Eight members of the club are currently in Lanzarote competing in the 34th edition of the Lanzarote International Running Challenge, a running festival organised by Club La Santa which attracts runners from all over Europe.
The Challenge comprises four races taking place on four consecutive days over various terrains and distances :
Day 1: 10k road race
Day 2: 12k multi-terrain hill race
Day 3: 5k sandy beach run
Day 4: Half marathon
This is made doubly difficult due to the hot weather conditions.
The experience of competing and enjoying the facilities at La Santa is second to none for athletes from any sport. For around five hundred pounds per head plus flights, the harriers have free access to state-of-the-art sports facilities and a weekly programme full of activities with expert instructors. This is all included in the price of the trip, such as borrowing equipment like tennis rackets, mini golf clubs, paddle and windsurfing boards as well as state of the art road and mountain bikes. For families, there are also lots of activities and tournaments for children and young people, such as football school, teenage fitness, windsurfing and swimming lessons. As well as the tartan track, there are three Olympic-size swimming pools.
Prior to the running challenge itself, just to get everyone into a festival spirit, there was a night-time 5k which Alan O’Rourke, Robin McAuslan and Jim Cuffe entered (free T-shirt included). Afterwards there was a live rock band playing and with five restaurants/bars within the complex, the athletes were spoiled for choice.
After a reasonably early night, the lads joined 323 competitors on the track; literally on their doorstep, to prepare for the 10k which started at 10am.
In sweltering 25C, humid conditions, the warm-up itself was a challenge.
The race course consisted of a clockwise lap of the track and out onto the main road, running around the sports complex and tidal lagoon three times. The finish was back around the track in the opposite direction.
Paul Fleming (35:27) of Ireland won the M45-49 category. Steven Campbell was first in for the club in 5th place in a time of 37:04.
Alan O’Rourke (45:16) finished 9th out of 23 in the M50-54 category.
Once again Campbell Cromar (42:09) and Danny McLaughlin (42:18) had a good race, with Campbell managing to pull away from Danny by a minute in the early stages and Danny winding Campbell in over the final 3km. The difference in the end was just 9 seconds.
Of the 29 M60-64 runners, Paul Cates (39:10) of England took first place, with Campbell 2nd and Danny 3rd. Robin McAuslan (46:54) finished 9th, Jim Cuffe (48:01) 14th and Kenny Scott (52:55) 16th.
In the M65-69 category, Graham McGrattan (45:15) finished 3rd overall from 25 starters, an excellent performance.
Results can be seen here.
Day 2 report to follow tomorrow.