Some numbers: 83.3.
The distance in kilometers of next month’s Transvulcania Ultramarathon, roughly
the length of two marathons. 8,525. The accumulated ascent and descent in meters over the race course, equivalent to climbing up and down the Empire
State building 11 times. 90. The approximate temperature in Fahrenheit along
the caldera at last year’s race. 1801. The number of competitors who this
year will attempt to complete the ultramarathon (or its marathon and
half-marathon variants). The “1” is me.
The Transvulcania
Ultramarathon, set for May 10 on La Palma in the Canary Islands, is part of the
Skyrunner Ultra Series, a group of five extreme long distance races held in
some of the most beautiful and challenging sites in Europe and the United
States. Participation in Transvulcania has grown each year since its launch in
2009. This year’s field is not only the biggest to date, it includes many of
the world’s top ultra runners.
