Over 500 Runners Participate in III San Benito League in La Laguna
Over 500 participants gathered in San Cristóbal de La Laguna for the III San Benito League, a community-focused running event held on June 27 as part of the 2026 San Benito Abad festivities.
The III San Benito League has become a staple of the San Cristóbal de La Laguna athletic calendar, highlighting a growing trend of integrating sports into local celebrations. Held on June 27 as part of the 2026 San Benito Abad festivities, the event drew over 500 participants across both youth and adult categories.
Organized in partnership with the San Benito Pilgrims' Cultural and Recreational Association, the race has established itself as a popular intergenerational gathering. In the main 5,500-meter competition, Jairo Paule Martín secured victory with a personal best time of 16:42. He was followed on the men’s podium by Ayose Perdigón Díaz (16:54) and Pedro Manuel Rodríguez Linares (17:09). In the women’s race, Mónica Victoria López Melián took first place with a time of 21:48, followed by Sonia Peña Ramos (22:07) and Raquel Pérez Pedrola (22:11).
The race took place on a circular urban course, starting and finishing on Leopoldo de la Rosa Olivera Street. Beyond the competition, organizers emphasized the event's social value. Badel Albelo, president of the Autonomous Sports Organization (OAD), noted that such gatherings are vital for building neighborhood spirit and encouraging physical activity. By including children's races, the city aims to promote grassroots sports, using the festive atmosphere to attract a diverse group of participants—from serious athletes to local families—and strengthen the community fabric of La Laguna.