? Featured image photo credit: Alex Diaz
Starting before dawn at the Fuencaliente lighthouse on the ocean front, the course follows in part the “Gran Recorrido” trail GR 131, ascending over the black slippery volcanic sand, through Los Canarios to Refugio El Pilar.
From here, the race opens out to climb along the crest outlining the skyline to the highest point on the island, the Roque de los Muchachos, at 2,420m. From here, a steep descent to Tazacorte beach is followed by a last climb along a canyon and through banana plantations to the finish line in Los Llanos de Aridane where the runners are welcomed by thousands of enthusiastic spectators.
Transvulcania is considered one of the toughest Sky Races in the world, with 74 km and 4,350m of positive climb and 4,057m downhill.
When does it take place?
- May – please check the race website for this year’s exact dates.
Where does the race start?
- Fuencaliente Lighthouse – Southern tip of La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain
Transvulcania Ultramarathon Profile
- Distance = 74 km
- Elevation Gain = 4350m
Event Media
Transvulcania Ultramarathon Reviews
Recommended Gear for this race
- All-mountain trail shoes
- Race Vest (Men’s / Women’s)
- Hiking poles
- Extra nutrition (gels, bars, etc.)
- Running Hat
Compulsory Gear for the Transvulcania Ultramarathon
All runners must carry MANDATORY SAFETY EQUIPMENT, which can be checked at the start, finish or at any point of the race. This should consist of:
- Hydration Pack (Men’s / Women’s) with the minimum capacity of 1 litre)
- headlamp (only for ultramarathon modality)
- red light on the back (red tail light) (only for ultramarathon modality)
- thermal blanket (minimal dimensions: 2 x 1 metres. Also known as space blanket or emergency blanket),
- a mobile phone with the number provided at the registration, although this may only be used in case of emergency, withdrawal or rescue.
- Although not listed on the site, please take a whistle too.
Trail Running Poles are allowed but only in certain areas:
In order to preserve the natural spaces and National Park the race organisers have chosen to restrict the use of hiking poles in the following areas:
- Restricted use of trekking poles from the start line to Los Canarios AID Station
- Restricted use of trekking poles from El Pico de Las Ovejas to Refugio Punta de Los Roques
- Restricted use of trekking poles from the Andenes Viewpoint to the Isaac Newton Telescope
Please visit the race website to check you have all items on the list of mandatory gear.
