Juan Carlos Vallejo ‘Kimbo’ and Patricia Agüera win the 7 km event
The south of Lanzarote, a true paradise for lovers of open water, was the setting for a new edition of the Playas de Papagayo Dreams Playa Dorada event, an event that has consolidated its prestige as one of the most eagerly awaited events among local and international swimmers. This year, the event not only brought together more than 250 participants, but also offered an additional challenge for the most demanding swimmers with the inclusion of the 7 km event, which shared stunning landscapes with the 5 km, both covering the iconic Playas de Papagayo and the impressive view of the Museo Atlántico. The other events started from Playa Dorada, the heart of the event, where the finish line for all the events was also set up.
As for the results, in the 7 km event, Juan Carlos Vallejo ‘Kimbo’ was crowned men’s champion with a time of 1:42:45, while Patricia Agüera took the victory in the women’s category with 2:06:36. In the 1200 metres, Gustavo Lorenço took first place in the men’s category (13:04), and Natalia Sasu was the winner in the women’s category (14:04). Finally, in the 3×300 metre relay, the team Los Tres Mosqueteros took the victory.
One highlight of this crossing is its inclusive approach. For some years now, the sport has been accessible to all, offering modalities adapted to people with different abilities. An example of this was the inclusive 50-metre event, in which around twenty swimmers from different associations on the island participated.
In addition to being a sporting celebration, the crossing is an event committed to environmental sustainability, promoting actions such as the collection of waste on the coast, which underlines the respect for the natural beauty of Lanzarote. A charity lunch was also held in support of the Lanzarote Association for Assistance in Multiple Sclerosis (ALanEM), adding an altruistic dimension to the event.
With its ideal climate all year round, Lanzarote reaffirms itself as a true sporting paradise, where exceptional conditions allow the holding of outdoor events 365 days a year, attracting both local athletes and visitors looking to enjoy the beauty and challenges of the Island.
