450 swimmers to take part in 16th Travesía Playas de Papagayo Swim in Playa Blanca

Around 450 swimmers will take part in the 16th Travesía Playas de Papagayo Swim in Playa Blanca on Saturday, November 7th. The 4.5km race is fully booked, with competitors also taking part in shorter distances and children’s events.

The event will be based around Playa Dorada, with the main race starting at 10.05am. The 4.5km distance forms part of the Canary Islands Open Water Cup, while the other competitive races will bring the Lanzarote Insular Open Water Cup to a close.

The event was officially presented on Thursday at the Grand Hyatt Lanzarote Playa Dorada Hotel, attended by representatives from Yaiza and Lanzarote councils, race organisers and swimmers Juan Carlos Vallejo, known as “Kimbo”, and Alberto Llorente.

Vallejo will be aiming for his third victory in the competition, while Llorente, known as “El Hombre de las Aguas”, said he was looking forward to returning to Lanzarote for another swim.

The Cabildo’s Sports Councillor, Juan Monzón, highlighted the island’s conditions for open-water swimming, including its generally calm waters and warm temperatures in November.

Race director Oliver Acuña also confirmed that the event would continue to promote sustainability, with medals and trophies produced by Yaizart using recycled and environmentally friendly materials.

Children’s and inclusive swimming events will also feature, with adapted distances for swimmers of different ages and abilities.

Papagayo Beach Swim schedule

All events take place on Saturday, November 7, around Playa Dorada.

• 8.15am: Participant check-in.
• 9.20am: Transport to the starting point.
• 10am: Warm-up.
• 10.05am: 4.5km Papagayo Beach Swim.
• 12.10pm: 1,200m Grand Hyatt Lanzarote Playa Dorada Swim.
• 1pm: Pre-Benjamín, Diversity and Inclusive races (50m and 150m).
• 1.20pm: 400m Benjamín race and 800m Alevín and Adult Popular races.
• 1.45pm: 3x200m relay.
• 2.10pm: Synchronized swimming exhibition by CD Pingüinos.
• 2.30pm-3pm: Awards ceremony at the Grand Hyatt Lanzarote Playa Dorada Hotel.