Manuel Merillas and Sara Alonso Triumph at Acantilados del Norte Skyrace
Manuel Merillas and Sara Alonso claimed victory at the ninth edition of the Acantilados del Norte mountain race in La Palma, which served as a key stage of the Merrell Sky Runner World Series.
The ninth edition of the Acantilados del Norte mountain race in La Palma has cemented its reputation as a premier event on the international trail running calendar. Organizers confirmed that the race remains a key fixture under the International Skyrunning Federation (ISF) and served as the third stage of the prestigious Merrell Sky Runner World Series, which showcases the world’s most challenging courses.
The 29-kilometer route, which connects the municipalities of Garafía and Barlovento, is renowned for its rugged terrain and 4,700 meters of cumulative elevation gain. By utilizing this landscape of deep ravines, the logistics team at Fitters has successfully promoted northern La Palma as a hub for high-performance sports, blending the island’s natural beauty with a discipline that has grown rapidly over the last decade.
In the men’s race, Manuel Merillas returned to the top of the podium, finishing with a time of 2:31:54. He was followed by Fred Tranchand, who finished 1 minute and 18 seconds later, and Alain Santamaria, who took third place. In the women’s category, Sara Alonso achieved a major milestone, overcoming a challenging start to the season to set a new course record of 3:00:43. Marta Pineda finished second, six minutes behind, with Marta Martínez rounding out the top three.
Beyond the fifty elite athletes competing, the event drew hundreds of amateur runners, proving its value as a boost for the local economy. The race does more than just showcase top-tier talent; it highlights the historical trails connecting La Palma’s municipalities, transforming traditional paths into a world-class sporting stage that fosters both international interest and local community connection.