We’d like to start with a very BIG THANK YOU to ALL the CLC staff who helped – too numerous to mention but without whom we could not have successfully organised this very worthy charity event and especially to those colleagues who have become true Smile Mile aficionados.

Numbers of runners this year were again close to 400, comprising guests, staff, friends and relatives, all of whom set off on Wednesday 29th July 2009 as Willie Thorne once again started the race punctually at 8.00pm.

This year, due to some injuries incurred by some over-enthusiastic (and perhaps ill-prepared) runners last year, we decided to eliminate the steep hill start from the Water Cascade on the corner of the entrance to CBR up towards Marina del Sol.

A number of fans gathered along the course to watch the race and especially the new addition of choosing between a drink of water or a “shower” that had been positioned outside the MDS Reception area.

Again, the race was practically over before it began – there was hardly time to place the red ribbon across the finish line before one of the ‘professional’ Mijas runners ‘whooshed’ past!
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At the end of the race – each runner received hearty congratulations and a certificate of participation from Willie before heading for a well earned rest and drink.

With the race over, the festivities centred around Las Carpas got underway with the promise of an evening of family fun, a full bar, quality barbecue, numerous market stalls, bouncy castles and the new additions of the mechanical bucking bronco and surfing machine. There were some bruises and sore thighs the following day!

The amount of food and drink consumed was incredible – nearly 1500 drinks cans, gallons of water, 55 kilos of chicken wings, 10 kilos of Creole sausages and 15 kilos of hot dog sausages to mention a few. At this point we would like to specifically mention certain suppliers who generously donated their products – A. Dominguez for 10kgs beef and 18.50kilos of sausages; Davigel for 5 kilos of chicken kebab, plus an ample supply of plastic knives, forks and Coca Cola cups.

This year, the musical offerings were expanded and the tribute to Abba offered by ‘Take a Chance on Us’ was a huge success, although it was over all too quickly for some (most of us) dedicated Mama Mía fans. Why is it that we all know the words so well?

Funds raised this year were €7000 including sponsorships. We would especially like to thank Roy Peires and his family for attending and supporting us, and particularly for the generous contribution of CLC in covering all the other costs of the event.

This year’s winners were:
1st Male Eulogio Sánchez Trinidad 1st Female Holly Woodward
1st Senior (60 and over) Gordon Worsley 1st under 10 Nicola Robinson

The event, before and after, was publicised in most local Newspapers and RTV 340 who also attended, televised the race. Perhaps one Editor’s note from “The News” sums up what the event means to us: “Well done to everyone who took part and I’m sure the money raised will go a long way to making the project a reality and a big thank you should also go to Roy Peires and his staff who quietly go about raising money and all sorts of items for local charities and people in need that largely goes un-noticed. Thanks guys from the whole community”.

We look forward to seeing more of you in 2010.

Kind regards,

ANTONIA & ALASTAIR