The president of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Oswaldo Betancort, accompanied by the Minister of Sports, Juan Monzón, was in charge this Saturday of giving the initial 'horn' to the 32nd edition of Ironman Lanzarote.
The clock marked 07:00 when the president sounded the horn that started the men's pro category, and did the same five minutes later for the women's pro category to begin. Participants will have to overcome the 3.8 kilometers of swimming, 180 kilometers by bicycle and finish with a marathon on foot, so the first runner is expected to cross the finish line after 3:00 p.m. More than 1,000 professional and amateur athletes have taken to the sea.
At the start of the different categories was, in addition to other island leaders, the architect of Ironman being held in Lanzarote for more than three decades: Kenneth Gasquet.
“I want to deeply thank the event organization and the group of volunteers and members of the State Security Forces who, with their effort and dedication, have made it possible for Ironman to continue in Lanzarote,” said the president, who invites the entire island to follow the development of the event and encourage the participants and contribute to their success.
The Minister of Sports, Juan Monzón, said for his part that this Saturday “is an exciting event for sports lovers and for the entire island's citizens.” “I want to value the work and involvement of the workers of the Insular Sports Service, who have been working hard for weeks to make Ironman a reality,” he pointed out, and also extended his gratitude to Club La Santa and its race director, Fabio Cabrera.
The Cabildo of Lanzarote recalls that during Saturday there will be several road closures throughout the island's geography, and apologizes for the inconvenience caused and asks the residents of the island to review the closure plan and take alternative routes.