Day 4 is the final day of the Lanzarote International Running Challenge.
The race is a half marathon starting in Tinajo, a town about 5 miles from La Santa. Competitors are taken in buses to the start and are then set out on a course which is mainly off-road country tracks. The overall course is downhill but there are various uphill sections which are very challenging. The race started at 9am sharp.
First home for the club, Steven Campbell (1:26:10) managed to maintain a pace of just over 4 minutes per kilometre to just over 8 miles, where the uphill section of the course slowed his pace down such that the remaining 5 miles were closer to 4:30/km. Steven finished 11th in the M45-50 category.
Next in was Danny McLaughlin (1:33:13) who started steadily for the first 3 miles. Danny then picked up the pace and worked his way through the field to finish 2nd overall in the M60-64 category.
Next in the M60-64s was Jim Cuffe (2:13:25) who finished 11th. Jim started the race looking for a finish and set off behind Kenny Scott. However as the race went on, Jim started to feel stronger, passing Kenny with around 3 miles to go, finishing strongly.
Kenny Scott (2:18:53) placed 14th to complete the club’s entrants in the M60-64 category. Kenny’s determination at the end in the sweltering heat would’ve brought a tear to a glass eye! With various club members directing him he missed the finishing funnel in both directions before finally crossing the line to a massive cheer and medal ! Well done Kenny!
In the M65-69 category, Graham McGrattan (1:42:06) placed 3rd, an excellent achievement in the conditions. Graham was sitting just 15 second behind Alan O’Rourke to the half-way point but lost contact in the latter stages.
Alan O’Rourke (1:37:57) started out ahead of Danny and kept up a good pace until around mile 8 where the conditions started to take their toll. With the Malaga half marathon coming up in a week’s time, Alan was delighted with his time and run.
All runners who started the half marathon for the club completed the four-race series and were awarded a medal for their awesome achievement.
They all spent the final two days relaxing…well participating in other activities such as tennis, windsurfing, cycling, swimming and paddle boarding. They even got out for the scheduled morning runs (3km, 4km or 5km choices)!
All had a fantastic holiday in great company and are already looking forward to the same again next year !