Ultramarathon

One of the biggest sport events on La Palma is the Transvulcania. Several 100 participants from different countries and nations join in different disciplines this mega event and travel especially for it to La Palma.

The Transvulcania is an ultra-marathon with a length of 73,3 kilometres. Participants must pass an altitude difference from 8.086 meters.

Also a marathon, a half-marathon and a vertical-race takes place during the Transvulcania.

The Ultramarathon begins in the south of the island at the lighthouse of Fuencaliente in the early morning and there starts the ascent to the more than 1.900 meters high volcano route. At this time there is still darkness, so the runners have to start with a pocket- or a headlamp.

Shortly after the start of the Ultramarathon, on the same part of the sections, starts the half-marathon. At the end of the volcano route, at the Refugio El Pilar, is the finish of the half-marathon and the starting point of the marathon.

The Refugio El Pilar is followed by a flat run course along the 1.400 meter high Cumbre Nueva, followed by an ascent to the mountain range of the Caldera de Taburiente with the 2.400 meter high Roque de los Muchachos. Afterwards it goes through small and stony paths constantly downhill.

Puerto de Tazacorte is the finish of the marathon. From here leads the gorge of the Barranco de Las Angustias trough the about 400 meters above sea level situated city Los Llanos, the finish of the Ultra Marathon.

Viewers are located along the route and pushing with applause the participants. At the end of the day of the Transvulcania runners and viewers celebrate together at the Plaza de España.

We publish current information about the Transvulcania in our La Palma24 Journal - click here.