One of the world’s most demanding ultra-distance races will start at 3:30 PM from the Jardín Canario after a last-minute change due to the forest fire alert
The 360º The Challenge Gran Canaria will officially start its tenth edition tomorrow, Wednesday, November 5, consolidating itself as one of the most prestigious ultra-distance races on the international scene. The race reaches historic numbers with an absolute record of participants from 22 nationalities and a record female participation with 11 women at the starting line.
Start Change Due to Forest Fire Alert
The organization announced a last-minute change today due to the declaration of a forest fire risk alert on the island of Gran Canaria, a measure that came into effect this morning at 10:00 AM. The start, initially scheduled for 9:00 AM from the municipality of Tejeda, will be moved to the Jardín Canario in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and will be delayed until 3:30 PM.
This mandatory change reduces the route from the original 265 kilometers to 223 kilometers, although it does not affect the location of the life bases or the rest of the course up to Tejeda, where the finish line remains as planned.
Bib Collection and Official Briefing Day
Today, the male and female runners collected their bibs and runner bags, which will be strategically distributed at the different life bases along the route. Subsequently, all participants attended the official race briefing, where they were informed of these last-minute changes and reviewed the details of safety, cartography, and all the technical aspects of this demanding self-sufficiency race.
Sébastien Raichon by Matias Novo
Favorites for the Tenth Edition
Among the favorites, the Frenchwoman Claire Bannwarth stands out, the five-time consecutive champion of the race, who will seek her sixth title. Swiss runner Anita Lehmann, with an impressive history in extreme races, will also be present. Although German Katharina Hartmuth, third in the UTMB 2025, will not be able to start due to an injury, Gran Canaria native Sandra Moreno, second in the 360º in 2024, will be at the starting line.
In the men’s category, the race will feature the debut of Sébastien Raichon, two-time winner of the Tor des Glaciers. Also returning is the legend Luca Papi, the only athlete who has finished all editions of the race and who has won three victories (2019, 2020, and 2022). The Gran Canaria representation will be led by Álvaro Santana, third in 2024, and José Bordón, second in 2023.
The Challenge of Self-Sufficiency
Participants will face a self-sufficiency course with more than 12,000 meters of accumulated positive elevation gain. With only five life bases for aid and rest, the race is not marked, and runners must navigate exclusively by GPS and maps, managing their own resources, nutrition, and rest periods during the up to five days the competition can last.
The start will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, November 5, at 3:30 PM from the Jardín Canario in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with the finish expected in Tejeda between Friday, November 8, and Sunday, November 9.
The tenth edition of the 360º The Challenge Gran Canaria is organized by Arista Eventos, with the sponsorship of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria through Turismo de Gran Canaria and the Insular Sports Institute; the Government of the Canary Islands with Promotur – Islas Canarias; Tejeda City Council; Joma and Fred. Olsen Express; and the collaboration of the companies Aguas de Teror, Pepsi, Lorenzo González Automoción, Emicela, Gofio La Piña, Bonflex, Provital, and Inetel, as well as the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council through the Municipal Institute for the Promotion of Physical Activity and Sport (IMD), Guía de Gran Canaria City Council, Mogán City Council, La Aldea de San Nicolás City Council, and San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council.
