Santa Pola has revived one of the most popular events in its sporting calendar, with nearly 2,500 runners taking part in the first 10K Santa Pola Summer Race on Sunday night. The event, organised by the local athletics club at the request of the Town Hall, brings back the spirit of the iconic night race that drew large crowds in the early 2010s.

Before the 9pm start on Avenida Fernando Pérez Ojeda, runners observed a minute’s silence in memory of Rafael Bonmatí Ferrández, the town’s official graphic chronicler, who died earlier this week and was a familiar presence at local sporting events.

Kenya’s Victor Kipruto quickly broke away from the field to win in 28 minutes 25 seconds, more than half a minute outside the course record of 27 minutes 46 seconds set in January. Jorge González was second in 29 minutes 11 seconds, with Abderrahmane Aferdi third in 29 minutes 13 seconds. In the women’s race, María Ureña of Xátiva won in 33 minutes 56 seconds, ahead of Silvia Rey and Cristina Juan.

The €1,000 bonus on offer for breaking the course records was not claimed and will roll over to next year’s race. Local winners included Luis Miñarro and Yaiza Blasco in the men’s and women’s categories.