Endurance in Paradise
Exploring the Transgrancanaria 126km Ultramarathon
Origins and Evolution
Beginning in 2003, Transgrancanaria was Spain's first ultramarathon and has since become a highly-regarded event on the international ultrarunning calendar. The Classic route, spanning approximately 126 km with significant elevation changes, has varied over the years, making direct comparisons of records challenging. The course records as of recent years are held by Pau Capell Gil (12:42:40, 2019) and Courtney Dauwalter (14:40:39, 2023) for the men's and women's categories, respectively.
Route and Challenges
Starting in Las Canteras in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and finishing in Maspalomas, the Classic course presents an elevation gain of around 6,800 to 7,000 meters. Runners traverse a mix of singletrack, dirt, and gravel roads, experiencing the island's varied topography. The route passes through several key points, including Tenoya, Arucas, Teror, Moya, and more, each presenting its own challenges in terms of terrain and altitude.
Community and Participation
Transgrancanaria is not just about the Classic distance. It also includes other races like the Advanced (84km), Marathon (46km), Starter (21km), Promo/Youth (12km), Family Trail (12km), and VK El Gigante (5.5km), catering to different skill levels and preferences. This approach creates a diverse and inclusive community, inviting everyone from seasoned ultrarunners to families and beginners to participate.
Impact and Records
The race's inclusion in the UTMB World Series underscores its importance in the ultrarunning world. Notable performances by elite runners have set high standards, and each edition of the race brings new stories of endurance and perseverance from participants worldwide.
Transgrancanaria Classic is more than a race; it's an exploration of physical and mental limits amidst the stunning environment of Gran Canaria. This event is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the ultrarunning community's passion, contributing significantly to the sport's growth and appeal on a global scale.
