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Race guide · Gran Canaria, Spain
How to train for Transgrancanaria
Across Gran Canaria from the sea to the island's summit and back down to Maspalomas, on steep, rocky volcanic trail. Here's what to know and how to get ready.
Next race Feb 22–28, 2027
| Distance | Climb | Time limit | Start | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | 126 km | 6,764 m | 30 h | Fri 26 Feb 23:59 |
| Advanced | 82 km | 4,314 m | 21 h | Sat 27 Feb 9:00 |
| Marathon | 47 km | 1,784 m | 11 h | Fri 26 Feb 9:30 |
The Classic starts at Las Canteras Beach in Las Palmas, the Advanced in Teror and the Marathon in Tejeda. All three finish in Maspalomas.
What makes it hard
A midnight start
The Classic starts at 23:59, so you run the first night straight away, after a full day awake.
Train for it: Night runs with your headlamp, and a race-week plan for sleeping during the day before the start.
Steep, rocky volcanic trail
The climbs to the island's high ground are long, and the descents are steep, rocky and technical.
Train for it: Steep climbing (hiking with poles if you'll race with them), downhill repeats on rough ground, and leg strength.
Cold up high, warm down south
The high ground can be cold at night (the Classic requires a cold-weather kit), while the run down to Maspalomas is dry and exposed.
Train for it: Plan your layers, and add some heat exposure in the last 3–4 weeks.
How long to train
Plan on 20–24 weeks for the Classic, 16–20 for the Advanced and 12–16 for the Marathon if you're already running 4–5 days a week. For the Classic, have a few 50K+ races or long runs in your legs first.
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How hard is the Transgrancanaria Classic?
It's 126 km with 6,764 m of climbing on rocky volcanic trail, and it starts at midnight. The 30-hour limit makes it realistic for experienced ultra runners, but it's a step up from most first 100Ks.
When is Transgrancanaria 2027?
The festival runs February 22–28, 2027. The Classic starts on Friday 26 February at 23:59, the Marathon that morning at 9:30 and the Advanced on Saturday 27 February at 9:00, according to the organiser.
Race facts checked October 2, 2026 against transgrancanaria.net. Confirm dates and rules with the organiser. Vert.run is not affiliated with the race.