It’s SuperSky Race time! On May 11th, runners from all over the world will climb from sea to sky over volcanoes for the legendary Transvulcania Ultramarathon, a pinnacle event in the Migu Run Skyrunner® World Series Calendar and the first SuperSky Race of the series.
Starting before dawn at the Fuencaliente Lighthouse on the ocean front, the 74 km course climbs 4,350m over volcanic sand to the iconic Roque de las Muchachos at 2,420m. It’s almost all downhill after that with a steep descent that lasts around 15 km, before the final climb through the island’s banana plantations to the famous finish line in Los Llanos de Aridane.
Up for grabs are those all-important double points, awarded to the finishers of every SuperSky Race. Megan Kimmel (USA), Team Salomon, who currently sits at the top of the overall ranking, is among those rising to the challenge of what has been described as one of the toughest Sky Races in the world, hoping to score big.
“Transvulcania in La Palma is a destination you know before you even get here. It’s going to be an amazing race.” says Kimmel, fresh and in high spirits after her recent win in China last weekend. “I still feel a little jetlagged, but I think that it will be a nice transition starting at sea level. I feel like I’ve put in the right training for the amount of elevation in this race.” Kimmel will once again be up against Ragna Debats (NED), Team Merrell after beating her by a whopping 30 minutes at the high-altitude Yading Skyrun.
Other strong contenders in the women’s field include Emily Hawgood (ZIM), Team Scott, Anne-Lise Rousset (FRA), Team Oxsitis-Odlo and Elise Desco (ITA), Team Berg Outdoor/Scarpa.
With 2018 winner, Pere Aurell (ESP), Team Merrell, pulling out last minute due to an injury, and Transvulcania legend Luis Alberto Hernando (ESP), Team Adidas Terrex, also not participating in the ultramarathon this year, the men’s field lies wide open. With just days to go, it’s looking likely to be a tough battle between Jon Albon (GBR), Team Gore/VJ shoes, Dimitry Mityaec (RUS), Team Adidas Terrex, Marco DeGasperi (ITA), Team Hoka One /Compressport, Petter Engdhal (SWE), Team Salomon and running legend, Max King, (USA), Team Salomon.
Transvulcania is one of, if not the, biggest event of the Migu Run Skyrunner® World Series Calendar. Since 2012 it has attracted top names in skyrunning and continues to grow every year, reaching an all-time high of over 2,000 runners in 2019.
Kicking off the weekend of events will be the Transvulcania VK which is also part of the Vertical Kilometer World Circuit. The 7.6 km course which totals 1,203m vertical will take place on Thursday 9th of May, starting at the Tazacorte beach.
Elite Athletes at Transvulcania Ultramarathon
