The North Face Transgrancanaria 2027 – Spain

What to Expect

The North Face Transgrancanaria is one of Europe’s best-known trail-running events, bringing elite ultra-runners, experienced mountain athletes, recreational trail runners and younger participants to Gran Canaria. The event is organized by Arista Eventos in collaboration with public institutions across the island and has developed into a major international trail-running meeting. The 2027 edition is the 28th edition of the event.

Rather than being one single race, Transgrancanaria is a multi-distance trail-running festival. Participants can choose from demanding ultra-distance races, shorter mountain races, youth categories, a family event and a four-stage competition. The programme is designed to accommodate runners with very different levels of experience.

The flagship Classic is the biggest endurance challenge, covering 126 kilometres with approximately 6,764 metres of positive elevation. It crosses a large part of Gran Canaria and forms part of the international World Trail Majors circuit. The Advanced covers about 82 kilometres and travels from the mountainous interior toward Maspalomas.

The Marathon provides a shorter but still demanding mountain challenge, while the Half, Open Agáldar, Promo, Short and KV El Gigante give runners additional ways to experience the island’s landscapes.

The event also features the Trail Zone at ExpoMeloneras, which acts as the central exhibition and meeting area. The organizer describes it as a space for sports and mountain brands, products, services and activities, attracting runners and companions from around the world.

The combination of dramatic volcanic landscapes, long-distance endurance racing, international athletes and multiple participation levels makes Transgrancanaria substantially more than a conventional road-running event.

Event Dates

The North Face Transgrancanaria 2027 takes place from February 22 to February 28, 2027, with the different competitions spread across the event week. The official event website confirms the overall event period, while the regulations and detailed schedule identify the individual race days and start times.

The main competition schedule includes:

• February 23 – Open Agáldar and Stages Stage 1
• February 24 – KV El Gigante and Stages Stage 2
• February 25 – Half, Promo and Stages Stage 3
• February 26 – Marathon, Classic and Transgrancanaria Kids
• February 27 – Advanced, Short, Family Trail and Stages Stage 4
• February 28 – Final Classic and Advanced finish activities and awards

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Stadium & Sports Venue

The North Face Transgrancanaria does not use one conventional stadium or fixed sports venue. It is an island-wide trail-running event using mountain paths, rural tracks, villages, coastal areas and designated finish zones across Gran Canaria.

The Classic begins at Las Canteras Beach in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and finishes at Parque Sur in Maspalomas. The route crosses a substantial part of the island and includes major changes in altitude and terrain.

The Advanced starts in Teror and also finishes in Maspalomas. Its route passes through areas including the Nublo Rural Park, Tejeda, Artenara and the island’s mountainous interior before descending toward the south.

The Marathon starts in Tejeda and finishes in Maspalomas, combining mountain climbs with long technical descents. The official course information lists approximately 47 kilometres and 1,784 metres of positive elevation.

Other races use different locations. The Half starts in Santa Lucía de Tirajana and finishes in Tejeda, while Open Agáldar begins and ends in the municipality of Gáldar. KV El Gigante uses a steep uphill route in the Agaete area, and Short and Family Trail are based in Teror.

The Trail Zone at ExpoMeloneras in Maspalomas serves as the main event hub for registration activities, runner services and the trail-running exhibition.

Full Fixture or Event Schedule

The 2027 programme contains several distinct races and activities spread across the event week.

The principal categories are:

• Classic – 126 km
• Advanced – approximately 82 km
• Marathon – 47 km
• Half – approximately 23 km
• Open Agáldar – approximately 21.4 km
• Promo – 12 km
• Short – 5 km
• KV El Gigante – approximately 5.5 km
• Family Trail
• Transgrancanaria Kids
• Stages

The Stages competition creates a particularly different format. Participants complete four separate trail-running stages, combining Open Agáldar, KV El Gigante, Promo and Advanced into one multi-day challenge. The organization describes it as four different experiences connected by one overall objective.

The Trail Zone operates alongside the racing programme and gives participants and spectators a central place to collect race materials, visit exhibitors and experience the wider trail-running community.

The official schedule also includes award ceremonies following several races, culminating in the main awards ceremony at the ExpoMeloneras Auditorium.

Teams, Athletes & Participants

Transgrancanaria attracts a mixture of elite international trail runners, professional athletes, national competitors, experienced amateurs and first-time mountain runners.

The Classic is the event’s flagship ultra-distance competition and regularly attracts some of the strongest names in international trail running. The race is part of the World Trail Majors, giving it significance beyond the Canary Islands and placing it within an international network of major trail-running competitions.

The Advanced is also aimed at experienced mountain runners, with a demanding route through the island’s central highlands and a substantial elevation profile.

The Marathon has become one of the most popular categories. The organizer reported that it was the most crowded race in the previous edition, with 1,800 participants.

The Half, Open Agáldar and Promo provide shorter alternatives for athletes who want a substantial trail challenge without taking on the longest ultras.

Younger runners are also represented. The Short race is open to all ages and includes children’s, cadet and junior categories, while Family Trail allows younger participants to take part with a parent, guardian or other permitted family arrangement.

Elite athletes can also qualify for registration benefits through their ITRA Performance Index. The organization publishes specific performance thresholds for free entry and 50% discounts in several categories.

Tournament Format & Competition Structure

Transgrancanaria uses several different competition structures because each race has its own objective and format.

The Classic, Advanced, Marathon, Half and shorter races are individual trail-running competitions. Athletes complete the prescribed course and are classified according to official timing and finishing position.

The Classic is an ultra-endurance race with a 30-hour overall cut-off. Its route includes numerous checkpoints, aid stations and individual checkpoint cut-offs, meaning runners must reach and leave designated locations within the required times.

The Advanced has an overall 21-hour cut-off and includes several important checkpoints through the island’s interior. The official technical information lists locations such as Moya-Fontanales, Artenara, Tejeda, El Garañón, Tunte and Ayagaures.

The Marathon has an 11-hour cut-off, while the Half has a 6-hour-30-minute cut-off. Other races have shorter time limits appropriate to their distances.

Stages uses a cumulative multi-day format. Instead of one continuous race, competitors complete four different stages and compete within the overall Stages classification.

There are no knockout rounds or conventional team fixtures. Success is determined through individual performance, official checkpoints, timing, course completion and category classification.

Match/Event Times

The different Transgrancanaria competitions have individual starting times because the event is spread across multiple municipalities and race routes.

The Classic begins late at night, creating one of the event’s most recognizable spectacles as ultra-runners leave the Las Canteras area and begin a long overnight journey across Gran Canaria.

The Marathon begins in the morning from Tejeda, while the Advanced begins from Teror. The Half starts from Santa Lucía de Tirajana, and the shorter competitions have their own morning or afternoon starts.

The official schedule provides specific start times for every category, while individual course pages provide cut-off information and checkpoint requirements.

Participants in the longer races should pay close attention not only to the starting time but also to mandatory equipment checks, checkpoint cut-offs and transport arrangements.

Spectators should also remember that the fastest runners can move through mountain checkpoints quickly, so watching an athlete at a particular location requires careful planning.

Ticket Types

Transgrancanaria uses race registration rather than spectator ticketing. The available registration categories have different prices depending on the registration period.

For the 2027 edition, the published prices convert approximately to the following full USD amounts:

• Classic: $201.23 in the first period, $229.18 in the second, and $251.53 in the final period.
• Advanced: $156.51 in the first period, $184.45 in the second, and $201.23 in the final period.
• Marathon: $106.20 in the first period, $134.15 in the second, and $139.74 in the final period.
• Half: $67.08 in the first period, $83.84 in the second, and $95.02 in the final period.
• Open Agáldar: $61.49 in the first period, $78.26 in the second, and $89.43 in the final period.
• Promo: $44.72 in the first period, $50.31 in the second, and $55.90 in the final period.
• Short: $33.54 in the first period, $50.31 in the second, and $55.90 in the final period.
• KV El Gigante: $44.72 in the first period, $50.31 in the second, and $55.90 in the final period.
• Family Trail, over 18: $33.54 in the first period, $50.31 in the second, and $55.90 in the final period.
• Family Trail, under 18: $22.36 in all registration periods.
• Stages: $285.07 in the first period, $352.14 in the second, and $380.10 in the final period.

Youth Promo and Short entries are approximately $22.36 throughout the published registration periods. The organizer also provides reduced fees for eligible Canary Islands residents.

Ticket Release Phases

The North Face Transgrancanaria uses three principal registration-price periods.

The first period is a short promotional window with the lowest published prices. It is followed by a second period with higher standard rates and then a final period with the highest published prices.

The organization warns that registration periods depend on available places. A category can therefore sell out before the advertised closing date. This is particularly important for popular races because several categories have historically reached capacity.

The final registration deadline is February 2, 2027, after which the organization states that registrations will no longer be available in any Transgrancanaria category.

Classic, Advanced and Stages participants also have an installment-payment option. The published arrangement allows eligible participants to pay the entry fee in two installments, with the first payment covering 50% of the registration.

Once a race is sold out, athletes may have access to waiting-list arrangements or, for eligible elite athletes, entry mechanisms based on the required ITRA performance level.

VIP & Hospitality Options

Transgrancanaria is primarily a participation-focused trail-running event rather than a conventional spectator competition with grandstands, VIP boxes or hospitality seating.

There is, however, a strong premium atmosphere around the elite races. The Classic in particular attracts internationally recognized ultra-runners and is one of the most important competitions on the World Trail Majors calendar.

The Trail Zone at ExpoMeloneras provides the closest equivalent to a central event hospitality and networking environment. It brings together athletes, companions, brands and exhibitors in a large trail-running exhibition area. The organizer describes the 2027 Trail Zone as a meeting point for more than 6,000 athletes and their companions.

The event’s official broadcasts also give spectators an alternative way to follow elite competition from locations that may be difficult to reach physically.

No general-public VIP ticket or fixed hospitality package is prominently advertised by the organizer, so visitors should not assume that premium spectator seating is available.

Stadium & Event Rules

Because Transgrancanaria takes place on mountain trails and remote sections of the island, its rules are considerably more extensive than those of a normal road race.

Participants in the Classic, Advanced and Stages categories must provide a valid medical certificate. The certificate must be completed by an appropriately qualified doctor and meet the organizer’s validity requirements.

The organization also establishes mandatory equipment requirements. Participants must carry the required equipment throughout their race, with a cold-weather kit potentially becoming mandatory depending on the forecast.

External assistance is regulated carefully. It is permitted in specific designated areas around aid stations for the Classic, Advanced, Marathon and Half, while it is prohibited for categories including Open Agáldar, Promo, Short, Family and KV El Gigante.

Poles may be used subject to the regulations, but they are prohibited during the first two kilometres of most race categories for safety reasons.

Participants must follow the marked route, respect the environment and obey race officials. Aggressive behavior, intentional incidents, unauthorized assistance and other serious violations can lead to penalties or disqualification.

How to Get There

Gran Canaria has two major areas that are particularly important for Transgrancanaria participants: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in the north-east and Maspalomas in the south.

The Classic begins in the Las Palmas area, while the main event hub and several race-related services are based around Maspalomas and ExpoMeloneras.

Other races begin in mountain municipalities including Teror, Tejeda, Santa Lucía de Tirajana, Gáldar and Agaete. Participants therefore need to plan transportation according to their individual race rather than simply travelling to one event venue.

For international visitors, Gran Canaria Airport is the principal arrival point. From the airport, rental cars, taxis, buses and private transfers connect with Las Palmas, Maspalomas and other municipalities.

Participants in point-to-point races should check the official transport information and race briefing rather than assuming that public transport will operate at normal times around early starts.

The event’s geographical spread is part of its appeal, but it also means that accommodation and transport planning are essential.

Public Transport & Parking

Public transportation can be useful for reaching major hubs such as Las Palmas and Maspalomas, but mountain race starts can be more difficult to access by ordinary public transport, especially when competitions begin early in the morning.

Participants should check whether the organizer provides dedicated race transportation or shuttle arrangements for their specific category. The need for early transfers is particularly important for point-to-point races.

Driving provides greater flexibility for visitors exploring the island, but participants should remember that some race starts and finishes are in narrow mountain areas where parking capacity is limited.

For races involving a finish in Maspalomas, leaving a vehicle at the start may require an additional transport plan to return to it.

Spectators should also avoid parking directly beside mountain trails or in areas that could obstruct emergency vehicles or local residents.

Because the event crosses several municipalities, it is best to plan each day’s transportation separately rather than treating the entire competition as if it were located in one stadium.

Accommodation Areas

Maspalomas and Meloneras are among the most convenient accommodation areas for visitors who want to stay close to the event’s central hub. ExpoMeloneras is located in this southern resort area and hosts the Trail Zone and major event activities.

Staying in Maspalomas also provides access to a large selection of hotels, restaurants, beaches and tourist services.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is another useful base, particularly for spectators interested in the Classic and its start area. The city offers a wide range of hotels, apartments and restaurants.

Runners competing in mountain races may also consider staying closer to their specific start municipality. Teror, Tejeda, Gáldar, Agaete and Santa Lucía de Tirajana can be practical for athletes who need to minimize early-morning transfers.

For the longest races, accommodation with flexible breakfast arrangements, luggage storage and late check-out can be particularly useful.

International visitors staying for the whole event week may prefer Maspalomas because it combines accommodation with convenient access to the Trail Zone and southern finish areas.

Food & Drink at the Venue

Transgrancanaria is a mountain endurance event, so food and hydration are treated as part of the race infrastructure rather than simply being spectator concessions.

The longer race categories have aid stations positioned throughout their courses. The exact services vary by checkpoint and race, and runners should consult the technical information for their chosen distance.

Some checkpoints provide different combinations of water, sports drinks, salts and food. The organization also specifies locations where external assistance is permitted for selected races.

Participants should not rely entirely on aid stations for their personal nutrition plan. Ultra runners normally need to understand their individual calorie, hydration and electrolyte requirements before starting.

The Trail Zone at ExpoMeloneras provides an opportunity to discover products and services from the trail-running and outdoor-sports sector.

Outside the official race facilities, Maspalomas, Meloneras and Las Palmas provide extensive restaurant and café options for runners, supporters and visitors.

Accessibility

Transgrancanaria includes several categories designed to broaden participation, including youth and family races.

The Short category is open to all ages and includes children’s, cadet and junior classifications, while the Family Trail allows younger participants to experience the event with an accompanying parent or legal guardian.

The mountainous nature of the principal races means that the Classic, Advanced and other long-distance routes are extremely demanding and are not designed as accessible tourist walks.

Spectators with mobility limitations should focus on official start and finish areas or accessible public locations rather than attempting to reach remote mountain checkpoints.

ExpoMeloneras is the central exhibition and event hub and provides a more straightforward environment for spectators who want to experience the event without accessing difficult mountain terrain.

Anyone requiring specific accessibility assistance should contact the organizer before travelling so that current arrangements can be confirmed for the particular race and venue.

Best Matches/Events to Attend

The Classic is the headline competition for serious trail-running fans. Its combination of extreme distance, substantial elevation gain, overnight running and international elite participation makes it the most iconic race within the programme.

The Advanced is another excellent choice for spectators interested in mountain racing. Its route through Teror, Artenara, Tejeda and other highland landscapes provides a strong representation of Gran Canaria’s interior terrain.

The Marathon is particularly attractive because it combines a challenging mountain course with a larger mass-participation field. The organization reported 1,800 participants in the previous edition, making it one of the most accessible major races for spectators wanting a large competitive field.

The KV El Gigante offers a completely different spectacle. Instead of a long-distance journey, competitors tackle a steep vertical challenge covering roughly 5.5 kilometres with around 1,090 metres of positive elevation.

For families, Short and Family Trail are easier to follow and provide opportunities to watch younger participants compete in a more compact environment.

The Trail Zone is also worth visiting because it provides the best centralized opportunity to experience the brands, exhibitors, athletes and social atmosphere surrounding the race.

Previous Year’s Highlights

The previous edition was described by the organizer as a record-breaking 27th edition, with a particularly strong international field and more than 220,000 views of its live broadcasts. More than 30,000 people visited the Trail Zone at ExpoMeloneras.

The previous year’s Classic attracted a major elite field that included Henriette Albon, Tom Evans, Claudia Tremps, Jonathan Albon, Ida Nilsson, Josh Wade, Sunmaya Budha, Hayden Hawks and Hannes Namberger.

Henriette Albon was one of the standout names, having won the Classic in the preceding edition. The organization also highlighted a strong international field across the Advanced, Marathon, Half and Vertical Kilometer races.

The Marathon produced particularly strong competition. Antonio Martínez won the men’s race, while Ikram Rharsalla won the women’s category in her debut at the event. The men’s podium was entirely Spanish, while the women’s competition featured a close battle involving Rharsalla and Núria Gil.

The previous edition also demonstrated the continued growth of the event’s media reach, with more than 25 hours of live broadcasting made available internationally.

Official Tickets

The North Face Transgrancanaria uses official race registration rather than conventional spectator tickets. Participants should register through the event’s official website and select the appropriate race category.

Official The North Face Transgrancanaria website (https://transgrancanaria.net/)

Official 2027 registration fees and schedule (https://transgrancanaria.net/en/prices-timetable/)

Official 2027 event schedule (https://transgrancanaria.net/en/schedule/)

Official Transgrancanaria regulations (https://transgrancanaria.net/en/regulations/)

The official website contains the race descriptions, registration system, course information, regulations, schedules, results and participant resources. Registration places are limited, and the organizer can close a category once its available capacity has been reached.

Spectators generally do not need a race registration simply to watch the competition from permitted public areas, although access to certain mountain locations can be difficult and may be restricted for safety reasons.