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Transvulcania Ultramarathon is a 74km ultra marathon in Los Llanos de Aridane, Spain. Distance: 74km. Elevation: 4,350m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 53/100). DNF rate: 15%. Time limit: 16h. Surface: trail. Established 2009.

74km challenging mountainous volcanic island trail

Transvulcania Ultramarathon

Los Llanos de Aridane, Canary Islands, Spain

"74km from sea to volcanic summit on La Palma. Kilian's playground."

53
Challenging
Distance 74km
Elevation Gain ↑4,350m
Surface trail
DNF Rate 15%
Cutoff 16h
What Makes It Unique

A volcanic island ultra on La Palma — from sea level to 2,426m.

The Course

A 74km ultra traversing the volcanic spine of La Palma — the steepest island in the world — from the lighthouse at Fuencaliente to the port of Los Llanos. The route climbs through the Caldera de Taburiente (a massive volcanic crater) via technical switchbacks, crosses the Roque de los Muchachos ridge at 2,426m (home to the world's most powerful telescope), and descends 2,400m to the finish through lava tubes and pine forest. Vertical in the truest sense.

Profile

mountainous

Topology

point-to-point

Aid Stations

7

Highest Point

2,426m

No Crew Access
No Pacers
Yes Mandatory Gear

Runner Experience

Scenery 5/5
Organization 4/5
Community 4/5
Aid Stations

Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.

Post-Race Culture

A legendary finish line atmosphere. Transvulcania Ultramarathon is a bucket-list race with celebrations that match its reputation.

Race Day Weather

Temperature

18°C

4° – 30°

Humidity

50%

Rain Chance

10%

Conditions

From hot coast to freezing volcanic summit. Three climate zones.

Stats & Records

Established

2009

Finishers

1,500

Avg Finish

11:30:00

Entry

Entry Cost

€80

Opens

November

Sells Out

days

Max Starters: 2500
Official Website →

Lore & Trivia

Transvulcania on La Palma was the first Canary Islands ultra to achieve international fame — a Skyrunning classic that draws the world's best mountain runners to the steepest island in the world. The course climbs from Fuencaliente lighthouse (sea level) to the Roque de los Muchachos observatory (2,426m) through pine forest and volcanic badlands, then descends to the port in a quad-destroying 2,400m plunge. La Palma's 2021 volcanic eruption added new terrain to the island, and the race has adjusted its route to incorporate the landscape that the Cumbre Vieja eruption created.

  • Kilian Jornet's 2014 course record of 6:52 is considered one of the greatest ultra trail performances.
  • La Palma erupted volcanically in 2021, adding fresh lava fields near the course.
  • Three distinct climate zones from coast to summit.
  • Established in 2009.
  • Total elevation gain: 4350m.

La Palma is the steepest island on earth. Transvulcania goes from the lighthouse to the observatory — sea level to 2,426m and back.

— A Transvulcania runner

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Transvulcania Ultramarathon? +

Transvulcania Ultramarathon is a 74km (74km) ultra marathon with 4,350m of elevation gain. The course is point-to-point on trail terrain.

How hard is Transvulcania Ultramarathon? +

Transvulcania Ultramarathon is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 53/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 15%. Runners have 16 hours to finish.

What is the weather like at Transvulcania Ultramarathon? +

Average temperature is 18°C (range 4°C to 30°C) with 50% humidity and a 10% chance of rain. From hot coast to freezing volcanic summit. Three climate zones.

Are crew and pacers allowed at Transvulcania Ultramarathon? +

No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.

What is the average finish time for Transvulcania Ultramarathon? +

The average finish time is 11:30:00. About 1,500 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 15%.

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