Runner Voice
Real conversations with race participantsDanny Michlewicz · Ran in 2025, 2026
Summary
“The beginning of the season, a challenging steep race with an unbelievable vibe. One of the most epic races of a lifetime, with a midnight start. The organizers call it ¨a goal, a dream¨, and it really is an experiential point-to-point race across Gran Canaria.”
Technicality: Medium. There are some pretty steep downhill bits as you head towards Tejeda from Artenara to watch out for. The ending is brutal for many. And, heading up in the nighttime, you might run into grassy hills towards Teror that become very steep, and they may be muddy if it rains, which makes poles almost necessary.
Shoes / poles / pack: You likely want light poles like Lekis because the race has over 6,000 meters of climbing. You also want shoes that can handle a variety of conditions. Some years it is dry, some years it is wet, from what I´ve encountered over two years, want a decent lug. I used Nnormal Kjerag and Altra Experience Wild Trail shoes, which also will accommodate feet swelling.. One of the main things to think about is layering.
Aid Stations: The views on the west side of the island - heading down to Hornillo, through Artenara are absolutely magnificent, revealing lush greenery. Tejeda shows the volcanic caldera and is stunning and sunny. Vibes - the island gives a lot. Its pretty amazing to see the ¨animo¨ of the locals, who loves this race.
Views and Vibes: The views on the west side of the island - heading down to Hornillo, through Artenara are absolutely magnificent, revealing lush greenery. Tejeda shows the volcanic caldera and is stunning and sunny. Vibes - the island gives a lot. Its pretty amazing to see the ¨animo¨ of the locals, who loves this race.
Logistics: You can base yourself in Maspalomas and take a shuttle to the start. Maspalomas is where you get your race bib and where you finish, so it is probably the easiest logistical choice. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is cheaper, while Maspalomas is more expensive, so book early if staying near the finish.
What surprised them: The weather fluctuations are a big surprise, even if you know they are coming, so be prepared for them. It can get too hot and it can get too cold. The second surprise is that the ending is pretty brutal. You are slightly going downhill, but you are doing it in a former riverbed, and the stones vary in size and can be pretty brutal.
One Tip for Runners: Take gloves for sure for the cold. You can put plastic bags over your shoes at the beginning for the beach start. Caffeinate before the final riverbed section if you still can handle the caffeine. Watch out for Garañón, which is the aid station where the most people drop out, and it has its own microclimate, so be prepared for it mentally as you approach.
