Less than twenty four hours to go before the start of what is considered the world’s toughest Ironman. This year is the twentieth Lanzarote Ironman. There will be 1500 competitors, as well as over 4000 volunteers participating in the running of the event.
As we’ve already given you the run down on what the Lanzarote Iron man entails, this is merely a few tips to help you if you are staying in one of the resorts in Lanzarote, and want to enjoy spectating some of the aspects of the event.
It’s an early start, and believe you me, the atmosphere for the swim is definitely worth the early morning alarm call you’re going to need! The race begins at 7.00am with 1500 athletes sprinting into the atlantic for 3.8km swim. Now, if you are renting a villa in Puerto Del Carmen, then it’s a relative no brainer, as from one end to the other will only take you a brisk 30minute walk to get to the beach start. Situate yourself closer to the Club del Mar than the Property Warehouse and you’ll be spot on to see the athletes exit for the swim to bike transit.
If you are staying in one of the other Lanzarote Resorts such as Costa Teguise, or Playa Blanca, or Puerto Calero. Then the best idea is to arrive in Puerto Del Carmen no later than 6.30am in order that you find a parking space. Enter from Calle Reina Sofia if you are coming from Playa Blanca or from Puerto Calero. You can then pick any of the back roads and walk ten minutes down to the beach front. Likewise coming from the Arrecife/Costa Teguise you will need to stay on the new road unnamed on this map of Puerto Del Carmen under Hospiten, the private hospital, and drop down from here as close to Avenida Playas as you can get.
The Avenida is completely blocked off with all the competitors bikes, so it’s a bit of a spectacle in itself, if you don’t fancy venturing into Puerto Del Carmen on race day. The 180 km bike ride pretty much covers the whole of the Island is arguably one of the most beautiful Ironman courses in the world. It’s possibly easier to head straight up to the North of the Island after you’ve been in Puerto Del Carmen as the road blocks off towards Puerto Calero and down towards Yaiza for the first part of the bike. However, why not head up towards Mirador Del Rio or to Teguise and watch some seriously hard climbs and fast descents. Cyclists will start to reach Teguise at 10.30 am and onto Mirador del Rio by aroud 11.45am. Why not enjoy a mooch around the historical town of Teguise by foot, eat in one of the great little eateries there, and then come back down to Puerto Del Carmen to cheer the athletes on for the final marathon run along the beach front in Puerto Del Carmen.
Expect to see the pro-athletes starting their run anything from 12.45 onwards. Give them a cheers they’ll have been up from around 3 or 4am eating breakfast and getting prepared for their gruelling day. The competitors have until midnight to complete the run. So, why not enjoy a meal along the Avenida las Playas and cheer on the athletes. Remember, the majority of these athletes are not professionals, but are amateurs, a lot doing this for charity. Some old timers, some new beginners. Give them a cheer and enjoy the day! See you there tomorrow May 21st for the 20th Lanzarote Ironman Competition 2011.
Fancy coming to watch next year, or have you a budding triathlete in your family. Get great recommendations for accommodation and making it a holiday and a sporting event to remember with Pure Lanzarote. Contact us now!
