Fire Run, Waves, Transition Zones: Challenge Peguera Kicks Off – Tips for Residents and Spectators

Fire, Sea and Race Numbers: This Is How the Weekend Began in Peguera

Friday evening, 8:00 pm, and the Paseo Avinguda del Sol still smells of saltwater and roasted coffee. The Correfoc once again brought the heat of the hinterland to the promenade: sparks flew, people stepped back, children watched in awe, and the flames seemed to nibble at the sea. Not a refined cultural banquet – more raw, loud and very real. The perfect opening for a sports weekend that gets the municipality of Calvià moving again.

What the athletes can expect

On Saturday and Sunday the classic middle distance is on the program: just under two kilometres of swimming, 90 kilometres of cycling and 21 kilometres of running. Start times are early; anyone who wants to see the pro duels should be at the beach early – the main starts begin around 7:30 am. The youngest competitors will already be fighting in the Junior Challenge in the morning, and a women's-only race follows in the afternoon. For families it's a good day to bring children to the course and enjoy the atmosphere.

Best places to watch

Good views are available from the promenade itself, from the small harbour and from the rise at Calle Tramuntana – there you can see the transition area and the running route at the same time. Mornings are fresh, 18–22 °C with a light northwest breeze; a thin jacket is therefore recommended. Cafés on the seafront open earlier than usual and some have prepared small specials for spectators. If you want to take photos, it's best to bring a light tripod or a good telephoto lens.

Traffic, closures and practical tips

The municipality has, as usual, announced several road closures. Access roads to the promenade and areas around the MA-1 exit towards Peguera are particularly affected. Traffic light outages and controlled detours are possible; volunteers in yellow vests direct traffic. My advice: do shopping ideally after 3:00 pm or leave the car at home. If you must drive, expect delays and plan a little extra time.

Volunteers, safety and lost property

About 200 volunteers, marshals and rescue personnel are on site – many familiar faces from the local sports club. Marta, who has been helping at the cycling course for years, describes the mood as: "friendly, excited and a little chaotic." Medics are signposted, and there are bike mechanics and puncture services at several points. A lost and found collection point is located near the ice cream shop on the corner of Carrer Platja – if you're looking for something, that's the first place to check.

How residents can stay relaxed

If you need to go to work or do shopping as usual: set off early or switch to bus and bike. Bus lines towards Palma are running on special schedules today and Saturday – check briefly at the stop or online. Closures can be extended at short notice, especially when there are jams at turning loops. A friendly word to the marshals often helps more than a shrug; they do a lot of organising and keep people safe.

A brief outlook

The Challenge shows Mallorca at its active best: athletes, volunteers, spectators and the island backdrop together create a small spectacle. It will be loud, sweaty and warm-hearted. Those who take part experience the island differently; those who watch get serious sport and a bit of Mallorcan bustle for free. I'll be back on the course tomorrow, with too much coffee, my camera and the firm intention of handing out at least one medal to someone – symbolically, of course.