Medio Maraton Ciudad de Almeria 2014

[Sweder]

Home after the flight from hell (mostly thanks to blocked sinuses, a sore throat and a streaming nose) with time to reflect on what ten years of running in Almeria means to me and why it's so easy to ring-fence this weekend in my diary.

There's the weather; warm sun glinting off the Med, light breezes dancing down from the snow-capped Sierras; The food; lusty chorizo and Iberian jamon, the sharp bite of Manchego cheese, succulent paella, crunchy calamari and a tempura aubergine dish to die for; the cerveza, the rioja, the stunning scenery, the warm and friendly locals who never fail to come out and share their city with us ... so much to enjoy. It's easy to see why we keep heading back.

There is one reason, one catalyst to our weekends of fun and frolics, that stands noble head and broad shoulders above all of these: Antonio. The Running Commentary Almeria Armada was your idea, the success of which you ensured and continue to ensure through endless patience, selfless hard work and a desire to see everyone happy. You are our tireless guide, our City conduit, a credit to your home and your family, and our dear, dear friend. You accept us as we are, sometimes noisy, sometimes brash, so many people's needs to be met. It must be like herding cats. You meet the chaos we bring every year with the gentle smile of a man watching over his naughty children.

Antonio, as a regular end-of-January visitor I have enjoyed more of your hospitality and friendship than anyone. It was my great pleasure to run by your side on Sunday, to chat about the places we passed, the meals to come and about modern life in Andalusia. It is also my honour now to express, on behalf of everyone who came over this year and those fortunate enough to have been before, our deepest thanks and most sincere gratitude for all that you do.

Muchas Gracias, Amigo.