The Regional Ministry collaborates with Arista Eventos to advance sustainability measures for the race, taking place from March 4 to 8, 2026
The ‘The North Face Transgrancanaria’ will be the first event to test the Canary Islands Carbon Footprint Registry, a pioneering tool promoted by the Ministry
The Ministry of Ecological Transition and Energy of the Government of the Canary Islands, led by Mariano H. Zapata, is collaborating with the company Arista Eventos to develop “Sustainable Transgrancanaria.” This pilot project will design and execute an edition of ‘The North Face Transgrancanaria’ aimed at minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, advancing the transition toward climate neutrality, and offsetting its residual impact within the Canary Islands whenever possible. Furthermore, it seeks to promote a culture of sustainability among runners, companions, sponsors, suppliers, staff, and the general public.
The Minister of Ecological Transition and Energy, Mariano Hernández Zapata, highlighted that “this collaboration reflects the commitment of the Government of the Canary Islands to the real integration of climate action in all areas of our society, including sports.”
Zapata emphasized that “Transgrancanaria is one of the most powerful international showcases for our islands, and turning it into a benchmark for sustainability is an opportunity to demonstrate that elite sport can and must be compatible with the active protection of our territory.” He added, “We want this project to mark a turning point and serve as a model for other sporting and non-sporting events held in the Canary Islands.”
For her part, the Deputy Minister of Ecological Transition, Fight against Climate Change, and Energy, Julieta Schallenberg, explained that “Transgrancanaria will be the first event to test the Canary Islands Carbon Footprint Registry in its events section, allowing us to advance a pioneering tool at the regional level.”
Schallenberg detailed that “a carbon footprint calculation will be performed, incorporating indirect emissions associated with transportation, suppliers, and other services linked to the event. Based on this data, new minimization actions will be defined with specific performance indicators and cost estimates for future editions.”
Fernando González, CEO of Arista Eventos, stated that “Transgrancanaria has always been linked to respect for nature, but with this project, we are taking a step further by integrating sustainability as a strategic and measurable pillar of the organization.” González noted that “our goal is for each edition to progressively reduce its environmental impact and for the race to leave a positive legacy on the island—not only in terms of sports and tourism but also environmentally and socially.”
Similarly, Wendy Cruz, Marketing Director of ‘The North Face Transgrancanaria,’ highlighted that “sustainability is now a real demand from participants and sponsors, and we want Transgrancanaria to be a global benchmark in innovation and ecological awareness within trail running.” Cruz added, “We will strengthen environmental awareness and education actions so that runners and companions become ambassadors for best practices, contributing to the conservation of the trails, ecosystems, and landscapes that make Gran Canaria unique.”
Within the framework of this project, The North Face Transgrancanaria will act on pillars such as sustainable mobility, efficient use of energy and resources, waste reduction and recycling, protection of the natural environment, and carbon footprint calculation and reduction, alongside actions for awareness, transparency, and inclusion.
The Race in Detail The North Face Transgrancanaria, held annually on the island since 2003, is one of the most iconic ultra-trail races. It crosses Gran Canaria from coast to coast, passing through beaches, volcanic areas, laurel forests, and pine groves, with categories exceeding 100 kilometers and significant cumulative elevation gain.
This initiative, fully funded by the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Energy, reinforces the Regional Executive’s commitment to enhancing environmental education and social awareness, using major international events as a lever to accelerate the archipelago’s ecological and climate transition.
