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One major sporting event that always brings attention to the island of Lanzarote, and always fills up its quota of places, is the annual Lanzarote Ironman Triathlon. The event, which acts as a qualifying event for the world famous Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii, has been taking place for the past 18 years.

As if the ironman distance of a 3.8km sea swim, a 180km cycle ride followed by a full marathon is not enough of a challenge, a new event is planned for 2011, which will double the distances involved.

At the end of February, the island's sports minister Manolo Cabrera announced plans for the inaugural Enduroman Double Iron Lanzarote that will start from Playa Blanca and take place over a 3 day period from 4th February next year.

First, the competitors will be allowed 4 hours to complete the 7.6km swim. Next, they have just 22 hours to cycle a route of 360km over a course that must be lapped 6 times. The route follows roads from Playa Blanca to El Golfo and back. Finally, if they have met the requirements of the first two stages, competitors will be lacing up their trainers for a double marathon. This 52 mile run will be played out around a short 2.73km loop which must be lapped 30 times. The runners must run at a speed quicker than 1 lap every hour, which may not seem too fast, but considering what has gone before, will be nothing short of grueling.

Proceedings will start on Friday 4th February at 2pm with competitors being given until 8am on Sunday 6th February to complete the full course. If the Enduroman is anything like as popular as the shorter Ironman event, then entries will need to be sent in early. This year's Ironman race in May was already full by September last year.