Transgrancanaria 2026 has taken an unexpected turn just a few weeks before the event. Heavy rains that hit Gran Canaria caused several landslides in the La Manzanilla area, forcing the organization to modify the routes of the Classic, Advanced, and Marathon races. The announcement comes alongside the confirmation that Pau Capell and Fernanda Maciel will return to the island to try to expand their legendary status. Below, we analyze the new routes, review the list of favorites, and share practical advice to tackle this ultratrail with confidence.
Why the Transgrancanaria 2026 course is being changed
On January 30, the organization announced that the landslides in La Manzanilla, caused by intense rainfall, made it impossible to keep the original course. For safety reasons, an alternative route has been designed through the Pilancones Natural Park. The three affected races –Classic, Advanced, and Marathon– now share the passage through Cruz Grande and avoid the damaged area, incorporating new technical trails and forest track sections. The official distance of each race has been slightly adjusted: the Classic goes from 126 km to approximately 125 km, the Advanced remains around 80 km, and the Marathon shortens its course to about 46 km. Additionally, the key aid station is moved from Tunte to a nearby area, and the only point where external assistance will be allowed in the long races will be Ayagaures. The organization has asked runners to respect the signage and restricted zones while rehabilitation work continues.
This decision highlights the event’s commitment to runner safety and environmental preservation. Far from reducing its appeal, the new route offers fresh scenery and more demanding sections that will test participants’ race strategies. Transgrancanaria remains part of the World Trail Majors circuit, meaning ITRA points remain valid and qualification for other international races will not be affected.
The return of Pau Capell and Fernanda Maciel
The other big news is the comeback of two legends. Catalan runner Pau Capell –winner of four consecutive editions of the Transgrancanaria Classic (2017–2020) and a podium finisher in 2016 and 2022– returns to the race after a transitional 2025 marked by fatherhood and some injuries. Despite that, last season he proved he is regaining form: he placed second at the Trail 100 Andorra, won the Trail Ibiza Marathon, and finished sixth in the demanding TDS at UTMB. At 34, he will once again aim for a fifth title, and although he admits the course change adds uncertainty, his experience on the island trails makes him a favorite once more.
Meanwhile, Brazilian runner Fernanda Maciel returns to the vertical race KV El Gigante after having competed eight times in the Canary event. Known for her mountain achievements on peaks such as Aconcagua and Kilimanjaro, and for her environmental advocacy, Maciel will seek another podium finish and take advantage of the more technical route to maximize her powerful climbing pace. The elite field is completed by athletes such as Norway’s Henriette Albon (current Classic champion), France’s Martin Kern –a podium finisher at MIUT Madeira 2024– Spain’s Núria Gil, and Finland’s Juho Ylinen in the Marathon, among other international names. With registrations sold out, more than 5,000 runners from 68 nationalities and 30% female participation, expectations are at an all-time high.
Tips for preparing an ultratrail when the course changes
Route adjustments require runners to rethink their race strategy. To arrive in the best possible condition, here are a few practical tips based on ultratrail preparation and the island’s unique features:
- Train on varied terrain. The new route alternates technical trails with forest tracks and wide paths. Schedule runs in mountainous areas with steep climbs and fast sections to improve adaptability.
- Gradually increase volume. Ultratrails demand a strong aerobic base. A plan of 8–10 hours of training per week over several months helps prepare your cardiovascular and muscular systems. Increase weekly distance progressively to avoid injury.
- Don’t neglect strength and technique. The long climbs of Pilancones Natural Park and technical descents require strong legs and good balance. Include strength workouts at the gym and proprioception training.
- Simulate race conditions. Practice night runs with a headlamp if you are racing the Classic or Advanced, and test your gear (vest, poles, shoes) on long efforts. Use this time to rehearse nutrition and hydration.
- Train your mindset. Ultradistance is also a psychological challenge. Visualization, mentally breaking the race into sections, and sharing training sessions with friends will help you overcome difficult moments.
For more guidance, you can consult specialized ultratrail training articles that recommend gaining experience in shorter mountain races before stepping up to ultra distances, while building a progressive base of kilometers and elevation gain.
SnapRace: your ally for exploring the new route
When last-minute changes happen, having the right technology can make all the difference. The SnapRace app offers several features designed for runners and trail runners:
- Explore routes and nearby races. Search for official courses or routes created by other runners and download them to train on.
- AI-powered virtual coach. Get personalized plans based on your level and goals. The app analyzes your performance and adjusts sessions to optimize your preparation.
- Create and share your own routes. Map the new alternative section and share it with friends so you can train together.
- Turn-by-turn navigation and alerts. Follow the track on your iPhone or Apple Watch with real-time guidance and receive warnings about deviations or elevation changes.
- Post-run analysis. After each session, you get a summary with time, pace, elevation gain, and heart rate to track your progression.
These tools allow you to adapt quickly to the new Transgrancanaria 2026 course and plan highly specific training sessions. In addition, the SnapRace community boosts motivation by sharing challenges and organizing virtual races.
Final thoughts
The 2026 edition of Transgrancanaria will be remembered for its ability to respond to unforeseen events and for the return of major figures. The course changes open new possibilities and will raise both physical and mental demands. If you are participating, take time to study the updated route and adjust your preparation. And if you are a trail running enthusiast, keep an eye on this race—it promises intense excitement.
Want to discover more routes and plan personalized training sessions? Download SnapRace and join a community that turns every run into a unique experience.