Photo: Transvulcania (opens in a new tab)Los Llanos de Aridane, La Palma
Transvulcania
Saturday, 8 May 2027estimated date
Ultramaratón
73km D+ 4350m
Maratón
43km D+ 1884m
Media Maratón
25km D+ 2097m
Kilómetro Vertical
7.3km D+ 1164m
Race data
Terrain
Ultra Trail
Difficulty
Elite
Distance
4 modalities
Ultramaratón
Price: 90 EUR
- Distance
- 73 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 4350m
- Max Time
- 16h
- ITRA
- 5 pts
Maratón
Price: 65 EUR
- Distance
- 43 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1884m
- Max Time
- 10h
- ITRA
- 3 pts
Media Maratón
Price: 55 EUR
- Distance
- 25 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 2097m
- Max Time
- 6h 30min
- ITRA
- 2 pts
Kilómetro Vertical
Price: 30 EUR
- Distance
- 7.3 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1164m
- Max Time
- 3h
- ITRA
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | ITRA | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultramaratón | 73 km | D+ 4350m | 5 pts | 16h | 90 EUR |
| Maratón | 43 km | D+ 1884m | 3 pts | 10h | 65 EUR |
| Media Maratón | 25 km | D+ 2097m | 2 pts | 6h 30min | 55 EUR |
| Kilómetro Vertical | 7.3 km | D+ 1164m | - | 3h | 30 EUR |
Will your watch battery last the ~18 h of Transvulcania?Worked out for the longest course (73 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchYour checklist for Transvulcania
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 6 ready
GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Suunto Run 2
Very light: 35 g case
Downside: 24 h of GPS: short for ultras over 100 km
Gear
Shoes with good grip for volcanic terrain and loose rock
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
Hoka Speedgoat 7
Max Hoka cushioning: protects your legs over long distances
Downside: High stack: less stable for those who want more ground feel
Nutrition
Eight aid stations on the Ultramaratón with liquids and solid food
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
Gourmet Latino Bocadillo de Guayaba Gourmet Latino
100% natural, sin ingredientes artificiales
Downside: Sabor muy dulce, puede cansar en ingestas repetidas
Sun Protection
Reapply every 2 hours, even on cloudy days
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
A visor is ideal for the hot volcanic sections — keeps sun off while venting heat
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
Julbo Aerospeed
Photochromic lenses: adapt from forest to summits
Downside: Higher price compared to non-photochromic glasses
Car Rental
Pick up the car at SPC airport
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud Country Plus
Trip logistics
Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.
Affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Transvulcania requires mandatory gear: get it sorted early
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Swipe to see all 4 comparisons
Best GPS Watches with Offline Maps 2026: Value Comparison
See comparison
Best Trail Running Shoes 2026: the 6 That Are Genuinely Worth It
See comparison
Best Trail Running Poles 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
See comparison
Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
See comparison
Historical weather
What to wear at 15 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
16°C – 21°C
Average 18°C
Rain
17%
0.6 mm avg
Wind
17 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
12h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Sun protection essential (12h sunshine, up to 21°C)
Forecast for 8 May
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Recorrido y perfil de elevación
Race plan
Segment-by-segment course analysis with estimated times. Enter your target time, pace, or select a level.
What's your target finish time?
Your average pace on flat terrain
| Km | Elevation | Gradient | Est. time | Arrival time | Difficulty |
|---|
Coming soon
Transvulcania
Transvulcania is one of the toughest and most spectacular ultra trail races in the world. Since 2009, every May thousands of runners travel to La Palma, the “Isla Bonita,” to run the legendary Ruta del Bastón from south to north: 73 kilometres with 4,350 metres of elevation gain through volcanic landscapes of breathtaking beauty.
Transvulcania has established itself as a world-class race. Elite runners such as Kilian Jornet, François D’Haene, and Courtney Dauwalter have all left their mark on this event that combines extreme difficulty with a unique natural setting.
The course
The Ultramaratón starts at 06:00 from the Faro de Fuencaliente, at the southern tip of La Palma, at sea level. From there, runners follow the Ruta de los Volcanes across lava fields and volcanic badlands until they reach the island’s summit ridge.
The course is a journey through La Palma’s most stunning landscapes:
- Faro de Fuencaliente - Start by the sea, surrounded by recent volcanoes
- Ruta de los Volcanes - Volcanic ridges at 1,800m with ocean views
- Refugio de El Pilar - Canarian pine forest at 1,450m
- Roque de los Muchachos (2,426m) - Highest point on La Palma, next to the astrophysical observatory
- GR-131 (Ruta del Bastón) - Spectacular descent along the rim of the Caldera de Taburiente
- Los Llanos de Aridane - Finish in the Plaza de España
The Ruta del Bastón
The most iconic section of Transvulcania is the passage over Roque de los Muchachos and the descent along the rim of the Caldera de Taburiente. At 2,426 metres, next to one of the world’s finest astronomical observatories, runners can gaze upon the “sea of clouds” that fills the caldera interior: an erosion crater 9 kilometres in diameter.
The descent from the summit to Los Llanos is technical and demanding, with over 2,000 metres of negative elevation on rocky and forested trails. Runners experience a dramatic shift in landscape and temperature within just a few hours. Plan your fueling with our nutrition calculator to sustain energy across such extreme elevation changes.
Combine racing and vacation
La Palma is an ideal destination for combining the race with a few days of holiday. The island, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers hiking in the Caldera de Taburiente, black sand beaches, stargazing (Starlight-certified skies), and excellent Canarian cuisine.
May is a perfect time to visit La Palma: pleasant temperatures, nature in full bloom, and the infectious energy of Transvulcania across the entire island.
Use our time estimator to set your goals for the ultra, and explore more races in the Canary Islands.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Mandatory for the Ultra (06:00 start)
Strong wind and cold temperatures are possible at Roque de los Muchachos
With enough battery to last the entire race
Cup or soft flask mandatory at aid stations
360Complete Pack
Transvulcania 2026 Registration
RegistrationRegistration opens in May of the previous year. Spots for the Maratón and Media Maratón sell out quickly.
Tips
- •Ultramaratón: 90 EUR — Maratón: 65 EUR — Media Maratón: 55 EUR — VK: 30 EUR
- •Early registration before January 1 at a reduced price
- •Maratón and Media Maratón spots tend to sell out
- •A medical certificate is mandatory for all distances
- •Minimum age 18 (21 for the Ultramaratón)
Where to stay for Transvulcania
AccommodationThe finish is in Los Llanos de Aridane. The Ultra and Media Maratón start in Fuencaliente, and the Maratón starts at El Pilar.
Tips
- •Los Llanos de Aridane (finish) is the best base: hotels, apartments, and rural houses
- •Fuencaliente has limited accommodation but is right at the Ultra start
- •Puerto de Tazacorte (Maratón finish) has beachside hotels
- •May is mid-season in La Palma, but book ahead because of the race
- •The organization provides transport to the start lines
Accommodation map
Gear for Transvulcania
GearHighly varied volcanic terrain: lava fields, mountain trails, pine forest, and ridges at 2,426m. Strict mandatory gear list.
Tips
- •Shoes with good grip for volcanic terrain and loose rock
- •Headlamp mandatory for the Ultramaratón (06:00 start)
- •Windbreaker and waterproof jacket are mandatory
- •Thermal clothing is essential for the Roque de los Muchachos section
- •Poles are allowed and highly recommended for the Ultra
Choosing trekking poles? Read our guide: Best trail running poles
See our complete buying guide: 5 foldable poles compared and tiered for trail running.
Which shoes for Transvulcania?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Transvulcania?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Thermal Base Layer for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
The best thermal base layers for trail running in 2026: Odlo Active Warm Eco, Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis, Craft Pro Hypervent, Under Armour ColdGear, Salomon Agile LS Tee and Odlo I-Thermic. Which to pick based on cold, sweat management, merino wool, compression or built-in wind protection.
Best Trail Running Gaiters 2026: 3-Way Comparison
Comparing the 3 best trail running gaiters in 2026: Salomon Trail Gaiters High, Salomon Trail Gaiters Low and TRIWONDER waterproof gaiters. Which to pick by terrain and budget.
Best Trail Running Gloves 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
The best waterproof and winter trail running gloves in 2026: Salomon Cross Warm, Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX, Salomon Bonatti Pro WP, Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight, Gore Wear M GORE-TEX Thermo, Ronhill Windstopper, Salomon Fast Wing Winter, LEKI Ultra Trail Storm Shark and Icebreaker Oasis Liners. Which to pick based on cold, wind, rain and whether you run with poles.
Nutrition plan for Transvulcania
NutritionAn ultra lasting up to 16 hours with major elevation changes and temperature swings. Nutrition management is key.
Tips
- •Eight aid stations on the Ultramaratón with liquids and solid food
- •Heat in the southern section increases hydration needs
- •Electrolytes are essential on the coastal stretches
- •Carry your own food to supplement the aid stations
Best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running 2026
A comparison of the 7 best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running and trail 2026: 226ERS Sub9 Salts, Crown Pro Salt Caps, Victory Endurance, Precision Hydration PH 1500 and more. How many salt tablets to take per hour, how to calculate your sweat rate and which format to choose.
Best ultra trail gels and nutrition 2026
A comparison of the best gels, bars, electrolytes and natural alternatives for ultra trail nutrition in 2026: Maurten, GU, SiS, 226ERS, Precision Hydration, Medjool dates and more. How many carbs per hour you need and how to split them.
Maurten Alternative: 5 Gels That Match or Beat the Premium Hydrogel
Looking for a cheaper Maurten alternative, more flavors, or something you can actually find in stock? We compare GU, SiS, 226ERS and Santa Madre against Gel 100 — plus the cheapest option of all: making your own gel at home.
How to get to La Palma
TransportLa Palma has its own airport and ferry connections from Tenerife.
Tips
- •La Palma Airport (SPC) with flights from Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands
- •Ferry from Los Cristianos (Tenerife) with Fred Olsen (~2.5h) and Naviera Armas
- •The organization provides shuttle buses to the start lines
- •Local buses connect the main towns on the island
The Trail Runner's Boot: Car Kit for Race Day 2026
What to pack in the car for a trail race: a portable cooler, a boot organizer, a portable shower and a car mattress for very early race starts.
Car rental in La Palma
Car RentalA car is very useful in La Palma for getting between the different start locations and the finish.
Tips
- •Pick up the car at SPC airport
- •Essential for exploring the island: Caldera de Taburiente, Roque de los Muchachos, beaches
- •Mountain roads are narrow and winding, drive with caution
Sports insurance for Transvulcania
InsuranceA high-mountain ultra reaching the 2,426m summit of Roque de los Muchachos. Mandatory insurance.
Tips
- •Civil liability insurance is mandatory
- •A medical certificate is required for all distances
- •For international runners: travel insurance with sports coverage
- •The organization includes basic accident insurance during the race
Sun protection for Transvulcania
Sun ProtectionLa Palma's volcanic landscape offers virtually zero natural shade. In May, the Canary Islands UV index is high, and the exposed Ruta de los Volcanes and Roque de los Muchachos sections leave runners under direct sun for hours.
Tips
- •Reapply every 2 hours, even on cloudy days
- •The Ruta de los Volcanes is fully exposed with no tree cover whatsoever
- •May sun in the Canaries is strong — UV index regularly reaches 8-10
- •Protect lips and nose, which burn fastest on exposed volcanic ridges
Best Sunscreen for Runners 2026: 7 Sweat-Proof SPF 50 Picks
Which sunscreen survives a sweaty long run? We compared 7 SPF 50 sweat-proof picks — creams, sticks and a lip balm — on heat, altitude UV and sweat resistance. See the winner.
Best caps and visors for trail running 2026: sun protection on race day
Visor or cap for running? Visors vent more heat, caps protect your scalp from the sun. The best caps, visors and UV buffs for trail running in 2026, with a verdict by race type.
Best sunglasses for trail running 2026: photochromic, polarized and budget picks
The best sunglasses for trail running in 2026: mountain photochromic, budget-friendly polarized, interchangeable lenses and an entry-level option. Comparison and recommendations.
Body care for Transvulcania
Body CareA 73K ultra through shadeless volcanic terrain in May demands full body protection. A visor, UV sleeves, and quality sunglasses are essential for the long exposed sections along the Ruta de los Volcanes and the summit of Roque de los Muchachos.
Tips
- •A visor is ideal for the hot volcanic sections — keeps sun off while venting heat
- •Arm sleeves prevent sunburn during the many hours on exposed ridges
- •Category 3 sunglasses are essential on the bright volcanic terrain
- •A UV buff protects neck and face on the shadeless Ruta de los Volcanes
Best Arm Sleeves for Trail Running 2026: Compression, Warmth and UV Protection
Comparison of the best arm sleeves for trail running in 2026: compression, thermal and UV-protective. Compressport, Salomon, 2XU, UYN, COROS, Alé and Hanker.
How to Stop Chafing When Running: the 5 Best Anti-Chafe Products for Running and Trail 2026
The best anti-chafe running gear in 2026, zone by zone: BodyGlide balm, compression shorts for thigh chafing, a seamless sports bra, toe socks and hydrocolloid blister plasters. What works for inner thighs, chest, nipples, armpits and feet on ultras.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Transvulcania 2026?
- From May 7 to 9, 2026. The Kilómetro Vertical takes place on Thursday the 7th, and the Ultramaratón, Maratón, and Media Maratón on Saturday May 9.
- What distances does Transvulcania offer?
- Four distances: Ultramaratón 73K (4,350m D+), Maratón 43K (1,884m D+), Media Maratón 25K (2,097m D+), and Kilómetro Vertical 7.3K (1,164m D+).
- How much does Transvulcania 2026 registration cost?
- Prices are 90 EUR for the Ultramaratón, 65 EUR for the Maratón, 55 EUR for the Media Maratón, and 30 EUR for the Kilómetro Vertical.
- How do you get to La Palma?
- La Palma Airport (SPC) has direct flights from Madrid, Barcelona, and the other Canary Islands. There are also ferries from Tenerife (Los Cristianos) with Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas.
- What is the weather like during the race?
- In May, coastal temperatures hover around 20-26°C. At Roque de los Muchachos (2,426m) they can drop to 5°C with strong wind. A windbreaker and thermal clothing are essential.
- What is the Ultramaratón course like?
- It starts from the Faro de Fuencaliente (south), follows the Ruta del Bastón (GR-131) up to Roque de los Muchachos (2,426m), and descends to Los Llanos de Aridane. 73 km with 4,350m of elevation gain.
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Photos and video of this race
- Sergio Mayayo · Carreras de Montaña (opens in a new tab) · Photography + Video
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