If you are reading this and you are a robot, we recommend you sign up for the Osaka marathon, in Japan, that attracts hundreds of mechanical engineers every year. But if you are a human being, you like running and you would like to run in the warmest winter race in Europe, then your place is the Cajasiete Gran Canaria Marathon, with this year’s race taking place on 22nd January in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

This event is considered one of the most important sporting event in the Canaries, as it attracts over 40,000 people, including runners, volunteers and public. It is divided up into several categories, from the full marathon distance of 42 kilometres, the half marathon, and a ten kilometre run.

So as you can see, you don’t have to be Philippides to take part, you are not required to cover the supposed distance the mythical soldier did from the city of Marathon to Athens to announce the victory of the Greeks over the Persian army. Nevertheless, the full marathon has consolidated itself as one of the most prestigious races in Spain and one of the top tests of its type in Europe, due to its winter timing and the extraordinary climatic conditions Gran Canaria offers participants this time of the year.

One of the attractions of the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria race route is that it is particularly flat, highlighting the endless opportunities the city boasts. Tighten your running shoes, as we are going to cover the 42 kilometre distance in just a few lines. The layout for the Cajasiete Gran Canaria Marathon links three beaches (Las Canteras, Las Alcaravaneras and La Laja), the boulevard along the fishing district of San Cristóbal, the historic town centre of Triana and Vegueta, the Pérez Galdós Theatre and the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium, as well as many other places of interest.

In keeping with the charitable heart of the city and Gran Canaria in general, the Cajasiete Gran Canaria Marathon displays its most human side on 21st January, when they will be celebrating a three kilometre race organized by the Gran Canaria Accesible team for the disabled. Youngsters will also be able to take part in a special Minimarathon on the same day, while from 19th to 21st January the ExpoSport fair be open at Las Arenas Shopping Centre, right opposite the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium.

So then, will you be going to Osaka or staying in Gran Canaria? If you need any further information on how to take part, or the spectator routes for the Cajasiete Gran Canaria Marathon, click here.