Costa del Sol hospitality workers rise to tray-carrying challenge

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La Cala de Mijas Lions hosted a fundraising waiters' race that was supported by hundreds of people last weekend

SUR IN ENGLISH

MIJAS.

Thursday, 2 April 2026, 11:48

La Cala de Mijas Lions hosted the 2nd Annual Waiters' Race last weekend, an event that challenged hospitality professionals to demonstrate their tray-carrying skills. Hundreds of people took advantage of the excellent weather to enjoy a fundraising event that also offered an afternoon of fun and entertainment in Plaza El Torreón.

Organised by the Lions and the Mijas foreign residents' office, the day included an artisan market offering a variety of handcrafted goods and local products. There were also children's workshops, a performance by the Espacio Drang drummers and various initiatives to raise funds to support the beneficiaries of the association.

The highlight of the afternoon began at 3pm, when nine local waiters and waitresses took on the ultimate hospitality challenge, a race during which they demonstrated their skills in the art of correctly carry a tray of food and drinks with one hand.

Each participant, who was individually sponsored, had to carry a tray with a glass of water, a coffee and a croissant on a route through the centre of La Cala without running or any spillage.

The overall winner, Rafael Leducq, was participating for the first time in an event of this kind and he said he was "surprised and very happy" to have triumphed.

"I've been working with the tray for many years and today was the day to show people how I carry it. I still can't believe I won it though. Thank you so much," he said.

"It was a very tough race, but there were so many people there to cheer them on. The Lions Club would like to thank our fabulous foreigners' department, our loyal and incredible volunteers and our friends and neighbours for their fantastic support. The contestants contributed thousands of euros in donations and sponsorship," a spokesperson for the club explained.

The event was attended by foreign residents' councillor Mario Bravo, who said, "Although it was primarily a competition for fun, the goal was to raise money so that the Lions Club can continue doing the fantastic work it does."