This first edition consisted of 4 races, which were held during the last 2 weekends of November
The current situation continues to encourage the celebration of sporting events that were previously held ‘in situ’ and that are now carried out virtually. Club La Santa has again surprised us by launching the first virtual edition of its classic event Lanzarote International Running Challenge to keep the “competitive spirit” alive and maintain contact with its great international sports community.
More than 150 athletes from 12 countries competed in the men’s, women’s and team categories, involving members of the same athletics club.
The Beach Race, the penultimate event of the Club La Santa Lanzarote International Running Challenge and consisting of a 5 kilometre course, was won by Kasper Laumann (00:15’59”) in the men’s category, Tessa Sørensen, (00:20’55”) in the women’s category, Garden City Runners in the men’s team category and Triathlon Coaching Wales in the women’s. The event had to be held on sand and was the prelude to the toughest race of all, the Vuelta a Tinajo, which was to be held the following day.
The last race covered 21 kilometres and was held on asphalt and dirt, being the most demanding of all the events held in this first virtual edition. Kasper Laumann (01:12’38”) was again the fastest, while Alma Hanevy (01:33’45”) was the woman who accompanied him on the podium. In the team events, the Garden City Runners and Triathlon Coaching Wales were again the male and female team winners respectively.
After the final event, the overall times for all four events were added together to find the athletes whose names would appear on the podium. In the women’s category the overall winner was Tessa Sørensen (03:47’34”), followed by Sally Gallagher (03:51’29”) and Wendy Sealy (04:00’40”). In the men’s category, the overall classification was made up of Kasper Laumann Hartlev (02:43’21”), Kristian Laumann Hartlev (03:12’55”) and Kaj Murat Polat (03:30’10”).
Once the event was over, the Race Director and Head of Sports at Club La Santa, Fabio Cabrera, explained that “this virtual edition is another step forward in overcoming obstacles and continuing to expand our values and commitment. More than 150 athletes from 12 countries were able to enjoy a complete experience, and we hope that soon we will be able to meet again at Club La Santa and at some of our events.”
Club La Santa is already working on the 32nd edition of the Lanzarote International Running Challenge, which will return in November 2021, from the 27th of November to the 1st of December 2021.
