The Cabildo of Lanzarote has hosted the presentation of the 32nd edition of the Club La Santa Ironman Lanzarote, an emblematic event in the calendar of sporting events in the Canary Islands.
As every year, the island is preparing to welcome the best long-distance triathletes in the world, who will face this Saturday a challenge only up to the "iron men and women" who give name to the Ironman circuit: 3.8 kilometers of swimming, 180.2 kilometers on the bicycle and, to finish, a marathon, that is to say, 42.2 of running on foot.
More than 1,000 professional and amateur athletes will meet in Puerto del Carmen at the exit of Playa Grande.
The presentation ceremony was attended by Oswaldo Betancort, president of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Juan Monzón, Minister of Sports, and Fabio Cabrera, Head of Sports and Race Director of Club La Santa.
Oswaldo Betancort said that the event "is an international showcase", and stressed that "we want to guarantee the future of the next editions, betting on sustainability and environmental management". "We know for sure that we are facing one of the main international sporting events and one of the biggest events of tourist relevance for the island because this event, which was organized for the first time in 1992 by Club La Santa, hand in hand with our admired Kenneth Gasque, celebrates its 32nd edition this coming Saturday, May 18," he added.
"Talking about this event is talking about a hallmark of Lanzarote", as Juan Monzón pointed out, who also thanked "the work of the workers of the Insular Service of Lanzarote, who have made a great effort in guaranteeing the celebration of this event".
On the other hand, the director of the race, Fabio Cabrera, wanted to emphasize the importance of this to "reinforce sports tourism and promote Lanzarote, the different island". Cabrera also highlighted the changes introduced in this year's edition after having "listened to the triathletes with the aim of continuing to improve the event".
The Government of the Canary Islands, the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Promotur Turismo de Canarias and Lanzarote European Sports Destination collaborate with Club La Santa in the organization of the oldest Ironman event in Europe. The work of the Civil Guard and local police, the support of sponsors and suppliers, and the involvement of volunteers are also essential pillars for the celebration of an event that left an impact of more than 4.5 million euros in Lanzarote in 2023 and that involves some 4,000 people.
