Lanzarote Limbers Up For Iron Man 2010
Over 1500 super fit triathletes will be battling out this weekend in the 22nd annual Lanzarote Iron Man contest. Which is widely regarded as one of the toughest events of its kind in the world and which carries a prize purse of 75,000 dollars – as well as sixty much coveted slots in the Iron Man Grand Final, which will be held in Hawaii later this year.
The 2010 event takes place this Saturday, May 22nd and has attracted a record field of 1571 entrants, ranging in age from 20 to 71 years. And competitors have to complete a course that comprises a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike ride and a full 42km marathon. With the favourites looking to best the course record set by Thomas Hellriegel of Germa y in 1995 of 8 hours and 35 minutes.
Unsurprisingly however many entrants never even see the finish line – such is the gruelling nature of the event. And much of the island will come to a standstill as roads are closed across Lanzarote to accommodate the athletes.
Source :: Lanzarote Guidebook