Running News Daily

Beneath the lonely lighthouse of Faro de Fuencaliente, where volcanic earth meets the vast Atlantic Ocean, the Transvulcania Half Marathon once again delivered one of the most unforgettable spectacles in mountain running. Part of the 2026 WMRA Mountain Running World Cup, the race carried athletes across the raw and untamed landscapes of La Palma, demanding more than 2,000 metres of vertical gain before the punishing climb finally ended at Refugio El Pilar.

But Transvulcania is far more than a race against distance and elevation. It is a journey through silence, fire and wilderness — a brutal passage across seven volcanoes where black ash trails disappear into the clouds and mist-covered pine forests swallow every sound except breathing, footsteps and wind. Every kilometre tests physical strength, mental resilience and the ability to endure isolation in one of the wildest environments in global mountain running.

In the men’s race, Kenya’s Philemon Ombogo Kiriago mastered the volcanic terrain with remarkable authority to secure victory after a relentless battle through the steep ascents and technical ridges. France’s Anthony Felber produced a strong performance to claim second place, while fellow Kenyan Richard Omaya Atuya completed the podium in third. Sweden’s Linus Hultegard finished fourth ahead of Spain’s Guillermo Ramos Muñoz in fifth position.

Spain’s Daniel Osanz Laborda crossed the line in sixth place, followed by Sweden’s Martin Nilsson in seventh. The home nation continued its strong presence through Álvaro Escuela Perdomo in eighth, Joel Santamaria Peraita in ninth and Sergio Álvarez Febles completing the men’s top ten.

The women’s race produced another commanding display from Kenya as Ruth Gitonga surged to victory across the volcanic ridgelines, showcasing both endurance and composure on the unforgiving course. Her compatriot Joyce Muthoni Njeru secured second place to complete a Kenyan one-two finish, while Great Britain’s Kirsty Skye Dickson claimed third after a determined performance through the high-altitude climbs.

Spain’s Moana Lilly Kehres Kehres finished fourth ahead of Italy’s Benedetta Broggi in fifth. Britain’s Sara Ann Willhoit took sixth position, while Australia’s Lara Hamilton crossed in seventh. Italy’s Camilla Magliano secured eighth place ahead of Canada’s Gabrielle Pilote Fortin in ninth, with Britain’s Natalie Beadle rounding out the women’s top ten.

On La Palma, success is measured by far more than the clock alone. While finishing times remain important, the Transvulcania Half Marathon demands something deeper from every athlete — resilience against brutal climbs, composure on technical volcanic ridges and the mental strength to endure long stretches of isolation high above the clouds. It is a race where endurance meets wilderness, and where every step across fire-shaped landscapes becomes part of an unforgettable journey through one of mountain running’s most extraordinary arenas.