Jonatan Florido Becomes the Last Puntal of the 2026 PROVITAL Backyard Ultra – Gran Canaria After an Edition Marked by Extreme Heat

The PROVITAL Backyard Ultra – Gran Canaria once again proved this weekend why it has become one of the toughest, most spectacular and most emotional endurance events in Spain.

Gran Canaria runner Jonatan Florido was crowned the new “Last Puntal” of the 2026 edition after completing 25 consecutive loops, covering more than 167 kilometres in a true test of physical and mental endurance during an edition marked by extreme heat and exceptionally demanding weather conditions.

The event, held at El Sequero – Ingenio, coincided with a period of intense heat that led the Government of the Canary Islands to declare a pre-alert for high temperatures across the archipelago, with temperatures exceeding 34°C in Gran Canaria.

These conditions made an already extremely demanding event even tougher, pushing every participant to their limits. The heat gradually took its toll on the runners, reducing the true capabilities of many of our “Puntales” and forcing them to stop earlier than expected in a constant battle against fatigue, dehydration and physical exhaustion.

But if there was one moment that truly captured the Backyard spirit experienced throughout the weekend, it came on loop 23.

Isaac Rodríguez, who despite appearing physically strong was already suffering from the accumulated effort and the extremely demanding weather conditions, decided to end his race, becoming the Assist of the event.

However, the encouragement of the crowd, volunteers, Challenge runners and everyone gathered at El Sequero created one of the most emotional moments of the entire weekend.

Driven by the atmosphere and carried forward by the incredible energy of those around him, Isaac decided to head out for one final loop in order to reach the legendary 100-mile distance, a major milestone within the Backyard Ultra world. In doing so, he also secured his place in the official international Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra ranking.

That decision meant Jonatan Florido had to get back on his feet and complete one more loop, eventually becoming the new Last Puntal of the PROVITAL Backyard Ultra – Gran Canaria 2026.

In the Ultra category, Tenerife runner María Díaz was the female participant who completed the highest number of loops, reaching a total of 9 loops and demonstrating remarkable endurance and determination. She received the “Espíritu de Brega” award, presented to the highest-performing participant of the opposite gender to the overall winner.

This award recognises endurance, determination and the fighting spirit that defines the event, but it does not confer the title of The Last Puntal, which remains unique and indivisible.

A Finish to Remember

Music also played a starring role throughout the event. At 10:45 p.m. on Friday, the finish area became the setting for one of the most magical and unexpected moments of the weekend.

Beatriz Nuez Sánchez, on violin, and Paula Torres Vega, on cello, both members of Cuarteto Animus, welcomed the runners with a completely unexpected performance, playing the iconic AC/DC song “Thunderstruck”, along with other pieces.

The sound of both instruments filled the finish area, surprising runners and spectators alike and creating a unique, emotional and unforgettable finish in the heart of a Backyard night.

Challenge Takes Centre Stage

The excitement continued on Saturday with the start of the Challenge at 4:00 p.m., consisting of 7 loops. Once again, this category provided a major boost for the Ultra runners, bringing atmosphere, encouragement and energy at one of the toughest stages of the event.

However, the extremely high temperatures throughout Saturday took a heavy toll on the participants, making the course even more demanding and causing considerable physical fatigue. The Challenge came to an end at around 11:00 p.m., after an exceptionally demanding day.

In the men’s category, Samuel Santana claimed victory for the second consecutive year, while local Ingenio runner Yanis Ramírez took the women’s title.

FUN RUN Under the Sun

On Sunday, it was time for the FUN RUN. Although the Ultra had finished several hours earlier, El Sequero once again came alive with sport, excitement and a fantastic atmosphere on a day when the heat continued to give participants and spectators no respite.

Victory in this category went to two local runners, Tatiana Cruz and Eloy Cabrera, bringing to a close a weekend defined by endurance, camaraderie and the true Backyard spirit.

On Sunday, once all categories had concluded, the awards ceremony took place in an atmosphere filled with emotion and celebration.

The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Ingenio, representatives of PROVITAL, the event’s main sponsor, as well as several partners and sponsors who joined the runners in celebrating the conclusion of an intense weekend of sport and endurance.

Roll of Honour

ULTRA

🏆 Last Puntal

Jonatan Florido – 25 loops / 167.5 km

🤝 Assist

Isaac Rodríguez – 24 loops / 160.8 km

🏆 Espíritu de Brega

María Díaz – 9 loops

Men Over 50

🥇 Sergio Melián

🥈 Alex Fraguela

🥉 Carlos Gayangos

Women Over 50

🥇 Rocío Andrades

🥈 Lisa Luppi

🥉 Bárbara Reyes

Men Under 50

🥇 Jonatan Florido

🥈 Isaac Rodríguez

🥉 Sito Franquis

Women Under 50

🥇 María Díaz

🥈 Mari Carmen García

🥉 María Ferrer

CHALLENGE

Over 50

🥇 Juan Manuel Aguiar Santana

🥈 Miguel Ángel González Rodríguez

🥉 Germán Rodríguez Trujillo

Men Under 50

🥇 Samuel Santana

🥈 Antonio Ojeda

🥉 Manuel Medina

Women Under 50

🥇 Yanis Ramírez

🥈 Judit Pérez

🥉 Tony Luz González

FUN RUN

Over 50

🥇 Gerardo Santana Galván

🥈 José Luis Velázquez

🥉 Cristian Rebrean

Men Under 50

🥇 Eloy Cabrera

🥈 Juan Fco. Rodríguez

🥉 Eduardo Santana Vega

Women Under 50

🥇 Tatiana Cruz

🥈 Judith Henríquez

🥉 Gara Suárez

Men’s Pairs

🥇 CNP Team
(Jonatan Florido – David Perea)

🥈 Los Chanchulleros de la Backyard
(Lolo Padrón – Sito Franquis)

🥉 Niclas
(Si Marcroft – Pablo Pascaud)

Women’s Pairs

🥇 Las Viejitas Team
(Bárbara Reyes – Rocío Andrades)

🥈 Las Locas del Caribe
(Lis Luppi – Begoña Valido)

Mixed Pairs

🥇 Baifitos Irresistibles
(María Díaz – Sandro Gómez)

🥈 A Cual Mejor
(Mª Carmen García – Nata Rodríguez)

🥉 Tolisco Mix
(Marcia Ramos – Carmelo Rodríguez)

The ceremony brought the 2026 edition to a fitting close after a weekend defined by effort, camaraderie and determination, once again establishing the PROVITAL Backyard Ultra – Gran Canaria as one of the most unique and demanding events on the Spanish Backyard scene.

Because here, we don’t just run… we endure.