The Spanish Federation of Mountain and Climbing Sports (FEDME) has confirmed the 17 athletes who will represent Spain at the 2026 Skyrunning World Championship. The event will take place from September 17 to 20 in La Gomera.
La Gomera is preparing to host one of the most demanding sporting events of the year. The 2026 Skyrunning World Championship, which will be held from September 17 to 20, already has its protagonists: 17 runners from ten regional federations will don the Spanish national team jersey. The Canary Island will be the stage for three events —Vertical Kilometre, Ultra, and Sky Race— that will test the endurance and technique of the athletes on volcanic and rugged terrain.
A luxury team for a high-stakes challenge
The national coach, Nuria Domínguez, has been responsible for selecting the 17 athletes who will compete at home. Among them is Claudia Corral Hodar, the only athlete called up for two disciplines (KV and Sky Race), who arrives after a brilliant season with the double title of Spanish Champion and a world medal. Also returning is Lluís Puigvert, the current world champion in the combined event and Sky Race, one of the great promises of international skyrunning.
Meanwhile, Jonatan Arobes (third in the European Vertical), Jose Antonio Bellido (a veteran and reference of the group), and Naiara Irigoyen (returning from injury) bring experience and stability. Sonia Vizcaíno is making her debut with the national team after her outstanding performance at the Spanish Ultra Championship. And keep an eye on Moana Kheres, a Canary Islands runner specialising in short events, who has earned her spot through excellent results.
“It is an honour to represent Spain at home. La Gomera is tough but beautiful terrain, and we are very motivated,” said coach Nuria Domínguez.
Three events, three distinct challenges
The championship will kick off on Friday, September 18, with the Vertical Kilometre (5 km, starting at 9:30 am), an explosive pure ascent event. The following day, the Ultra SWC (61 km, starting at 5:00 am) will require perfect effort management across valleys and peaks. On Sunday, September 20, the Sky Race (30 km, starting at 8:00 am) will combine speed and technique between Hermigua, El Cedro, and San Sebastián de La Gomera.
The combined classification of the three events will also award team prizes. In total, 27 titles will be at stake, and Spain, which was the most decorated nation at the 2024 World Championship in Soria, is a favourite. Last year, the Spanish team demonstrated their dominance at home; now, the challenge is to confirm it on terrain that, although Canary, has its own peculiarities.
Pre-event training camp in July to adapt to the terrain
The athletes will not be new to La Gomera. The FEDME has organised a pre-event training camp from July 9 to 12 on the island, led by Nuria Domínguez. The aim: to familiarise the runners with the special conditions of the volcanic terrain, humidity, and technical slopes. For those living outside the Canary Islands, it will be a golden opportunity to adjust their strategy before the competition.
For the local audience, the world championship is a unique opportunity to see the best specialists in action without leaving the island. The events will take place on the usual trails of the Gomera Paradise Sky Race, which has already had fourteen editions, so many fans are well acquainted with the routes. A large turnout is expected, especially at the starts and finishes in San Sebastián de La Gomera.
The organisers have described the course as “especially demanding,” with steep sections and uneven terrain. Those who have ever run on the trails of La Gomera know it is no walk in the park: the heat, humidity, and undulating profile can take their toll. But the 17 selected athletes are prepared, and some have already shown that they know how to suffer and smile at the same time. That said, no one said it would be easy.
The event is marked in red on the calendar. From September 17 to 20, La Gomera will be the centre of the skyrunning world. And the Canarians, as hosts, have a front-row seat.
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