The race, which will feature a new start in Gáldar, already has athletes from 13 nationalities and is closing in on the 2025 record for female participation
The 360º The Challenge Gran Canaria 2026 has already reached 100 registered participants for its eleventh edition, which will take place from 4 to 8 November. Registration has maintained a strong pace since opening, with more than 50 participants signing up within just a few weeks, confirming the renewed interest in one of the world’s most demanding ultradistance races.
The list of participants also reflects the international nature of the event. So far, runners from 13 nationalities are represented, including athletes from Italy, the Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom, Belgium and Switzerland. Almost half of the registered participants come from outside the province of Las Palmas, further highlighting the ability of 360º The Challenge Gran Canaria to attract runners from different parts of Spain and abroad.
Female participation is also continuing to grow. Eight women have already registered, closing in on the record set last year, when 11 women took the start. Among them will once again be Swiss runner Stephanie Strauss, who finished fifth on her debut in 2025, while athletes such as Norway’s Gro Siljan Hjukse and Belgium’s Ann Andries will take on the Gran Canaria challenge for the first time.
Gáldar, one of the new features of the eleventh edition
The main new feature of this eleventh edition will be the inclusion of Gáldar in the 360º The Challenge Gran Canaria route. The addition of the municipality in the north of the island will allow participants to discover new landscapes from the very beginning of a course that retains the essence of the 360º The Challenge: navigation, endurance and the ability to manage effort over several days.
360º The Challenge Gran Canaria is not a race for just any athlete. Participants will have to tackle more than 240 kilometres and around 12,000 metres of positive elevation gain, with a maximum of 101 hours to complete the challenge. The route will remain undisclosed until ten days before the start and will not be marked, meaning runners must have experience in this type of event and be proficient in navigation, mapping and GPS tools.
The race therefore maintains an approach that sets it apart from other ultradistance events: it is not simply about covering a long distance, but about managing effort, rest, nutrition and navigation over several days. The different aid stations and life bases along the route will allow participants to replenish their strength and receive external assistance before continuing with the challenge.
Among the participants returning in 2026 are also runners with extensive experience of the event. Francisco Benjumea, a finisher in six editions, will once again take on the Gran Canaria challenge, while José Ramón Queiruga and José Fernando Carmona have each completed five editions and will return to a race they know in depth, but which offers the challengers something new every year.
The eleventh edition of 360º The Challenge Gran Canaria will take place from 4 to 8 November, with registration still open through the official race website, www.360thechallenge.com, for runners looking to take on one of the most unique challenges in ultradistance running.
360º The Challenge Gran Canaria is organised by Arista Eventos, with the support of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, through Turismo de Gran Canaria and the Instituto Insular de Deportes; the Government of the Canary Islands, through Promotur – Islas Canarias; Gáldar Town Council; Tejeda Town Council; Joma and Fred. Olsen Express. The event also receives support from Aguas de Teror, Pepsi, Gofio La Piña, Bonflex, Provital and Inetel.