Around 3,600 runners are expected in the 16th edition of the mountain running event, which includes forests, volcanoes and rocky descents.
After an impressive double header Beijing ChangpingThe 2026 WMRA Mountaineering World Cup now turns its attention to Europe, with the next chapter of the competition set to open on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands.
The setting is Transvulcania, against a backdrop of volcanic mountain ranges and ancient lava fields. Making its World Cup debut this year, the event will feature two races: an uphill race and the first distance competition of the 2026 season. La Palma is said to be the birdiest island in the world, making it the perfect host for mountain running events.
These races will make up the fourth and fifth rounds of the World Cup, following the season opener in Sao Bras Cross and the recent double header in China. With the early stages of the season now over, the competition is entering a critical phase.
The standings are starting to take shape. A number of athletes have already established themselves at the top of the rankings, while others are just beginning their campaigns, bringing fresh ambition to a field that grows more competitive with each round.
TWO RACES, TWO TESTS
The double kick starts on Thursday 7 May, with the uphill race scheduled for 17:00 local time. Athletes will depart from the port of Tazacorte and face a relentless challenge, climbing 1,164 meters over a length of 7.3 kilometers, with the finish line waiting at the El Tayme Forest Tower.
The route follows the GR 131 cross-country hiking trail through two early landmarks: El Tayme Lookout at 513 meters and the Hungarian House at 624 meters. From there, competitors briefly leave the main trail to pass the Piedra del Guanche viewpoint at 750 meters before rejoining the GR 131 for the final push to the forest lookout tower. Those who reach the top will be rewarded with magnificent views of the northeast of the island and the Aridan Valley.
The first distance race of the 2026 World Cup season will take place on Saturday 9 May. The 25-kilometer ride departs at 7:30 a.m. from the island’s iconic Faro de Fuenaliente lighthouse, following the famous Ruta de los Volcanoes until ending at Refugio de El Pilar.
The course is a race of two very different halves. The opening 17 kilometers feature a steady and demanding 1,800 meter climb to Las Deseadas, a test of endurance, patience and strength. What follows is an eight-kilometer descent that will reward the brave and punish the reckless, with athletes able to make up significant ground on the way to the finish line.
WOMEN’S FIELD
The women’s competition features a star-studded line-up of athletes, including a dominant Kenyan contingent, all capable of a podium finish. The familiar face of the World Cup, Joyce Moutoni Njeru (KEN Athletica Saluzzo) comes to La Palma after winning the classic up-and-down race in China last weekend and will compete in both races. Ruth Mwihaki Gitonga (KEN Run2gether On Trail) burst onto the World Cup circuit winning the Sāo Brás Cross and looks set to be a real contender in this year’s competition. Philaries Jeruto Kisang (KEN Run2gether On Trail) begins his 2026 World Cup campaign in Transvulcania and, as he showed at the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 and 2025 World Cups, he can never be underestimated.
Camilla Magliano (ITA Kailas Fuga) leads the women’s World Cup rankings after three strong performances and will look to capitalize on her lead here. Ingrid’s mother (ROM), Sarah Wilhoit ((GBR) Lara Hamilton (AUS Trail Team), Kirsty Skye Dixon (GBR Carnethy Hill Runners) and Sylvia Lara (SPA Cimsalp) all take part in both races, with Martina Falchetti (ITA Sport Club Merano), competing in the top run.
Jedidah Chepkemoi (KEN Run2gether On Trail) is another debutant at this year’s World Cup, and with recent victories in half-marathon road races, it will be interesting to see how he travels on the trails.
MEN’S FIELD
The men’s races also boast strong fields of Kenyan athletes. Philemon Ombogo Kyriago (KEN Run2gether On Trail) is our reigning World Cup Champion and he begins his defense here. He’s equally at home up and away, so Transvulcania should be ideal for him. Richard Omaya Atuya (KEN Run2gether On Trail) was a very close fourth last year with four uphill race wins and this will also be his World Cup debut in 2026. Ephantus Mwangi Njeri (KEN Run2gether On Trail) also had some strong World Cup results last year and could surprise people here.
Other men to watch include Martin Nilsson (SWE), who is recommended as an athlete to watch in 2026 with the improvement of his ITRA Performance Index, Anthony Felber (FRA Brooks) who has achieved great results especially at longer distances, Tyler McCandless (USA) and a strong contingent of Spanish runners incl Manuel Anguita, Alvaro Escuela, Daniel Osants (only in distance races) and Arezki Habibi.
Around 3,600 runners are expected to take part in all the Transvulcania races for this 16th edition of the event. This small but incredibly diverse island has everything for runners: forests, volcanoes, mountain ranges and rocky descents.
Stay tuned to the WMRA channels for live coverage and updates as the winners of the first race are decided.
