What It Is and Why Sign Up
The Lanzarote International Running Challenge has been bringing together runners from all over Europe for over 35 consecutive editions in a weekend of team races on asphalt: 10K, half marathon and marathon.
It's not about beating your personal best but about sharing kilometers with your club mates: international atmosphere, sunshine, mild climate and that unique vibe you only experience at Lanzarote's winter running camps.
Event Format
- Three races in two days (Saturday and Sunday).
- Teams of 3 or more runners from the same club.
- Stage distances: 10K, 21K and 42K.
- Team classification: sum of your teammates' times; categories by age and gender.
- Circular and fast courses: start from Puerto del Carmen port towards coastal and agricultural areas.
- Official timing and live tracking.
Weekend Schedule (Provisional 2026)
When the organizer publishes the updated regulations, we'll confirm:
- Bib collection (usually Friday afternoon or Saturday morning).
- Official start times for each distance.
- Start/finish area.
- Awards ceremony and closing dinner (normally Sunday evening).
Meanwhile, you can check past editions at the official link to get an idea of the organization and atmosphere.
Course and Terrain
- 100% asphalt, runnable races.
- Varied profiles depending on distance (flats, short climbs, long climbs), ideal for working on pace.
- Sporting atmosphere: you run alongside other European clubs; cheerers at hot spots.
- Aid stations: water and isotonic at several points; long distances with solid food (bars, banana).
Team Strategy
- Each at their own pace, but the collective goal motivates you to squeeze the most without overdoing it.
- Train with your teammates beforehand: knowing who's faster at which distance helps distribute efforts.
- Marathon counts double (according to regulations): if you're a marathoner, your result weighs heavily.
- Nutrition between races: carbs, rest, stretching; some people run all three events, others just one or two.
Recommended Gear
- Road running shoes (different distance each day; better to bring two pairs if running multiple races).
- Club technical clothing: usually team photos and colorful atmosphere.
- Own gels/bars if you're used to them.
- Cap and sunglasses: January can be cool in the morning, but Lanzarote sun hits hard.
- Ultra-light rain jacket: just in case, though it rarely rains.
Logistics and Accommodation
- Base in Puerto del Carmen or surroundings: most teams stay there.
- Minimal travel: start and finish very close to hotel zone.
- Rental car recommended if your group wants to explore the island before/after races.
- Local restaurants: book in advance; camp weekends fill up quickly.
January Climate
- Average temperature: 15–21°C; cooler early morning.
- Wind: can blow, especially in exposed parts of the course.
- Rain: very rare at that time.
Atmosphere and Post-Race
- European gathering: Germans, British, Dutch, Spanish... a very international weekend.
- Team dinner and awards: usually official ceremony with trophies and mentions.
- Tourist opportunity: many take advantage to stay a few extra days and discover the island.
Quick Checklist
- Team registration (minimum 3 people from same club).
- Flights and accommodation booked well in advance.
- Broken-in shoes for each distance.
- Bibs and chips collected according to organizer's schedule.
- Own sports nutrition if you use specific brands.
- Camera or phone: team photos are a classic.
Registration and Regulations
All official info (exact 2026 dates, schedules, prices, team rules, categories and results) will be at:
https://www.lanzarote-running.com/
There you'll find complete regulations, course maps, category tables and team registration form.
