TRANSULCANIA 2025 RACE PREVIEW, BY MAYAYO

The island of La Palma will welcome over a hundred of the world’s top mountain running specialists. The Transvulcania adidas TERREX shows no signs of slowing down. Celebrating its 15th edition, the iconic event returns from Thursday, May 8 to Saturday, May 10, attracting once again many of the finest trail runners on the planet. Registration sold out weeks in advance, underscoring the race’s continued prestige.

Elite and amateur runners from all five continents will line up across the various race distances, each hoping to etch their name into the history of an event that has reclaimed its original routes and essence, promising another spectacular global showcase.

Over the course of its 14 previous editions, Transvulcania has been the setting for unforgettable feats. Now, a new wave of contenders seeks to join the race’s storied legacy as they tackle the challenging terrain of La Palma, known affectionately as “La Isla Bonita.”

Transvulcania sunrise at La Palma. Photo Mayayo

TRANSVULCANIA 73K. ULTRAMARATHON

In the main event—the ultramarathon—, triple winner Luis Alberto Hernando returns once again. Despite his veteran status, the Spanish runner continues to fight for top honors, leading a strong national team featuring Pablo Villa, Andreu Simón, Manu Anguita, Borja Fernández, Jesús Gil García, Andrés García, and seasoned competitor Jordi Gamito.

Russia’s Dmitry Mityaev, now based in Andorra, returns once again in pursuit of the elusive victory he has come close to multiple times. His international challengers include Americans David Sinclair and Matt Daniels; Italians Andreas Reiterer and Gilles Roux; Slovakia’s Peter Frano; French runners Kevin Vermeulen, Lambert Santelli, Robin Juillaguet, Eliot Retulli, Noel Giordano, and Thibault Leroy; Swiss athlete Ramon Manetsch; Harry Jones from the UK; Germany’s Charles Hamilton; Argentine Santos Gabriel Rueda; Japanese runner Kouken Ogasawara; Australian Charles Hamilton; and Gvido Kalnins from Latvia. Watch also for strong performances from island-based runners such as Estanislao Rivero and locals Yonet Gonzalez and Samuel Fernández.

Ruth Croft leads the women

The women’s race promises fierce competition, with New Zealand’s Ruth Croft aiming to defend her title after setting the course record last year. She’ll face strong contenders such as French athletes Blandine L’Hirondel, Anne Lise Rouset (a previous podium finisher), Sarah Vieuille, Sabine Ehrström, Léa Duhet, and Anaïs Duval. Spain’s Azara García is also in the hunt for the title, alongside Italy’s Elisa Desco, Martina Valmassoi (a former winner), Marina Cugnetto, and Giulia Marchesoni.

Other notable participants include neutral athlete Ekaterina Mityaeva, Japan’s Transvulcania legend Yuri Yoshizumi, Canadian newcomer Geneviève Asselin-Demers, South Africa’s Megan Mackenzie, Germany’s Michelle Hassel, Austria’s Kristin Berglund, and Ecuador’s Jessica Tipán. Local interest will focus on Canary Islander Claudia Mola and hometown runner Ana Begoña González.

TRANSVULCANIA 2025 MARATHON

The Marathon distance also boasts elite talent. Spanish internationals Sheila Avilés and Inés Astraín, joined by Vanesa Caba, lead the national charge. They’ll contend with Italy’s Pina Deiana, Argentina’s Florencia Milanesi, and France’s Camille Guy.

La Palma’s own Yoel de Paz, a rising star in the sport, aims to repeat his 2023 win. He’ll be up against top runners like Fran Anguita (last year’s victor), Italian legend Marco De Gasperi, Mario Olmedo, Raúl Criado, Iván Moreno, Alberto García, Tobias Baggenstos, Luca Pescollderungg, Florian Bernabeu-Seguy, Andrea Prandi, Omar Ezacriti, Diego Menéndez, Diego Cardozo, Tenerife’s José David Lutzardo, and local runner Alejandro Díaz.

TRANSVULCANIA 2025 HALF MARATHON

The Half Marathon sees Spanish champion Daniel Osanz seeking back-to-back victories, but he’ll face stiff competition from Luca del Peno, Josep Miret, La Gomera’s Álvaro Escuela, Boris Orlhac, Arezki Habibi, Diego Díaz, Lucas Clocher, and Carlos García Hurtado. Local talents Kevin González and Aythami Brito are also contenders to watch.

In the women’s Half Marathon, local favorite Moana Lilly Kehres hopes to return to the podium in front of her home crowd. She’ll battle it out with French standout Maude Mathys, and Spaniards Silvia Lara, María Benito, Alejandra Sánchez Massa, and Canary Islander Anabel de la Rosa.

TRANSVULCANIA 2025 VERTICAL KILOMETER

The always thrilling Vertical Kilometer will open the competition schedule for this 15th edition. On the steep slopes from Puerto de Tazacorte to the El Time viewpoint, runners will push their limits for a strong start to the weekend.

David Sinclair will also take on the shortest race, facing competitors like Luca del Pero, Iván Moreno, Boris Orlhac, Arezki Habibi, Diego Díaz, Argentina’s Ezequiel Pauluzak, Carlos García, Kevin González, and Aythami Brito, who impressed in last year’s edition.

Once again, all eyes will be on Moana Lilly Kehres in the women’s Vertical Kilometer. She’ll be challenged by the likes of Maude Mathys, Yuri Yoshizumi—well-acquainted with the route—Raquel Casares, Charlotte Cotton, Silvia Lara, Estela Guerra, María Benito, and Idoia Pérez.