Hispanidad, and finishing at Plaza del Ayuntamiento.