Start jogging along the coastal paths of Costa Teguise, line up some muscle treatment with physiotherapist Juan Montero at the Sands Beach Resort Wellness Centre and mark the date of Sunday 4th December 2011 on the calendar because the Lanzarote International Marathon is one event you won’t want to miss.

This year the all-important, all-inclusive marathon is being sponsored by Sands Beach Resort and Club La Santa and the course begins in Avenida Islas Canarias, right outside Sands Beach. From there, the course continues to Avenida del Jabillo where it heads towards the marina before joining the promenade all the way to Las Caletas, passing La Mareta, the Spanish royal family’s holiday residence en route.

Iron men and women will slog out four laps of the course for a 41.195km total marathon distance where they’ll be competing alongside top athletes. The event also welcomes wheelchair participants and we are looking forward to seeing some of our good friends and athletes participating on the day.

Less experienced athletes and those still wearing their marathon L plates may prefer the half marathon distance of 21.100km which is two laps of the course, while beginners and those who just want a good running workout can opt for the quarter distance of a single lap and 10.550km.

Trainee marathon runners, also known as children between the ages of 4yrs and 13yrs, will enjoy toning their muscles and showing off their potential in the 1km kid’s marathon to be held on Saturday 3rd December. Entrance is free and it should prove to be a fun family day out with the guarantee of tired children at the end of it.

With the ambient December temperatures creating the perfect climate, and the beauty of Costa Teguise as the setting, the Lanazarote International Marathon is bound to attract a big crowd so keep an eye on the official marathon website for registration opening.

If the idea of swapping bone-chilling, toe-numbing British December weather for a warm, sun-kissed Lanzorote one and saving money into the bargain appeals, then check out Sands Beach Resort’s bank-balance friendly Christmas Shopping offer.

Book some winter sun at Sands Beach between 9th and 23rd of December before the 15th October and you’ll save 15% on the cost of a holiday to Lanzarote. Think of it as an early Christmas present.

As well as having a holiday in the sun to look forward to, you’ll have saved 15%, which will come in handy for spending on Christmas gifts…or on cool cocktails beside Sands Beach Resort’s tropical Mai Tai pool.