{"id":1758,"date":"2026-02-02T18:05:05","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T17:05:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/snaprace.app\/blog\/?p=1758"},"modified":"2026-02-02T18:05:07","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T17:05:07","slug":"transgrancanaria-2026-course-changes-and-the-comeback-of-the-stars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snaprace.app\/blog\/en\/transgrancanaria-2026-course-changes-and-the-comeback-of-the-stars\/","title":{"rendered":"Transgrancanaria 2026 \u2013 Course changes and the comeback of the stars"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Transgrancanaria 2026<\/strong> 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<\/strong> and Fernanda Maciel<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why the Transgrancanaria 2026 course is being changed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2013Classic, Advanced, and Marathon\u2013 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<\/em> goes from 126 km to approximately 125 km, the Advanced<\/em> remains around 80 km, and the Marathon<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This decision highlights the event\u2019s 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\u2019 race strategies. Transgrancanaria remains part of the World Trail Majors<\/em> circuit, meaning ITRA points remain valid and qualification for other international races will not be affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The return of Pau Capell and Fernanda Maciel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The other big news is the comeback of two legends. Catalan runner Pau Capell<\/strong> \u2013winner of four consecutive editions of the Transgrancanaria Classic (2017\u20132020) and a podium finisher in 2016 and 2022\u2013 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<\/em>, won the Trail Ibiza Marathon<\/em>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, Brazilian runner Fernanda Maciel<\/strong> returns to the vertical race KV El Gigante<\/em> 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\u2019s Henriette Albon<\/strong> (current Classic champion), France\u2019s Martin Kern<\/strong> \u2013a podium finisher at MIUT Madeira 2024\u2013 Spain\u2019s N\u00faria Gil<\/strong>, and Finland\u2019s Juho Ylinen<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for preparing an ultratrail when the course changes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s unique features:<\/p>\n\n\n\n