Canillas de Albaida is preparing for a charity trail race on Sunday, October 18, with money raised going to help seven-year-old Thiago from Velez-Malaga, who lives with an ultra-rare genetic condition.

The fourth Reto Higinio mountain race will bring runners, families and supporters together for a day of sport and fundraising in the Axarquia village. Organisers have also planned children’s activities, live music and a solidarity paella, so people can support the cause without running.

Race entries closed but donations welcome

Runners can choose between two demanding mountain routes, covering 13.5 kilometres with 650 metres of climbing or 24.5 kilometres with 1,450 metres of climbing. Both routes pass through the Sierras Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park.

However, anyone hoping to enter should be aware that race registration has closed. The official DorsalChip listing confirms that entries are no longer being accepted.

People can still help Thiago through the event’s donation arrangements. Organisers have provided a Fila 0 option for supporters who cannot take part, with all money collected through this route going to the charitable cause.

Donations can also be made by bank transfer to the solidarity account published in the official race regulations: Cajamar, IBAN ES70 3058 0719 8427 3215 2108. Donors should check the organisers’ latest instructions before transferring money.

Helping a child with an ultra-rare condition

Thiago’s condition is linked to the NALCN gene and is known as IHPRF. According to the organisers, only 98 children with the condition have been registered worldwide, including two in Spain.

His mother, Remedios Díaz, has spoken about the daily challenges facing the family and the importance of community support.

The event is organised by Canillas de Albaida Town Hall and Club Deportivo Locos de la Colina, with support from local athletics clubs, the Vamos Higinio Stop-AME association, Velez-Malaga’s Sports Department and the Axarquia municipal association.

Residents who cannot run can still help by donating or checking with organisers about attending the family activities.

Torrox is preparing for four days of German food, beer and Bavarian festivities as its Oktoberfest returns to the Ferrara car park from Thursday, October 15, to Sunday, October 18.

This year’s event will feature a new covered marquee measuring 75 metres long and 20 metres wide, giving visitors 1,500 square metres of space under one roof. The structure will house the festival’s food and market stalls, with local businesses also taking part.

German Oktoberfest brings a taste of Bavaria to Torrox

Mayor Óscar Medina presented details of the festival alongside first deputy mayor Paula Moreno and councillor for the presidency Mari Ángeles España.

Medina said the celebration reflected Torrox’s international character and its close ties with the town’s large German community. Residents and visitors from across the Axarquia are expected to join the festivities, which draw on traditions associated with Munich’s famous beer festival.

Torrox has long attracted German residents, helping make German culture a familiar part of local life. The annual Oktoberfest gives people of different nationalities a chance to enjoy traditional German food and drink without travelling to Bavaria.

Previous years have attracted beer lovers from across Andalucia. Euro Weekly News reported on the festival’s success in 2025, when thousands visited the event.

When does Torrox Oktoberfest open?

The official inauguration is scheduled for 7pm on Thursday, October 15, with German Consul in Malaga Franko Stritt Grohe expected to attend. Visitors can enjoy German cuisine, an atmosphere inspired by Munich and beer served in traditional one-litre mugs throughout the four-day celebration.

The new marquee will also bring the participating festival stalls and local businesses together in one covered area, providing a shared space for the event. Anyone planning a visit should check the Torrox Town Hall’s official channels for any programme updates before setting off.

The festival comes shortly after the town’s annual fair, which featured concerts, equestrian displays and family entertainment.