The 10 best trail running races in Spain in 2026
The 10 best trail running races in Spain in 2026
The best trail races in Spain in 2026 are: Zegama-Aizkorri (skyrunning), Transgrancanaria (winter ultra), Ultra Pirineu (UTMB Series), Travesera (most technical), Ultra Sierra Nevada (highest), Picos de Europa Trail, Ehunmilak, Gran Trail Penalara, Canfranc-Canfranc and Trail Costa Brava.
Spain is one of the best countries in the world for trail running. With races year-round, terrain ranging from volcanic dunes to limestone ridges at 3,000 metres, and a passionate running community, the Spanish calendar offers options for all levels.
Full ranking
| # | Race | Main distance | D+ | ITRA | Price | Date | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zegama-Aizkorri | 42K | 2,736m | 3 | 70 EUR | May | Basque Country |
| 2 | Transgrancanaria | 128K | 7,500m | 6 | 180 EUR | February | Canary Islands |
| 3 | Ultra Pirineu | 100K | 6,400m | 6 | 140 EUR | October | Catalonia |
| 4 | Travesera Picos de Europa | 72K | 5,800m | 5 | 110 EUR | September | Cantabria |
| 5 | Ultra Sierra Nevada | 100K | 6,200m | 6 | 120 EUR | July | Andalusia |
| 6 | Picos de Europa Trail | 55K | 4,200m | 4 | 85 EUR | June | Asturias |
| 7 | Ehunmilak | 168K | 10,450m | 6 | 200 EUR | June | Basque Country |
| 8 | Gran Trail Penalara | 110K | 5,200m | 6 | 100 EUR | October | Madrid |
| 9 | Canfranc-Canfranc | 100K | 6,800m | 6 | 130 EUR | July | Aragon |
| 10 | Trail Costa Brava | 65K | 3,200m | 4 | 80 EUR | March | Catalonia |
1. Zegama-Aizkorri: the cathedral of skyrunning
Zegama-Aizkorri is the most legendary trail running race in Spain. A 42K mountain marathon with 2,736m D+ through the Aizkorri range in the Basque Country. Spots sell out in minutes.
It’s the most prestigious race on the Spanish calendar. Kilian Jornet, Jim Walmsley and the world’s best runners have competed here. The crowd atmosphere along the ridges is unique in the trail running world.
2. Transgrancanaria: the winter ultra
Transgrancanaria is a 128K ultra with 7,500m D+ crossing Gran Canaria from north to south in February. It’s part of the UTMB World Series. It lets you race in winter with good weather.
It’s the ideal event for those who want to run a world-class ultra without the cold of a European winter. February temperatures range between 15 and 25 degrees, and the course crosses 7 different microclimates.
3. Ultra Pirineu: the Pyrenees with a UTMB stamp
Ultra Pirineu is a 100K ultra with 6,400m D+ through the Cadí range in the Catalan Pyrenees. UTMB World Series. Awards 6 UTMB Index points. Held in October.
Along with Transgrancanaria, it’s the most international race in Spain. The route through the Cadí range, with Pedraforca as its icon, is spectacular. Managing the night in October, with sub-zero temperatures, is part of the challenge.
4. Travesera Picos de Europa: the most technical
Travesera is the most technical race in Spain. 72K with 5,800m D+ across the three massifs of Picos de Europa. Only 400 spots. Extreme limestone terrain with scrambling sections.
This isn’t a race for everyone. You need experience in high mountain and technical terrain. The limestone channels, karst sinkholes and scrambling sections make this a truly unique event.
5. Ultra Sierra Nevada: the rooftop of the peninsula
Ultra Sierra Nevada is a 100K ultra with 6,200m D+ through Sierra Nevada National Park. It’s the highest race in mainland Spain, with sections above 3,000m.
Running above 3,000 metres in July, with views of Mulhacén and Veleta, is a unique experience. Altitude reduces performance by 10–15% and specific preparation is essential.
6. Picos de Europa Trail: Atlantic mountain
Picos de Europa Trail is a 55K ultra with 4,200m D+ through Picos de Europa National Park in Asturias. Limestone terrain, glacial lakes and beech forests.
It’s an excellent alternative to the Travesera for those seeking the Picos de Europa landscape with slightly less difficulty. The Lakes of Covadonga and the Vega de Ario are iconic points on the course.
7–10: More must-run races
Ehunmilak (168K, Basque Country) is the longest ultra in Spain, with 10,450m of elevation gain. Gran Trail Penalara (110K, Madrid) lets you run a top-level ultra near the capital. Canfranc-Canfranc (100K, Aragon) runs through the Aragonese Pyrenees with 6,800m D+. And Trail Costa Brava (65K, Catalonia) offers coastal trail with Mediterranean views.
Monthly calendar
| Month | Races |
|---|---|
| February | Transgrancanaria |
| March | Trail Costa Brava |
| May | Zegama-Aizkorri |
| June | Picos de Europa Trail, Ehunmilak |
| July | Ultra Sierra Nevada, Canfranc-Canfranc |
| September | Travesera Picos de Europa |
| October | Ultra Pirineu, Gran Trail Penalara |
Average budget per race
The average budget to take part in a trail race in Spain, including registration, accommodation (2 nights), transport and gear, is 300–500 EUR for national races. International ultras (Transgrancanaria, Ultra Pirineu) can exceed 600 EUR including flights.
| Item | Range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | 40–200 EUR | 95 EUR |
| Accommodation (2 nights) | 80–200 EUR | 130 EUR |
| Transport | 30–150 EUR | 70 EUR |
| New gear | 0–200 EUR | 60 EUR |
| Food at destination | 40–100 EUR | 60 EUR |
| Total | 190–850 EUR | 415 EUR |