The champion Spanish athlete took part in the 7th edition of the Famara Total trail race and came second in the 30 km category.
Over the last few years trail running has moved on from requiring high mountains and peaks for a great course. More and more, athletes entering races are looking to enjoy the mountain aspect without compromising on landscape, nature and fun. This is why Lanzarote, although not a particularly mountainous island, hosts some of the best trail races in the Canary Islands.
Last weekend, the 7th edition of the ‘Famara Total’ took place and among the 1000 or so competitors was champion Spanish athlete Chema Martinez who, having entered twice before, happily stated at the event that the “Famara Total is one more good reason to visit Lanzarote.”
This year, the event was able to include a full programme of social and sporting activities once more, running from Thursday to Saturday. The ‘Vertical Nocturna Famara Total by European Sports Destination’ opened the event. This 5.6 km race took participants from the Famara quay to the Ermita de Las Nieves, passing by Famara beach, El Barranco de La Poeta and the challenging Sendero de Los Caleteros.
The race started at 9 pm, giving its brave competitors a unique night-time experience, calling upon each of their five senses. Yoel de Paz, a well-known 24-year-old, trail runner was the first to cross the finish line with a time of 32.08 min., a new record. Yvonne Radermacher was the first woman to finish with a time of 48.12 min. The challenge was available to view via streaming from any part of the world, or on the large screen installed on Famara quay.
On Friday, the ‘Famara Total Chinija’ took place showcasing the future of the sport. The population of Famara became a seething mass of young athletes and their families, all there to enjoy a great afternoon of sport. The organisers planned a 100-metre race for 4 to 6-year-olds, 200 metres for 7 to 9-year-olds, 500 metres for 10 to 12-year-olds and 1000 metres for 13 to 15-year-olds. Juan Antonio Carreño, Famara Total’s race director assured us that “part of the premise of this year’s edition was to include a day dedicated to the trail runners of the future”.
On Saturday, there were four different races (7.5 km, 15 km, 30 km and 46 km) and an activity for hikers. At 7 am the longest races set off as the runners took in Famara at dawn, an impressive scene with the sun rising behind the imposing Risco de Famara. At 8 and 8:30 am respectively the 15 and 7 km races began.
In addition to their achievements, for many competitors their best memories come from the landscapes they got to enjoy in all four categories. It’s one of the secrets to the event’s success. Local runners Sergio Machín (4:12:08) and Pilar Sosa (5:34:10) were victorious in the 46 km race. In the 30 km trail, first place went to Yoel de Paz (2:13:56), and in the women’s category to Inés Astrain (2:54:30). Raúl Caraballo (1:17: 23) and Ruth Brito (1:36:32) were the champions in the 15 km category. Lastly, in the 7.5 km race, Tinguaro Qintero (30:41) and Cristina Capitán (38:47) were the first runners to cross the line.
The ‘Famara Total‘ is an event that’s committed to the environment and sustainability. The organisers know the surroundings where the event takes place well, so once it was over, various teams were ready to check and clean the areas, ensuring an important aspect of the races. “Our commitment isn’t just to the runners but also the landscape because we want to ensure this gift of nature is with us for years to come,” said Juan Antonio Carreño.
Following every race, category trophies were presented in the presence of local public authorities and the event sponsors bringing the event to an appropriate finish. A final musical performance drew the 7th edition of the Famara total to a close.
