Trail running event solidifies Gran Canaria as a leading international destination with participants from 68 nationalities
Classic, Advanced, and Half races are close to selling out
With nearly six months to go, The North Face Transgrancanaria 2026 has already reached 5,000 registered runners, confirming Gran Canaria as one of the world’s most important destinations for trail running. The 27th edition of this iconic event, which will take place from March 4-8, 2026, already has confirmed runners from 68 nationalities.
Among the more than 5,000 registered athletes, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany have a strong presence, as do Nordic countries like Norway, Finland, and Sweden, each with nearly 100 runners. The event’s international reach is also evident with participants from other countries like Japan, South Africa, and New Zealand.
The race’s commitment to the local community remains strong, with over 2,000 Canary Islands residents registered. They enjoy special discounts throughout the registration period to encourage trail running among the island’s population.
High-Demand Race Categories
The eight available categories show exceptional occupancy levels. The most technical and demanding races are leading in registrations, with the Advanced course nearly full at 98% capacity, followed closely by the Classic and Half races, both at 95%. The KV El Gigante also shows high demand, with 90% of spots filled. Those interested can still register on the official website www.transgrancanaria.net.
The more beginner-friendly races, Short and Family, still have availability with 65% of registrations, offering opportunities for runners looking for more accessible distances.
Special mention goes to the Marathon and Promo categories, which are already completely sold out. The Marathon broke all records by filling its spots in a record-breaking 54 hours. For both races, the organizers have enabled waiting lists to fill any potential vacancies.
Jennifer Lichter. Carlos Díaz-Recio
Notable Female Participation
A particularly noteworthy aspect is the high female participation, which currently accounts for 30% of all registered runners. The presence of women is especially notable in the Half category (40%) and the Promo category (60%), where it even surpasses male participation.
Competition Schedule and New Features
The 27th edition will kick off on Wednesday, March 4, with the Kilómetro Vertical El Gigante from Valle de Agaete. On Thursday, March 5, the Half and Promo races will be held, while Friday, March 6, will be one of the most anticipated days, with the start of the Marathon in the morning and the iconic Classic at midnight from Las Canteras Beach. Saturday, March 7, will complete the program with the Advanced, Short, and Family races.
Among the main new features for 2026 is the return of the Classic and Advanced categories to the iconic Roque Nublo, which was absent in the previous edition. Additionally, the Half race’s starting point will move to the municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana, while the newly revised Short (previously Youth) race will be held entirely in Teror, sharing the course with the Family category and also being open to junior age groups.
World Trail Majors Circuit
The North Face Transgrancanaria maintains its international prestige, with the Classic category being part of the exclusive World Trail Majors circuit, alongside 11 of the world’s best races. The Marathon distance is integrated into the Short Series by World Trail Majors.
The North Face Transgrancanaria is a race organized by Arista Eventos with the sponsorship of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, through Turismo de Gran Canaria and the Instituto Insular de Deportes; the Government of the Canary Islands with Islas Canarias Latitud de Vida; the City Council of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria through the Instituto Municipal de Deportes de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria; the City Council of Teror and the City Council of Tejeda. It also has the support of companies such as The North Face, Hospitales Universitarios San Roque, Lopesan Hotel Group, ExpoMeloneras, 226ERS, Fred. Olsen Express, Sonocom Audiovisuales, and Aguas de Teror.
