Jesús Gil, runner-up in the Skyultra World Championship and winner of the 42.5 km of the Haría Titán said: ‘It is a privilege to come and run here, the views are breathtaking, there comes a point when you feel the freedom of this sport. I’ll be back next year’
This weekend, the IV Haría Titán established itself as one of the most outstanding events on the island’s sporting calendar, bringing together nearly 900 runners in an unrivalled natural setting: the mountains in the north of Lanzarote. The event, which got underway on Friday with activities for all ages, turned the Plaza de Haría into the epicentre of trail running in the Canary Islands, and its impact was marked not only by sport, but also by tourism and the environment, reflecting the island’s commitment to sustainable tourism.
A unique trail run
The Haría Titán stands apart by offering participants a unique chance to discover some of Lanzarote’s most impressive landscapes, all while challenging themselves in an unparalleled natural environment. The race was divided into three categories: 42.5 km, 22.5 km and 14.5 km, each designed to allow runners of different levels to enjoy the beauty of the island while overcoming the challenges of trail running. The participants ran through emblematic locations such as the Temisa Valley, the Mirador Rincón de Aganada, the Volcán de la Corona and the Guinate Valley, all of them landscapes that show the natural diversity of Lanzarote, famous for its volcanic geography and unique vegetation.
The 42.5 km event, which was the most demanding, was won by Jesús Gil (4:05:08) in the men’s category, and by Audrey Bams (5:10:22) in the women’s category. These elite runners not only demonstrated their athletic ability, but also the attractiveness that Lanzarote offers as a sports destination. In addition to the champions, the 42.5 km event also saw the participation of high-level runners such as Albi Cedrés and Alexis Martín, who reached the finish line together with a time of 4:10:34, highlighting the sportsmanship and camaraderie that is so characteristic of this competition.
Jesús Gil, world runner-up in the Skyultra category, had already participated in the previous edition of Haría Titán, where he finished in second place. This year, he returned to take the victory, and he did not hesitate to share his enthusiasm about the event: “It is a privilege to come and race here, the views are a spectacle, there comes a time when you feel the freedom of this sport, of flowing. I recommend people to come to Haría Titán, and I will come again next year.” These words reflect the fondness and admiration that many runners feel for the mountains of Lanzarote and for the unique experience that this event has to offer.
A sustainable approach: Haría Titán and respect for the environment
One of the aspects that has characterised this IV Haría Titán is its firm commitment to sustainability. In such a uniquely natural environment as Lanzarote, the event organisers have implemented a series of measures to minimise the environmental impact, ensuring that the race respects the landscapes it passes through. These actions include reducing the use of plastics, putting up informative signs about protected natural areas and controlling access to sensitive areas. In addition, the organisation adopted a system of marking gels to keep track of the waste generated during the event.
This ecological approach is in line with the growing trend in sustainable tourism, where adventure experiences such as trail running are not only about enjoying sport, but also about connecting with the environment and encouraging the conservation of natural spaces. Indeed, the Haría Titán is on its way to obtaining environmental quality certification from the Green CXM Trail FEDME evaluation committee, a recognition that will endorse its efforts to promote responsible sports tourism.
An appointment for runners and tourists
In addition to its sporting aspect, the Haría Titán is an ideal opportunity for tourists to discover Lanzarote in a different way. With a growing interest in active tourism, this event attracts more and more participants from outside the island every year, who take advantage of the opportunity to discover the natural and cultural wealth of Lanzarote. From the volcanic formations of Timanfaya to charming villages such as Haría, visitors can explore while participating in one of the most demanding events on the Canary calendar.
The tourist impact of the event is also reflected in the support of institutions such as Haría Town Hall, the Cabildo de Lanzarote and Lanzarote Sports Destination, which promote the island as an ideal destination for sports tourism. Lanzarote, with its privileged climate, is the perfect place to enjoy outdoor activities all year round, and events such as this contribute to positioning it as a reference destination for trail and nature lovers.
Looking towards the future: Haría Titán 2025
With the success of this edition, Haría Titán is already preparing for its next big event: in 2025, the event will become the Fecamon Skyrunning Canary Islands Championship, which promises to attract even more elite runners and trail running enthusiasts. This development positions Lanzarote as a benchmark in the world of trail running, a discipline that continues to gain followers every year thanks to its physical challenges and the beauty of its natural settings.
