The XII edition of the Lanzarote Summer Challenge, the most international in its history, kicked off this Saturday in Arrecife with 200 athletes and a new kayaking challenge.
The July sun warmed the backs of the 200 competitors who gathered in Arrecife for the first day of the Lanzarote Summer Challenge. The event, which has become a classic of national CrossFit, introduced a kayaking rowing event this year that tested the versatility of the participants. The competition began at El Islote de la Fermina, where athletes had to cover 500 meters with their paddles before facing demanding strength exercises.
A day of endurance and extreme strength
The first event of the morning was kayaking, a new addition that, according to the organisers, aimed to add a component of coordination and cardiovascular endurance. After rowing, competitors faced 32-kilogram overhead lifts and up to 50 box jumps of 70 centimeters with the same weight. In the RX category, the favourite pairs took the lead from the start. By the end of the day, Helena Carratalá and Fabi Beneito, two of Spain's most promising international athletes, topped the leaderboard, closely followed by Marina Ríos and Manu Melguizo.
In the Master category, the competition was equally intense. The pairs formed by Jeremías Lasso and Andrea Beautell, and Jorge Hernández and Mihaela Letitia Veltan, stood out for the number of repetitions. The audience, which filled the stands of Marina Lanzarote Puerto Deportivo, cheered with every lift and every pull-up. The ski simulator event, barbell lifts with 60 kilograms, and ring pull-ups saw Hernández and Veltan achieve the best record with 279 repetitions.
The audience, a key player in the stands
The day was not only about physical effort but also about a festive atmosphere. The stands of the marina were filled with family, friends, and CrossFit enthusiasts who did not want to miss the spectacle. The final event of the day, a maximum strength demonstration where athletes had to hold the heaviest weight possible above their heads, drew applause from the crowd. For the local residents of Arrecife, the event provides an opportunity to see some of the best athletes in the country in action without leaving the island.
It’s impressive to see what these athletes are capable of, especially right here at home, commented a local spectator.
The competition, which has set a record for international participation this year, demonstrates that CrossFit continues to gain followers in the Canary Islands. The organisers have confirmed that entry is free for all events, making it easier for the public to access a top-level event.
The final, this Sunday at El Reducto
The Lanzarote Summer Challenge will continue this Sunday from 9:00 AM at El Reducto beach, where the semifinals will take place. The finals of all categories will be held from 3:45 PM at the Marina Lanzarote Puerto Deportivo. Entry will be free until capacity is reached, so early arrival is recommended. For those unable to attend, the event will be streamed live via the organisation's social media. Undoubtedly, an event that turns Arrecife into the epicentre of national CrossFit this weekend.
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