Friday August 22nd is the 16th running, literally, of the Media Legua Playa de Burriana, a strange race in honour of Francisco Ortega Olalla, better known as ‘Ayo’.
The race, which starts at 19:00, is sponsored by the Town Hall, The Nerja Caves Foundation, the Junta de Andalucía, Málaga University, Málaga Council and Unicaja.
The race attracts not only athletes from all over Málaga province, but also from farther afield, including Morocco to name but one.
There are various categories and age groups and anyone wishing to enter should either call 952528246, email [email protected] or turn up and register on the day itself up to 30 minutes before the start of the race. The first six in each category receive prizes, these being €120, €90, €60, €30, €30, €30.
Last year’s overall male winner was the local athlete Álvaro Fernandez who not only beat an army of Moroccan entrants, but also set a new record time of 7 minutes 42 seconds.
Sharki Salima of Morocco was the female winner last year in a time of 10 minutes 18 seconds.
What makes the race different is that part of the course is on the beach itself and involves negotiating parasols, sunbathers, deckchairs and various other sundry obstacles.