The German runner will make his debut in the 126-kilometer flagship race
The North Face’s Canadian athlete returns to the island following a spectacular 2025 season
The North Face Transgrancanaria continues to add top-tier talent to its elite lineup for the 2026 edition. Today, the organization confirms the participation of two of the most respected names on the international circuit for the 126-km Classic modality: Germany’s Hannes Namberger and Canada’s Stephanie Case. Both athletes join a field of runners that establishes the Gran Canaria race as the global epicenter of trail running next March.
The Debut of a Colossus: Hannes Namberger
Hannes Namberger, the figurehead of the Dynafit team, arrives in Gran Canaria with an enviable resume. With an ITRA ranking of 913 points, Namberger will debut in the 126-km Classic after a flawless 2025. The German runner recently proved his peak form with a victory at the SDT de Mallorca by UTMB, alongside wins in his home country at the OTF Marathon presented by DYNAFIT and the Mountainman Reit im Winkl.
Namberger also had a successful stint in the United States last year, securing 3rd place at The Canyons Endurance Runs and 11th at the legendary Western States, proving his versatility. His track record includes a triple crown at the Lavaredo Ultra Trail (2021, 2022, and 2024), as well as victories at Eiger Ultra-Trail, MIUT Madeira, and Penyagolosa Trails. His presence at the starting line in Las Canteras immediately makes him a top favorite for the title.
The Return of Stephanie Case
Meanwhile, The North Face runner Stephanie Case returns to the island eight years later. After her 2018 participation, where she finished 22nd, the Canadian returns transformed into one of the most resilient endurance runners on the planet.
Case arrives after a strong 2025, having won Ultra-Trail Snowdonia, finished second at Nice Côte d’Azur, and secured a top-5 finish at the grueling Hardrock 100. The Canadian is a specialist in extreme endurance events, as evidenced by her historic wins at the TOR450 Tor des Glaciers (2021) and the Tor Des Géants Courmayeur (2015). Her experience and pacing strategy in long-distance races will be her greatest assets as she aims for the podium in Maspalomas.
A Star-Studded 2026 Lineup
The confirmation of Namberger and Case further raises the bar for a flagship race that already boasts names such as Ida Nilsson, Abel Carretero, Hayden Hawks, Eleanor Davis, Henriette Albon, Jonathan Albon, Tom Evans, Josh Wade, Katharina Hartmuth, Maite Maiora, and Martin Kern, among others.
The North Face Transgrancanaria 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions in its history, reaffirming its position as an unmissable event for the world’s trail elite from March 4th to 8th.
The North Face Transgrancanaria is an event organized by Arista Eventos and is sponsored by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria through Turismo de Gran Canaria and the Instituto Insular de Deportes; the Government of the Canary Islands with Canary Islands “Latitude of Life”; the City Council of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria through the Municipal Sports Institute; the City Council of Teror and the City Council of Tejeda. Furthermore, it is supported by The North Face, Hospitales Universitarios San Roque, Lopesan Hotel Group, ExpoMeloneras, 226ERS, Fred. Olsen Express, Sonocom Audiovisuales, and Aguas de Teror.
