Blog

Runners and Cyclists are spoilt for choice this autumn if they're willing to book flights to Lanzarote because this island will host several events.

Lanzarote's sporting connections are well established. The famous Lanzarote Ironman Triathlon is held there during May every year and athletes use the island as a base for winter training because of its mild weather. During autumn the athletes tend to return to the island and a number of competitive events are organised for them. They are usually open to entry for everyone, so if your fitness is up to standard why not take part?

At the end of September, the sports facility Club La Santa organises a cycling trophy which starts on 27th September with registration and a training ride. Over the next three days there are 4 separate events that each have individual prizes as well as there being awards for the overall finishers. The first race is short 4.5 kilometer prologue followed later in the afternoon by a 45 minute criterium race around a 2 kilometer circuit near to Club La Santa. On Tuesday morning comes perhaps the most grueling event, a 9.5 kilometer hill climb at Tabayesco in the north of Lanzarote. The race takes the riders over a route that rises 550 metres, with a gradient averaging 6 %. The start of the hill climb is about 40 kilometers from the event headquarters, so transport to the start is available, but serious competitors are likely to ride to the start as part of their preparations. Finally, on Wednesday, the trophy concludes with a 100 kilometre road race that takes in the spectacular scenery of the island's volcanic landscape and passes through sections of the Timanfaya National Park.

Individual events can be entered at a cost of 25 Euros or 75 Euros for all four components. The organisers are looking for volunteers to marshall the races and are offering a free souvenir t-shirt to anyone who can help out.

Later in the year, on 14th November, the island hosts another cycling event. The 11th International Bike Tour of Lanzarote, offers two separate routes, a 75 kilometer distance Pro Tour or a less challenging 55 kilometer Family Tour. Also during November, the island hosts an International Running Challenge. The event takes place over four days starting 21st November and includes races over 5km, 10km, 13km and 21km (or half marathon) distances. The Challenge is very popular and has been taking place on Lanzarote for the past 20 years.