Skyrunning goes Ultra with the new Skyrunner® World Series format.  The five-race “mini” Ultra Series kicks off on May 12 in the most spectacular location and an extraordinary event – the 83 km Transvulcania Ultra Marathon on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands.

By two lighthouses on the salt flats by the Atlantic Ocean, the race starts in the darkness, before dawn.  Only the runners’ headlamps light the way as they begin the ascent towards the long crest dominating the skyline.  There, a glimmer of light welcomes the day and the temperature rises.

Eighty-three kilometres and 8,525m of ascent and descent are not just numbers facing the competitors.  It’s for real.  Here, the best ultra runners in the world will compete, but not just for the glory…

At 57 km into the race, the course summits the highest point of the island at 2,423m, the summit of Taburiente, a live volcano and site of one of the world's major astronomical observatories.  Below, a sea of clouds make way for a view of the ocean and the city of Los Llianos, the race finish.  Possibly the hardest stretch of the race, after the punishing descent from Taburiente to the ocean front village at kilometre 77 is represented by the last six kilometres, partly on paved road and 340m vertical climb to the historic centre of Los Llianos where spectators and tourists flock to celebrate the finishers.

The prize breakdown is as follows:  € 1,500 / 1, 000 / 500 / 400 / 300 etc to the men's and women's outright winners.
The Transvulcania Ultra Marathon is not only the first race on the Ultra SkyMarathon® Series, but also valid for the Skyrunner® World Series combined points.

The Ultra Series moves on to Utah, USA to Karl Meltzer’s Speedgoat 50k on July 28 in the beautiful Snowbird resort.  The biannual Trofeo Kima on August 26, represents a welcome come back.  It's also unquestionably the most technical course of all skyrunning events - all time!  With time to catch your breath till September 29 it’s the turn of the Cavalls del Vent in Spain.  The Series concludes on the legendary Course des Templiers in France on October 28 where the Ultra Champions will be crowned and receive the € 6,000 prize money at stake.

Check this site for news and updates on races and competitors as the season progresses.

Ultra SkyMarathon® Series

*SPAIN:  TRANSVULCANIA ULTRA MARATHON - La Palma - May 12

USA:  Speedgoat 50K - Snowbird, Utah – July 28

ITALY:  Trofeo Kima UltraSkyMarathon® - Valmasino, Sondrio – August 26

SPAIN:  Cavalls del Vent - Cadi-Moixeró Natural Park - Pyrenees - September 29

FRANCE:  La Course des Templiers - Millau, Grands Causses - October 28