Has anyone done either of these Transgrancanaria or Transvulcania?
there are long and short race options, i was thinking of doing one of the shorter routes to start with

Thinking about signing up to Transgrancanaria for next year...

which distance?

the la palma run appears to be less well know

We ran/walked half of the Transvulcania route this year, but in the opposite direction, from El Pilar to Fuencaliente. We're planning to be on La Palma again in May, celebrating my 80th birthday, so might be up there again shouting encouragement to the runners while jogging in the opposite direction. La Palma is a wonderfully unspoilt island, ideal for walking and running, but not for nightlife or full English breakfasts. Here's a picture taken on the Transvulcania route last February.

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Was thinking the longest distance, 77 miles/123km. Have got a 50 mile run at the end of March but should be okay.

What about you?

the pictures of La palma look great, abit rough for a run thou, the race is up hill most of the way

i am think of the 42 or 96km runs
i have not done an ultra yet

The Volcano route is indeed rough going, as you'd expect, but on good waymarked gritty paths. Away from the volcanoes La Palma is the greenest island of all the Canaries, in my opinion the most beautiful and the most unspoilt.
The half Vulcania race, from Fuencaliente to El Pilar, can hardly be called an Ultra but is certainly good training for one and a good introduction to rough terrain - and mainly uphill as it rises to well over 6,000ft. The time limit for the half marathon is 8 hours. We ran/walked all but the last 3km of the route last February, albeit in the opposite direction, in 4¼ hours, so it's quite doable.
You can read all about the race here:

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I have been to the island to have a look, the route looks tough, it is up hill pretty much all the way

Signed up to Transgrancanaria for 2013 (123k distance)

Went up to the highest point of the Transvulcania route on race day last Saturday (Roque de los Muchachos) and jogged down 6,000ft with the runners. It was really tough in the heat but a great reception for them at the finish in Los Llanos where all the town turned out to greet them. I believe there was a concert afterwards. The winner (Dakota Jones) crossed the finish in around 6 hours 58 minutes with the English runner, Andy Symonds, 4 minutes behind in second. Anna Frost of New Zealand won the ladies race. The organisation was truly exceptional. This really is what trail racing is all about among some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. We love this place.

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I was following the race online and watched the first 3 men finish via a website (I forget which).

May have to consider signing up to this as well for next year

Now doing both next year

I have signed up for the Transgrancanaria 42km for next year