The Transgrancanaria 2025 Marathon: A Thrilling Display of Endurance and Strategy

The picturesque municipality of Tejeda, Gran Canaria, was the vibrant backdrop for the Transgrancanaria 2025 marathon, which commenced on February 21 at 9:30 a.m. The event witnessed a staggering 1,600 participants embarking on the challenging 47-kilometer journey. This edition marked the debut of the Marathon Distance in the Short Series of the Gran Canaria World Trail Majors. The Transgrancanaria Marathon is a significant event in the season of trail running, showcasing elite athletes and enthusiastic competitors from around the globe. This year, the event added an additional layer of excitement with its most competitive field ever assembled.

Lychter Continues to Reign Supreme

Jennifer Lighter, a standout athlete from The North Face team, secured her second consecutive victory in the marathon distance of 47 kilometers. Lighter’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, dominating the event from start to finish. This achievement underscores her prowess, which includes winning the event in two consecutive editions. This year’s marathon showcased the very best in women’s trail running. Lichter’s prowess highlights the competitiveness and prowess of top-tier athletes in ultra-running events. Women’s ultra-running has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by pioneering athletes who have shattered boundaries and redefined what it means to push human limits.

Lichter managed to build a comfortable lead, especially through the Ayagaures checkpoint, where she held a five-minute advantage over her closest competitor, Norwegian athlete Sylvia Nordskar. Lichter crossed the finish line at the iconic South Park in Maspalomas, completing the grueling course in less than four hours, with a finishing time of 3:59:42. Nordskar, representing the Haka team, maintained her position, reaching the finish line a mere eight minutes after Lichter. Completing the women’s podium, Spain’s Celia Balcells, a Merrell brand athlete, finished with a time of 4:28:53.

The intense competition was evident; “It was “a competition I had to pass through ‘very hot.’” “In this test there was a lot of level.”

”In this test there was a lot of level so I have tried to be intelligent with the hydration and to be quick in the down,” she said, referring to her strategy in handling the tough ascents and navigating the challenging downhill sections which played to her strengths.

47 kilometers decided in 300 meters

The men’s race was one of the most dramatic and hard fought battles in recent memory. The dynamic unfolded with Francesco Puppi, who arrived at the Tunte checkpoint (km 21.5) trailing Robert Pkemoi by 3:20 and started his climb for the lead. At the Ayagaures checkpoint, Puppi had closed the gap to 2:55 with a meticulous blend of speed and stamina. As both athletes neared the final stretch at the South Park of Maspalomas, Puppi launched a jaw-dropping final surge, catching Pkemoi in the last 300 meters. Puppi’s sprint secured him the victory with a time of 3:23:26, marking his historical debut at Transgrancanaria.

The North Face continues its reign in Gran Canaria

Puppi’s victory statement carved the story of emulation, perfection and perseverance. He said “Open the trail season with a victory in this iconic race was the best thing that could happen to me.” “During the race I knew I had Pkemoi shot and I hasn’t lowered rhythmthe rhythm at any time until he reached him at the finish line, It has been very strong! Puppi was truly a star and conquered his dream. Pkemoi, the leading Kenyan athlete from Joma, followed closely behind, entering the finish line only 18 seconds after Puppi. This was Pkemoi’s third consecutive victory gesture in the Transgrancanaria marathon. The third place was secured by Portugal’s Tiago Vieira. Khana of Joma.

Preparing for the Classic

As the excitement from the marathon subsides, the competitors turn their attention to the Classic race, scheduled for the night of February 23 at 11:59 pm. With a grueling 126 kilometers, this race marks Granada yet another competition. The iconic Las Canteras Beach in Las Palmas will once again host around 1000 fearless runners, eager to conquer the grueling course. The Classic race represents the ultimate test of endurance and strategy. Its impressive logistical setup and the cultural significance of crossing its final line makes it a must-watch event.

API and Gran Canaria’s Marathon

Marathon Results

Female Classification
1. Jennifer Lichter (United States) – 03:59:42
2. Sylvia Nordskar (Norway) – 04:07:27
3. Celia Balcells (Spain) – 04:28:53

Male Classification
1. Francesco Puppi (Italy) – 03:23:26
2. Robert Pkemoi (Kenya) – 03:23:44
3. Tiago Vieira (Portugal) – 03:31:02