It’s one of the biggest sporting events of the year in Lanzarote, Ironman is a feast of sporting excellence surrounded by a week of parties and promotions building up to the big day, Saturday 23 May. Some 1,300 athletes will swim 3.8 kms, cycle 180 kms, and then dig deep to run 42.2 kms.

The day starts at 7am with the swimming off the beach of Puerto del Carmen, the bike ride takes the contestants from the flat coastal roads up through the mountains and back, and the running is made up of 4 laps of a 10 km circuit around Puerto del Carmen. Ironman is a major series of World events for the professionals, and those elite sportsmen and women in the Lanzarote challenge will share out 50,000 dollars in prize money.

Many are competing against themselves, trying to stretch their own performances and show the physical and mental strength needed to finish this gruelling course. If all that leaves you feeling exhausted, don’t worry, there is plenty going on away from the sweat and sinew of the race, Lanzarote has embraced Ironman and the whole island gets involved with the big build up during the week.

Costa Teguise is just over 30 minutes away, and a perfect base to dip into the best of the fun and action. Sands Beach Resort Hotel attracts many keen sports people, over to sample the delights of Lanzarote as well as the families that come back year after year because of it’s beachfront location.