Africans dominate in Gran Canaria Marathon

Kipkosgei Kutto James (Kenya) and Ture Chatumoha (Ethiopia) win the new edition of the Gran Canaria Marathon.

Las Palmas lived up to its high standard in sports event organising yesterday by hosting the new edition of the Gran Canaria Marathon. Over 3000 competitors from 23 countries hit the historic streets of Las Palmas, cheered on by thousands of spectators which lined the entire route.

Kutta could not get close to his PB (two hours and eight minutes), however he ran a very respectable time of 2:17:40. Behind him was the Spanish veteran Miguel Angel Vaquero with an amazing time of 2:18:30 and Swede Kristoffer Österlund, who crossed the line in third place (2:28:53).

The women´s race followed a similar story with the Africa runner, Chatumoha winning in a time of 2:40:31 followed by Aroa Merino in second (2:50:08), and Heike Angel in third (3:19:46).

Orienteering in Gran Canaria?

After spending a very cold (but fun) Christmas in the UK, I am back in sunny Gran Canaria. Since arriving back last week I have been very busy sorting things out for Active Canaria, as our first clients are coming this week. Øystein Kvaal Østerbo (one of the world'd best orienteers) and Karoliina Sundberg from Finland (23rd in the IOF World rankings).
I have finished a 1:10 000 map in the South of the island. It is an open area with some lovely rocky detail. There is a 7km middle distance training hanging there until the end of February.

I have also finished a brand new 1:5000 sprint map, the first on Gran Canaria.

If you are interested in orienteering on Gran Canaria please do not hesitate to contact me on allan@activecanaria.com and keep checking our site for our latest deals http://www.activecanaria.com/ .