Moralet will host a new edition of the Doble Amor Solidarity Cross Country Race on May 11

To raise funds for Doble Amor Centre, El Moralet urban park will host the sixth edition of the "Doble Amor" Charity Cross Country Race. The race was presented this morning and will take place next Sunday, May 11th, starting at 9:00 a.m., with various events and modalities.

The race presentation took place at Benidorm Plaza Hotel, with the presence of the Councilor for Sports, Javier Jordá; the Councilor for Social Welfare, Ángela Zaragozí; the president of Doble Amor, José Luis Calvo; the president of Benidorm Athletics Club, Manuel Peñalver; and José Manuel López, a member of the Doble Amor board of directors and the race's driving force.

José Luis Calvo explained the three objectives the event has had since its inception: "to raise awareness of intellectual disabilities, to be a sporting activity that helps the center run, as 100% of the proceeds go toward it, and to give back to Benidorm a small part of what the city gives us." For all these reasons, the president of Doble Amor added, "this event had to be something different from what was out there, and I think we're achieving that." Calvo also expressed his gratitude for the "great network of supporters" led by the City Council and the Rotary Club "which has made the event's consolidation and growth possible every year."

Two students from the centre, Sergio and Ana, emphasised that the cross-country race "is not just a sporting event but a celebration of fellowship where runners of all levels come together for a just cause." They emphasised that every day, "we work with a single purpose, which is that every person with disabilities can work according to their abilities and for full integration into society; a path that is not easy." For this reason, they state, "every small step forward requires a great effort." "The cross-country race seeks to raise funds, but also to raise awareness about the importance of inclusion," they concluded.

Manuel Peñalver, the race's technical director, thanked the City Council for its support "in all the logistics involved in organising the race" and outlined some of its aspects. The route will be a 5.5-kilometre circuit for runners. "It will be very simple, without steep slopes, clean, and accessible for everyone," he explained. The hiking and Nordic walking specialities will be 3.6kilometress long, and the children's races will have distances based on age, from 50 meters to 2,000 meters.

"These races for children up to 15 years old are free, and registration can be made up until the day of the race," said Peñalver.
Registration can be made through the website www.grupobrotons.es for 14 euros. Registrations will also be accepted on race day, although the price will be 16 euros and can only be made up to half an hour before the start of the cross-country race.

José Manuel López emphasised that the cross-country race is growing year after year "thanks to the involvement of many people" and revealed that last year's race saw nearly 750 registrations and nearly 15,000 euros raised. "The effort is worth it," he asserted, before emphasising that the goal is "to try to surpass what has been achieved so far." There will be a medal for the top three finishers in each category, as well as a charity T-shirt for all participants.

The event was closed by the Councillor for Sports, who "thanked everyone who made this race possible" and encouraged "everyone" to participate. "I ask you to run with your heart, because Doble Amor Centre needs it," he added.