Fuego y Agua 2026: A Landmark Edition
The 13th edition of the Fuego y Agua Ultramarathon delivered another unforgettable chapter on the rugged trails of Isla de Ometepe.
Since its founding in 2008, Ultra Fuego y Agua has grown into one of Central America’s longest-running and most challenging trail events, attracting runners from around the world.
This year the island delivered a dramatic welcome: Volcan Concepción erupted in the lead-up into race weekend, a powerful reminder of the forces that shape the terrain athletes must traverse.
100K: Conquering the Volcanoes
The flagship 100K is among the most demanding ultras in the region. The rugged loop includes two ascents each of Volcan Maderas and Volcan Concepción in its 20,000 feet of elevation gain, along with sandy beaches, dirt trails, paved sections, and technical jungle single-track. One of the most notorious segments is the “jungle gym,” a chaotic maze of fallen trees, disappearing trail, and deep mud that tests both navigation and endurance.
In the men’s race, Aldo Vanegas asserted control from the opening stages and never relinquished it. Setting a relentless tempo across the volcanic slopes, the Costa Rican held the lead all the way to the finish despite sustaining a gash on his knee after a fall before the halfway point. He crossed the line in 18:51:59. Nicaragua’s Jose Miguel Martinez Rojas finished second in 21:49:12, while compatriot Yuriel Alejandro Palacios completed the podium in 23:34:22.
The women’s race once again belonged to Sandra Mejía, the undisputed queen of the course. Mejía delivered a commanding performance to secure her fifth victory in the Fuego y Agua 100K, finishing in 25:44:14 and fourth overall. Only a few hours before starting in the 100K, she had already won the inaugural Vertical K challenge, adding another remarkable achievement to her legacy on the island’s volcanic trails.
Fellow One Hundred Ambassador Oliveiro Alotto rounded out the category in a brave fifth-place finish.
50K: Half the Distance, Full Challenge
The 50K follows the first half of the 100K route – but this is still a formidable challenge, featuring two ascents of Volcan Maderas along with sandy beaches, technical jungle trails, mud, and rugged terrain.
Costa Rica’s Jorge Paniagua claimed the men’s victory in 7:53:18 after a strong run through the technical sections of the course. Nicaragua’s Freddy Emmanuel Perez Lopez finished second in 8:12:33, while Valentin Fevre of France rounded out the podium in 10:25:25.
In the women’s race, it was a Nicaraguan sandwich with Ivana Valentina Garcia Castaño winning in 11:59:18. She was followed by Costa Rica’s Marcela Cabaleiro in 13:59:57, while Roxana Acevedo completed the podium in 14:31:13.
28K: The Largest Field
The 28K proved to be the most popular race of the weekend, drawing more than 100 runners to the start line. The course includes a demanding ascent and descent of Volcan Maderas, combining dirt trails, dirt roads, sandy beaches, and technical single-track.
In a close men’s race, Josias Josue Lopez Barrios (NCA) claimed victory in 4:10:46. Ashur Yousefi-Dizagetakieh Arce (CRC) finished just behind in 4:11:27, while Folker Jose Lara Pavion (NCA) secured third place in 4:31:49.
Donay Solano Quesada (CRC) won the women’s race in 5:25:49 after a strong effort on the volcanic climb. Malin Bergman (SWE) finished just seconds behind in 5:26:06, while Gloria Larios (NCA) completed the podium in 5:27:54.
14K: Short and Explosive with Big Views
The 14K race offered runners a shorter but scenic challenge. The route climbs to a viewpoint roughly one-third of the way up Volcan Maderas before returning through dirt roads, sandy sections, and single-track trails.
In an all-Nicaraguan podium, Lesber Quintero claimed the men’s victory in 1:23:16, followed by Jose Luis Gonzalez in 1:34:56 and Mario Alexander Marenco Obando in 1:35:39.
In the women’s race, Claudia Leticia Gonzales Barrantes (NCA) took the win in 2:03:18. Bertha Elena Flores Ruiz (NCA) finished second in 2:15:58, while Marie Heist (NZL) secured third place in 2:17:19.
Beyond celebrating the achievements on Ometepe’s trails, Fuego y Agua also serves as a gateway to the One Hundred Championship Grand Final. Finishers in the 14K and 28K earn points toward the Trail World Tour leaderboard, while 50K and 100K athletes climb the Endurance Trail World Championship standings - all bringing them one step closer to competing against the world’s best at the season-ending race in Mons.
