The Gran Canaria International Marathon took place on the 24th January 2010. Local council and tourism authorities saw the potential of hosting an international marathon race after witnessing what they called the "magnetic" effect of similar races in other Spanish cities. They quoted the success of cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Saragossa and Palma de Mallorca as some of those that have put on marathon races and attracted huge crowds in addition to the runners themselves. For Gran Canaria the obvious choice was to make the most of the island's mild winter weather and entice runners to take part in one of the only European marathons to be held during January.

Over 600 runners signed up for the inaugural event in Gran Canaria that follows a route around the capital Las Palmas. The organisers were also promoting the usual supporting half marathon and fun run events. The full race route took in all corners of the city and followed a largely out and back route to the harbour areas in the north plus a section on the east coast before finishing on a loop through the south of city before the finish in the Venegas.

The organisers hosted a free pasta party on the 23rd January for competitors and anyone aged under 14 years. Others were invited to attend for a nominal charge of 5 Euros. The party took place between 12 and 4 pm on the esplanade of the Colegio Iberia and the Plaza de los Derechos Humanos.

Visitors to the island for the marathon were also be able to enjoy the Canary Islands Music Festival which began on the 8th of January and continues until February 5th 2010.