IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts have joined forces with Thomas Cook Travel Germany and Balearic Tourism (IBATUR) to hold what will be the first ever International Nordic Walking Trophy in Majorca on 25th April 2009. IBEROSTAR will be calling on their sporty guests staying at a selection of 9 properties across Majorca to put their trainers on and reach for their walking poles for this exciting competition. Guests can either take part in the race themselves or just watch and cheer competitors on.

The race kicks off at 10:30am in Alcudia and will take participants on an adventure along the North Coast of Majorca through some of the country’s most beautiful scenery, passing forests, blossoming almond groves and along the Mediterranean coast.

There will be three categories to choose from including the 3 kilometre beginners walk, the 10 kilometres fitness walk or a six-hour long walk. Guests can register right up until the day of the event. The fee is €10 and includes all-round care in the competition, medical attendance and medical station, food and drink supply along the course, a welcome package and return transfers to and from the event from the IBEROSTAR hotel where they are staying.

Guests who are not familiar with Nordic Walking can book the Nordic Walking package which includes an introductory course from April 20th - 24th, a pasta evening the day before the event, rented Nordic Walking sticks and a 10 minute massage. The package costs €15 for adults, is free for children under 14 and is can be booked via iberostar.com

Scheduled programme on the day of the event:

- 08.00 - 10.00 am. Distribution of start numbers
- 10.30 am. Start of the event
- 4.30 pm. Event Conclusion
- Award ceremony on location
- Certificates handed out to winners, printout via iberostar.com

Nordic Walking is one of the highlights of IBEROSTAR’s Fit & Fun Programme which caters for active travellers who like to get off the beaten track. Benefits of this sport include training of the back muscles, stimulation of the lungs and alleviating tension in the neck and shoulders. It has been estimated that Nordic Walking poles increase calorie expenditure by an average 20% compared with normal walking.

According to the International Nordic Walking Association, Nordic Walking is one of the fastest growing exercise activities in the world - with 10 million participants in 40 countries. The sport is also gaining traction in the UK with workshops and classes in London and 600 qualified instructors.
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