Star-Studded Line-Up for The North Face Transgrancanaria Classic Race
This weekend, the North Face Transgrancanaria Classic race promises to deliver thrilling moments and fierce competition as elite ultrarunners gather for the prestigious event. While last year’s champion, Courtney Dauwalter, will not be participating, the race still features a constellation of talented athletes ready to vie for victory. This 126 km race is a key part of the World Trail Majors series, following exciting events like the Hong Kong 100 and Black Canyon Ultras earlier this year.
Race Schedule and Live Updates
The excitement kicks off at 11:59 PM local time on Friday, which is 6:59 PM Eastern Time and 12:59 AM Central European Time on Saturday. For those eager to follow the action, live tracking is available here. Two live videos will allow fans to experience the race as it unfolds, starting from the launch event on Friday and continuing into the early hours of Saturday morning.
Challenging Route Through Stunning Landscapes
The Classic route spans an impressive 126 km, with an elevation gain of 6,866 meters, traversing some of Gran Canaria’s most breathtaking terrains. The race commences at the iconic Las Canteras beach, with a dazzling spectacle of runners embarking from the heart of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The runners will navigate a series of checkpoints at Tenoya, Arucas, Teror, and Moya before merging with the Advanced route, which covers 84 km starting from Agaete. This segment promises a visual feast, as the paths and trails weave through the island’s diverse landscapes, highlighting historical livestock routes.
Competitive Elite Field for Both Men and Women
The elite men’s field features renowned athletes including four-time champion Pau Capell, Jon Albon, Tom Evans, and last year’s runner-up, Miguel Heras. Capell is set to make a notable comeback after previously claiming victory for four consecutive years. Albon, who enters with an impressive ITRA ranking of 931, brings his world champion title into the race, making his Gran Canaria debut highly anticipated. Likewise, Tom Evans arrives after a stellar season, including victory in the Arc of Attrition 50, and a fond memory of winning the Advanced race in 2022 after his return from injury.
On the women’s side, the competition is expected to be robust, especially with the involvement of Yngvild Kaspersen, a highly rated debutant with notable wins at the UTMB’s CCC race and Zegama-Aizkorri. Henriette Albon, also a strong contender, has triumphed in events like the Festival des Templiers and Ultra-Trail Snowdonia, showcasing her talent and determination. Additionally, Spain’s Claudia Tremps, a podium finisher in previous events, and Claire Bannwarth from France aim to make their marks in the race.
History of the Classic Race and Previous Winners
The North Face Transgrancanaria Classic has a rich history of competitive excellence and has featured some of the world’s most celebrated ultrarunners. The last ten winners in the 126 km Classic highlight a variety of impressive athletes:
- 2015 – Núria Picas / Gediminas Grinius
- 2016 – Caroline Chaverot / Didrik Hermansen
- 2017 – Azara García de los Salmones / Pau Capell
- 2018 – Magdelena Laczak / Pau Capell
- 2019 – Magdelena Laczak / Pau Capell
- 2020 – Katylyn Gerbin / Pablo Villa & Pau Capell
- 2021 – Azara García de los Salmones / Aurelien Dunand-Pallaz
- 2022 – Ragna Debats / Pablo Villa
- 2023 – Courtney Dauwalter / Andreu Simon
- 2024 – Courtney Dauwalter / Raul Butaci
Conclusion: Anticipation Builds for an Exciting Race
As the anticipation builds for this year’s Transgrancanaria Classic, spectators and competitors alike look forward to a thrilling display of endurance, strategy, and athletic prowess. With an elite field in both the men’s and women’s events, the competition promises to be fierce as runners showcase their skills on the challenging course. Don’t miss out on the live coverage and updates of this exciting race, which exemplifies the spirit of trail running and the celebration of nature.
