The North Face Transgrancanaria komoot Collection

Are you ready to experience The North Face Transgrancanaria with SportsShoes and komoot?

Transgrancanaria is one of the longest-running ultramarathons on the international calendar. Held each year in February, it serves as a season-opener and includes 6 different races across Gran Canaria as part of the event; The VK, 12K Promo, 21K Starter, 46K Marathon, 84K Advanced and the 126K Classic.

All these races feature diverse sections of trail including dense forest and exposed volcanic rock, with steep climbs and technical descents. These challenging linear routes provide the ultimate test of end-to-end endurance.

This is Transgrancanaria!

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Click here to view The North Face Transgrancanaria komoot Collection now

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VK EL GIGANTE: Kirsty Hall

The North Face Transgrancanaria VK

With the exception of the last half kilometre most of this route is on very steep rocky terrain. There are lots of switch backs and very little shade. The last section is in a 'relatively' flat woody & shady area finishing near the remote road GC216. An absolutely stunning route, offering breath taking views.

If you want a lung-busting, thigh-screaming, adrenalin-fuelled challenge, then this is it!

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Photo credit: The Adventure Bakery

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Visit komoot to view and download the Route Map

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PROMO 12K: Zahra Rose

The North Face Transgrancanaria Promo

What an amazing experience!

My first trail race outside the UK and what a fantastic route!

I was definitely pushed outside of my comfort zone, but loved running on some incredible trails with epic scenery.

Of course, my kit was amazing as always. I love The North Face Summit VECTIV Pro shoes, they're super cushioned and really breathable - perfect for the dry, hot trails of Gran Canaria.

I'll be back to visit this island for more future adventures!

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Visit komoot to view and download the route map

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TGC HALF 21K: Ben Mounsey & Katie Brown

The North Face Transgrancanaria Half

This trail race includes over 1400m of ascent in just 21 kilometres - it certainly packs a punch!

The route begins in the quaint little mountain village of Tunte, climbing steeply through the streets before meeting the dusty trails which snake up to the first road crossing. Even during the winter months, temperatures can reach the late-twenties, so you must hike or run well within your limits. Set your pace and find a rhythm - it's important to respect the course and the conditions. Also, remember to take plenty of fluids with you. I'd recommend at least 1000ml of water or a sports drink.

After crossing the GC-60, it's straight back onto the trail for more switchbacks on rocky, hard-packed terrain. The climbs are all runnable, but relentless for the first part of this route. There is little respite from the sun, but some short sections of trail cut into the mountainside and provide some welcome shade. Take a moment to drink in your surroundings because the views from here are spectacular and just reward for all your effort thus far.

At the top of the first big climb, the landscape begins to change. Time to up the pace and stretch your legs on more runnable trails as you head towards the iconic Roque Nublo.

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Photo credit: The Adventure Bakery

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Located in the central municipality of Tejeda, Roque Nublo is considered to be one of the biggest natural crags in the world. An ancient place of worship for the aborigines, with special significance to the islanders, this crag of volcanic origin stands at 1,813 metres above sea level. Whether your hiking or running, don't forget to stop for a photo because this really is the jewel in the island's crown.

From here it's all downhill on steep and technical terrain, with plenty of tight turns on loose trails, so a pair of grippy trail shoes with plenty of cushioning really help to soak up heavy impact of hard ground! I wore a pair of The North Face Summit VECTIV Pro, which are ideal for long distance trails on tough and rocky ground. They have a carbon plate which adds a real spring in your step, sandwiched by a thick slab of super-soft foam in the midsole. This model truly is a super shoe of the trails and really comes into its own when you hit long sections or hard trail or asphalt as you pick up the pace. The faster you go, the more they respond!

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After the fun of descending at pace down some pretty gnarly trails, there is one final sting in the tail as you climb towards to beautiful town of Tejeda. It's time to empty the tank and use all the strength you have left to cross the finish line. Once you've caught your breath, enjoy some well-earned refreshments in one of the local cafes/bars and admire the spectacular views - you've earned it!

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Visit komoot to view and download the route map

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MARATHON 46K: Josh Beaumont

The North Face Transgrancanaria Marathon

Well what can I say, truly the most amazing experience.

The race I took part in was associated with the Transgrancanaria Marathon, 29 miles of forest, volcanic rock formations, craters and dried out river beds; Gran Canaria really does have it all.

The route starts in Tejeda with it’s first climb approximately 3000ft over a 10km distance to Roque Nublo where the views are well worth the challenging ascent.

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Photo credit: The Adventure Bakery

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From here we began the descent to the picturesque Spanish town of Tunte with incredible views of the surrounding mountain ranges and valley below. Before kicking up another ascent where the poles really came in handy, we then began our technical downhill section into Ayagaures. This section provided a range of terrain including switchbacks, technical sections and fast paced segments.

This beautiful part of the trail provided views to neighbouring water dams. We then began the penultimate climb before dropping down into Maspalomas, this part of the route had many technical sections with the volcanic rock being precarious under foot, nevertheless it made for an incredibly fun experience. Be prepared for all weathers; we experienced some hot conditions with dried out river beds it meant a lack of opportunities to cool off, so take plenty of water.

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Visit komoot to view and download the route map

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ADVANCED 84K: James Poole

The North Face Transgrancanaria Advanced

The North Face Transgrancanaria Advanced race is a step up from the Marathon distance and while not as long as the Classic, it offers runners a chance to run from one side of the island to the other. Climbing sharply from the coastal village of Agaete, the route follows glorious, meandering single track trails with epic views of the mountains ahead. Runners actually descend a large part of the VK Gigante (see Kirsty’s route) before climbing back up to Tejeda and the start of the Marathon course.

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The route then traces the TGC Marathon course to Roque Nublo (Cloudy Rock in Spanish), Tunte and then the rather unforgiving (but mostly downhill) riverbed approach to the finish. Stunning views, big climbs and technical descents, this route has all of the best parts of the amazing island of Gran Canaria and is perfect for those who want a challenge longer than the Marathon but aren’t ready to step up to "The Queen Race” - the Classic 126km.

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Visit komoot to view and download the route map

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CLASSIC 126K: Josh Wade

The North Face Transgrancanaria Classic

It had been a while since I had raced a mountain ultra so I was excited to be heading to Gran Canaria for the 126km Classic race. Starting at Midnight on the beach in Las Canteras, it was a fast start. A few km of flat running which felt pretty good, before hitting a gentle road climb where the front pack pulled away and I was just enjoying my rhythm. I was focusing on eating and drinking and looking after myself, not pushing too hard so early on.

I reached Arucus, checkpoint 2 where I had support, a quick change over and off out up a long and very slippery climb. The mud was very skippy and stick and was sticking to the bottom of my shoes which made tough going. I was now just chipping away and enjoying the flow of the race. It started to get windy and rain started, it felt like home! These are the conditions that I'm used to training in. I was expecting it to be hot!

I arrived at Fontanales in the middle of the night where my support where again. A quick change over of drinks and nutrtion and off I went just chipping away. My plan was to get to Tejeda and try to push. The weather was wild and I had my waterproof jacket on all through the night.

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Photo credit: Phillipp Reiter

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Arriving at Tejeda in the morning I was excited to put in a effort for the last 29 miles over Roque Nublo. I put my headphones in and started the long climb to Roque Nublo. I was in 10th place and I felt pretty good, the legs felt good and I was just enjoying the flow. Arriving at the top of Roque Nublo it was still very windy, I knew there was a lot of descending to come which I was excited for.

The descending was going well, and I was really finding the flow. I arrived at Tunte and my support said I was only a couple of minutes behind 8th place. I left there running well and was able to really enjoy the last part of the race. The body felt good and I was able to put what felt for me a good effort in. Back along the dry river bed into Maspalomas for a 8th place finish in 14 hours 19 minutes which I was happy with. An absolute stunning route.

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Visit komoot to view and download the route map

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Click here to view The North Face Transgrancanaria komoot Collection now

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