Ocean Lava Lanzarote: the triathlon that combines passion, nature, and challenge

History of the Ocean Lava Lanzarote: the evolution of an emblematic triathlon

On the 21st of October of 2023, the 13th edition of the Ocean Lava Lanzarote took place in Puerto del Carmen (Tías), a  race contested in the aquathlon, Olympic, and half distance categories.

Its promoter was Kenneth Gasque, a Danish man who has lived on the island since 1983 and has already promoted several sporting competitions in Lanzarote. Specifically, the Ocean Lava Lanzarote started in 2010 as a familiar alternative to other competitions organised on the island.

Nowadays, the Ocean Lava Planet consists of 17 qualifying events around the world, culminating in the grand final at the Ocean Lava Lanzarote.

 

Challenging routes: the Ocean Lava Lanzarote routes and its natural beauty

There are different types of competition in the Ocean Lava Lanzarote, both for adults and children, which means that routes and itineraries in each category are different.

The races start in Puerto del Carmen, one of the most touristic places on the island. More specifically, the epicentre of the competition is in the Parque de las Naciones.

Swimming, cycling, or by foot, emblematic places of the island of Lanzarote are crossed, both on the coast and inland, passing through towns like Tías or San Bartolomé, among others. A real challenge for athletes from all over the world! 

 

Preparing for success: tips and strategies to face the Ocean Lava Lanzarote

If you accept the challenge and want to participate in a competition as demanding as the Ocean Lava Lanzarote, keep these tips in mind when preparing for it:

• Set yourself realistic goals depending on your level.
• Make a training plan several months in advance.
• Keep a healthy and balanced diet and good hydration.
• Prepare the right equipment to give the best performance (clothes, footwear, accessories…).
• Resting is as important as preparation.
• Carry out race drills.
• Study the landscape in which the official race will take place. 

And, above all, keep a positive mind and enjoy the experience- it’s unique!

 

Diversity of categories: from the sprint to the ironman in the Ocean Lava Lanzarote

Triathlon consists of different races with different levels of difficulty:

• Supersprint distance. Consists of a 2.5 kilometre run and a 500 metre swim.
• Half distance. The race consists of 1.9 kilometres of swimming, 90 kilometres of cycling, and 20 kilometres of running.
• Olympic distance. As a novelty, this modality is divided between the individual race and the relay race. In the first case, there are 1,500 metres of swimming, 42 kilometres of cycling, and 10 kilometres of running. In the second case, the teams are made up of three people and each one of them runs a part of the race.

In all these cases there is a differentiation between the men’s and women’s categories when awarding prizes. And there is also the Ocean Lava Lanzarote Kids, adapted for the youngest, with no cut-off times. In turn, this modality is divided into age categories: pre-youth, under-10, beginners, youth, junior, and juvenile.

 

Logistics and organisation: all you need to know before the day of the event

The organisation of the Ocean Lava Lanzarote expects every year hundreds of participants from all over the world, which means that the island is full of athletes that weekend, so you have to plan your trip in advance if you want to participate in the triathlon.

The main thing is to find accommodation, as not only the hotels in Puerto del Carmen will be at maximum occupancy during these days. Compare the different options available and make your reservation in advance. You already know that in our hotel search engine you can do it directly, applying the filters you need based on your preferences, needs, and budget.

If you want to get away from the crowds and decide to stay a little further away, bear in mind that you will need to hire a car to get around.
 
 

Stay in Puerto del Carmen

 
 

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