Wolfgang Schwarzkopf: Age group podium at the Ironman Lanzarote!

Wolfgang Schwarzkopf: Age group podium at the Ironman Lanzarote!

The Ironman Lanzarote, one of the most extreme triathlons worldwide, brought not only top -class competitors on May 30, 2025, but also enormous challenges for the participants. Wolfgang Schwarzkopf from DJK Gmünd underlined his sporting skills and secured third place in his age group 65 to 69.

The competition, which took place in Puerto del Carmen, set the athletes under hard conditions, because strong winds and the resulting heat shaped the entire event. Wolfgang Schwarzkopf had to fight through a demanding route that swimming from 3.86 kilometers in the Atlantic, 180.2 kilometers of cycling through the volcanic landscape and a 42.195 km long marathon run along the coast. With a total time of 14:37:11 hours, Schwarzkopf copes impressive. He closed swimming with 1:16:39 hours, cycling with 7:41:50 hours and the marathon in 5:22:23 hours. Despite the adverse weather conditions, it turns out that he had a good hand in preparation.

challenges and records

Overall, the conditions for all participants were challenging. According to tri-ring.com, the bike route was made more difficult by hills and strong wind, which led to average for 7-8 minutes slower than in the previous year. In addition, several athletes were disqualified because they did not end the race (DNF).

Despite these difficulties, a new route record was set up: Dylan Magnia from France improved Arthur Horseau's running record by 2023 by a few seconds. The fastest times showed that the top of the field of participants was extremely competitive. Here is a brief overview of the best times:

growth and perspectives in triathlon sports

The Ironman Lanzarote not only stands for individual performance, but also for a growing sport. ironman.com recently published new number of participation and research results on the global development of Ironman and Ironman 70.3-triahtlons. Interestingly, the data show an increase in young athletes, with 39% more first participants under the age of 30 since 2019. The proportion is also growing for women, and in 2025 the starting places for the Ironman competitions were high demand.

With initiatives to promote female participation and new programs, Ironman wants to ensure that sport is accessible to everyone and that women receive more visibility in triathlon sport. The efforts grow greater every day to raise awareness of the health benefits of the triathlon. According to surveys, 75% of the triathletes stated that they experience health improvements through their participation.

Wolfgang Schwarzkopf is proof that great success is possible even at the age of 65 to 69. The Ironman Lanzarote remains an event that offers athlete a platform to experience international competition and to bring your own body to its limits. We are already looking forward to the upcoming events and the participants who will join this exciting sport!