The Swiss runner crossed the finish line first with a time of 45:27
A thrilling duel until the final meters between Aymonod and Santamaría in the men’s category, but the Italian runner from The North Face edged out the Spaniard by 13 seconds
Lorena Padrón and Yoel de Paz, first Canary Islands residents in the race
The Kilómetro Vertical El Gigante served as the opening race of the 26th edition of The North Face Transgrancanaria. Nearly 200 runners took on the 5.5-kilometer course with 1,060 meters of elevation gain, starting in staggered intervals from 3:30 PM in the spectacular Valle de Agaete.
Judith Wyder and Henri Aymonod, the Big Winners
Perfect weather conditions accompanied the opening day of The North Face Transgrancanaria, where Judith Wyder and Henri Aymonod claimed victory at the Parque Rural de Tamadaba finish line. The Swiss Hoka team runner, making her race debut, secured an impressive win with a time of 45:27, demonstrating her excellent form just a day before competing in the Half marathon of the Transgrancanaria. Spain’s Naiara Irigoyen (One Team) and the USA’s Jennifer Lichter (The North Face) completed the women’s podium.
In the men’s category, Italian Henri Aymonod (The North Face) battled Alain Santamaría until the final meters. Ultimately, Aymonod triumphed with a 13-second lead over his Spanish rival, securing his second consecutive victory with a time of 39:22. The podium was completed by Yoel de Paz from La Palma, who finished two minutes later.
Strong Representation from the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands’ runners delivered outstanding performances. In the women’s category, Lorena Padrón was the first to reach Parque Rural de Tamadaba, finishing sixth overall. She was joined on the resident podium by Laura Burzi and Nuria Muñoz.
In the men’s race, Yoel de Paz from La Palma was the fastest, clocking 41:35. The resident podium was rounded out by Marco Rodríguez from La Gomera and Germán González.
First Stop of the KV Fecamon Tour
The Kilómetro Vertical El Gigante marked the first stage of the KV Fecamon Tour, organized by the Canary Islands Mountain Federation. The women’s podium mirrored the local classification, with Lorena Padrón, Laura Burzi, and Nuria Muñoz taking the top spots. In the men’s category, the top three were Marco Rodríguez, Germán González, and Sergio Álvarez.
The Competition Continues
The The North Face Transgrancanaria continues tomorrow with the Half race (21 km), starting in Tunte at 10:30 AM, followed by the Promo race (12 km) from Artenara at 11:00 AM. Both will finish in Tejeda, which will serve as a key hub for the event in the coming days.
About The North Face Transgrancanaria
The North Face Transgrancanaria is a race organized by Arista Eventos that is sponsored by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria institutions, through Turismo de Gran Canaria and the Insular Sports Institute; the Government of the Canary Islands with the Canary Islands Latitude of Life; Maspalomas Costa Canaria; the Municipal Sports Institute of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria; the Teror City Council and the Tejeda City Council. In addition, it has the support of private companies as The North Face, San Roque University Hospitals, and Fred. Olsen Express, 226ERS, Sonocom Audiovisuales, Lopesan Hotel Group, ExpoMeloneras and Aguas de Teror.