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At RIU Hotels & Resorts, we understand that sports tourism is a way of life. During the month of May, various locations where we operate host world-class international competitions, from triathlons to urban obstacle races, offering our guests the perfect combination of sports performance and high-quality rest.
Which sports competitions stand out in May and where to stay with RIU?
Below, we present the calendar of key events for May 2026 along with optimized accommodation recommendations for a good recovery.
Event Calendar and RIU venues
| Sports event | Fecha | Ubicación | Hotel RIU recomendado |
| Spartan Race Madrid | May 9 | Madrid, Spain | Hotel Riu Plaza España |
| DEKA Strong & Mile Málaga | May 9 | Málaga, Spain | Hotel Riu Costa del Sol |
| Isla Race Mallorca | May 16-17 | Mallorca, Spain | Hotel Riu Playa Park |
| Ironman Lanzarote | May 23 | Lanzarote, Spain | Hotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote |
| HYROX Berlín | May 22-31 | Berlin, Germany | Hotel Riu Plaza Berlin |
| Walk & Run Aruba | May 25-28 | Palm Beach, Aruba | Hotel Riu Palace Antillas |
| HYROX Nueva York | May 28-June 7 | Nueva York, USA | Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square |
Featured Challenges in Spain: Mud, asphalt and volcanoes
Spain is establishing itself as the preferred destination for outdoor sports in May.
How to prepare for the Spartan Race Madrid from Riu Plaza España?
The Spartan Race (May 9) is the world’s leading obstacle course race (OCR).
Runners who choose Hotel Riu Plaza España as their base of operations have a buffet breakfast designed for athletes, with stations for fresh fruit, nuts, and high-quality proteins. After the race, our pool is ideal for muscle recovery.
Functional Fitness in Málaga and Mallorca
In the south, DEKA Strong & Mile (May 9) tests power across 10 stations.
The Hotel Riu Costa del Sol in Torremolinos offers an All-Inclusive regimen, facilitating post-effort hydration and nutrition without logistical worries.
On the other hand, the Isla Race Mallorca (May 16-17) stands out for its family atmosphere, including the Kids category. The hotels Riu Playa Park and Riu Bravo allow for a quick transition from the finish line to the beach.
The Ironman Lanzarote Challenge
The Ironman Lanzarote (May 23) is one of the most demanding triathlons due to the trade winds and volcanic terrain.
The Hotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote guarantees the silence and comfort necessary for deep sleep, a critical factor in pre-competition muscle regeneration.
International Events: Aruba and the HYROX Phenomenon
Sports in the Caribbean: Walk & Run Aruba
From May 25 to 28, the Walk & Run Aruba combines competition and paradisiacal landscapes.
At the Hotel Riu Palace Antillas, athletes can access Spa & Wellness services with treatments for tired legs.
What is HYROX and where to compete at the end of May?
HYROX is the fitness competition that combines 8 km of running with 8 functional exercises.
- Berlin (May 22-31): The Hotel Riu Plaza Berlin offers a 24-hour gym for last-minute mobility sessions.
- New York (May 28 – June 7): The Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square stands out for its strategic location, minimizing travel time to the event venue.
Why choose RIU for your sporting events?
At RIU, we are experts in facilitating the athlete’s logistics:
- Sports nutrition: Buffets with slow-absorbing carbohydrates and options for intolerances.
- Facilities: Gyms equipped so as not to break the training routine.
- Strategic location: Proximity to starting lines and excellent connectivity.
- Post-event service: Relaxation areas and Spas for optimal recovery.
Already have your race bib? Tell us in the comments which competition you will participate in this May and book your stay on our official website.
Book your sports stay at RIU Hotels now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about sports events and RIU
- Which RIU hotels are best for the Spartan Race Madrid? The Hotel Riu Plaza España is the recommended option for its central location and services oriented toward the runner’s well-being and nutrition.
- Does RIU offer special menus for triathletes in Lanzarote? Our buffets include a wide selection of proteins, fruits, and complex carbohydrates, ideal for meeting the energy needs of an Ironman.
- Are there options for children in the Mallorca sports events? Yes, the Isla Race Mallorca features the “Kids” category, and the Riu Playa Park and Bravo hotels are perfect for families.
- What recovery services does the Hotel Riu Palace Antillas have? The hotel has a Spa & Wellness center that offers sports massages and hydrotherapy treatments for recovery after the Walk & Run.
- Can I train at the hotel before a HYROX event? Both Riu Plaza Berlin and Riu Plaza New York have 24-hour gyms for mobility or strength sessions.
- Does the Hotel Riu Costa del Sol have an All-Inclusive regimen for athletes? Yes, which allows DEKA Málaga participants to hydrate and eat a variety of foods after the competition without additional costs.
- How does the location of Riu Plaza hotels help in urban events? By being in the nerve centers of cities like Madrid, Berlin, or New York, guests save time and stress on travel to the competition.
